Mahajanga

Mahajanga, also known as Majunga, is a coastal city in northwestern Madagascar. It is the capital of the Boeny Region and a major port on the Mozambique Channel, situated at the mouth of the Betsiboka River. The city serves as a commercial and transport hub for the region, with fishing, light industry, and trade comprising its economic base.

The area has long been inhabited by Sakalava and Vezo communities. The town developed as a trading post during the Malagasy kingdoms and grew under French colonial rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Since independence, the Malagasy name Mahajanga has been used in official contexts, while Majunga remains common in older sources.

The town is connected by road to Antananarivo via the RN4 and is served by a local airport near the city. Its coastal setting makes the Betsiboka River delta and the nearby Mozambique Channel important features for navigation and fishing.

The population is diverse, with communities including Sakalava and Vezo; Malagasy and French are commonly used in administration and commerce. Among its attractions are nearby natural areas such as Ankarafantsika National Park and coastal landscapes along the Betsiboka delta, which attract visitors interested in wildlife and birdlife.