What is "maintirano"

Maintirano is a coastal city and commune (commune urbaine, ) in western Madagascar approximately 325 kilometres west of the capital Antananarivo. It belongs to the district of Maintirano, which is a part of Melaky Region – Maintirano is capital of Melaky region. The population of the commune was estimated to be approximately 16,000 in 2001 commune census. The city is inhabited mainly by people of the Sakalava tribe.

Maintirano is served by a local airport and maritime harbour. In addition to primary schooling the town offers secondary education at both junior and senior levels. The town has a permanent court and hospital. The climate is fairly hot and access to the region is difficult due to lack of roads and few commercial flights. Main local products include shrimp and beef.

The majority 55% of the population works in fishing. 34% are farmers. The most important crop is bananas, while other important products are maize, sweet potatoes and rice. Industry and services provide employment for 0.8% and 10.2% of the population, respectively.