Saint Augustin, Madagascar

Saint Augustin (also known as Ianantsony; Malagasy: Anantson̈o) is a town and commune (Malagasy: kaominina) in Madagascar. It belongs to the district of Toliara II, which is a part of Atsimo-Andrefana Region. The population of the commune was estimated to be approximately 15,000 in 2001 commune census.[2] The mouth of the Onilahy River is near the town.

Saint Augustin
Saint Augustin
Saint Augustin Location in Madagascar
Coordinates: 23°33′S 43°46′E
Country	Madagascar
Province	Toliara
Region	Atsimo-Andrefana
District	Toliara II
Elevation [1]	39 m (128 ft)
Population  (2001)[2]
• Total	15,000
Time zone	UTC3 (EAT)

Primary and junior level secondary education are available in town. The majority 60% of the population works in fishing. 23% are farmers, while an additional 10% receives their livelihood from raising livestock. The most important crops are sweet potatoes and rice; also lima beans is an important agricultural product. Services provide employment for 7% of the population.[2]

England's Courteen association attempted to sponsor a colony nearby in 1645 but by 1646 famine, disease, and conflict with the Malagasy drove the English settlers away and the colony failed.[3] Pirates such as John Pro, Thomas White, Samuel Burgess, and John Halsey frequented the area in the early 18th century. Ex-pirate John Rivers established a pirate settlement at Saint Augustin, resupplying passing ships for a fee and trading in slaves; his trading post lasted from 1686 until his death in 1719.[4]

References and notes

1. Estimated based on DEM data from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
2. "ILO census data". Cornell University. 2002. Retrieved 2008-03-13.
3. Bradt, Hilary; Austin, Daniel (2014). Madagascar. Guilford CT: Bradt Travel Guides. p. 216. ISBN 9781841624983. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
4. Grey, Charles (1933). Pirates of the eastern seas (1618-1723): a lurid page of history. London: S. Low, Marston & co., ltd. Retrieved 26 June 2017.