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The town of Diego Suarez is located in the north of Madagascar in the world's largest natural bay with the picturesque Nosy Lonja (sugar loaf island) in the middle. Diego Suarez is named after a Portuguese explorer who came to the town in the 16th century, from where he sold the locals into slavery.
Although the real name of the town is Antsiranana, literally meaning "port" in Malagasy, many people still call it Diego Suarez. In 1885 the French erected a military base here, giving the strategic importance of the deep-water harbour. During the second world war Diego Suarez was under the control of the Vichy French. In 1942 Britain and the Allies occupied Diego Suarez to prevent the Japanese warships and submarines entering the harbour.
Today Diego Suarez is Madagascar's 5th largest town and after Antananarivo the most modern in terms of lifestyle, shops and entertainment. The locals are a vibrant mixture of Malagasy, Indians, Arabs, Creoles, Chinese and Comorans. Most tourists discover only Colbert Street, which is framed by large colonial buildings with verandas. Most hotels, restaurants, tour operators and handicraft shops can be found on this street. The area south of Place Foch is more Malagasy, with local stores, street markets and the big fruit and food market.
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* [[Diego Suarez photos]]
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