Antsirabe

Antsirabe, town, central Madagascar. It lies on the slopes of the nation’s second highest peak, Tsiafajavona, in the Ankaratra mountains. Thermal springs, associated with ancient volcanism, together with an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) encouraged the development of a health resort there in 1923. The terminus of a rail line from Antananarivo, the national capital (70 miles [110 km] northeast), Antsirabe serves a region supporting fruit (apples, grapes), dairy, pig, and poultry farms. Industries in the town include spinning and weaving, cigarette making, and food processing. Pop. (1993) 126,062; (2001 est.) 160,356; (2014 est.) 244,900.