MADAGASCAR

MADAGASCAR (French Colony).

FIDES (Social and Economic Development Fund).
Canal des Pangalanes.
Third stamp in a set of 4, issued on 22.10.1956.
Face value: 10 French African CFA francs,
Design and engraving: Claude Hertenberger (1912-2002).
Printing: Recess.

Catalogs
- Michel No. 433.
- Scott No. 294.
- StampWorld No. 482.
- Stanley Gibbons No. 335.
- Yvert et Tellier No. 329.

The Canal des Pangalanes consists of a series of natural rivers, waterways and human-made lakes that extends for over 645 km (400 mi) and runs down the east coast of Madagascar from Mahavelona to Farafangana. An initial area of the canal in Toamasina is straight, while subsequent areas have curves, lagoons, connected lakes and swamps. Construction efforts began during the era of the Merina monarchy, with major expansion during the French colonial period between 1896 and 1904, and additional expansion during 1949-1957. After use of the canal decreased, a large project in the 1980s restored and renovated it.