Moramanga is a city (commune urbaine) in Madagascar. It is located in the region Alaotra-Mangoro and the Moramanga District.
It has a population of 57084 inhabitants (2018).
It is situated between the capital Antananarivo and the east coast on the crossroad of RN 2 and RN 44.
The name of Moranmanga originates from the slave trade. To differ them from other social classes, they were dressed in blue or manga.
As they were among the cheapest (mora) in Africa, it became Moramanga.[1]
The city is at the TCE (Tananarive-Côte Est) and the south end of the MLA (Moramanga-Lac Alaotra) railways, so it's the only railway junction in Madagascar (except for the capital).
Economy
The nickel and cobalt mine of Ambatovy is situated near this town.
Usine Militaire de Moramanga: Near Moramanga (Ambohibary) is situated the only armament factory of Madagascar.[2]
History
The city of Moramanga has an important place in the history of Madagascar. It was in Moramanga, on the night of the 29th of March 1947 that the Malagasy Uprising against French colonial rule started.
Sights
The Memorial dedicated to the victims of the Malagasy Uprising with many graves and wall paintings is worth a visit. The Musée de la Gendarmerie is in the city centre.