Madagascar is located about 20 minutes 0 degrees south 47 minutes 0 degrees east. It is a large island divided north and south by a rugged chain of mountains. These mountains create tropical conditions of East Coast and Savannah forests on the west. The southern part is very arid. The earliest inhabitants probably came by sea from Indonesia around 100 BC. France took over the island in 1895. In 1960 independence was granted but France retained hold on trade and military bases. The capital is Antananarivo located near the center of the island. The economy is mostly agricultural with coffee, spices and perfumes the main exports. Tourism is also beginning to expand. The climate is tropical with November to March being the rainy season. The cyclones are found on the East Coast from December to March.