Sarobaratra is a toponym referring to multiple populated places in Madagascar. The most documented location is a town and commune (kaominina in Malagasy) in the district of Tsaratanana, Betsiboka Region, Madagascar.
Geography and Demographics
The Sarobaratra commune in Betsiboka Region is located at coordinates 16°27′S 47°20′E, at an elevation of approximately 83 meters (272 feet) above sea level. According to the 2001 commune census, the population was estimated at approximately 6,000 inhabitants.
Economy
The local economy is predominantly agricultural. Approximately 65% of the population works as farmers, while 34% derive their livelihood from raising livestock. The primary crop is rice, with peanuts and maize also being significant products. The service sector provides employment for about 0.5% of the population, and fishing employs an additional 0.5%.
Education
Only primary schooling is available in the commune.
Other Locations Named Sarobaratra
The name "Sarobaratra" also appears in several other regions of Madagascar, including:
- Vakinankaratra Region – a populated place near Antsirabe, at approximately 19.73°S, 46.12°E, with an elevation around 1,063 meters.
- Itasy Region (Miarinarivo district) – a locality with postal code 117.
- Analamanga Region – another populated place bearing the same name.
- Fianarantsoa Province – a location near Ikongo, at approximately 21.98°S, 47.48°E.
Etymology
The name "Sarobaratra" is of Malagasy origin. In the Malagasy language, saro can mean "difficult" or "precious," and baratra can relate to "rain" or "storm," though the precise toponymic meaning is not explicitly documented in available sources.
