Dotted with mountains, they make up the most rugged part of the island, the climate is milder and it rains more than in the south and west, creating landscapes dominated by the green of the vegetation. The human influence is visible everywhere; the rice fields make up an integral part of the landscape, and terrace-style growing shapes the land. It's also a vast wasteland, where deforestation creates landscapes sculpted by erosion.
The Central Highlands are also considered the island's cultural and historical centre; its capital, Antananarivo, was founded by Merina kings who tried to unify the country into one huge kingdom. The Antemoro and Zafimaniry excel manufacturing artisitic items. The Antemoro specialise in paper products and the Zafimaniry make wooden objects, and both groups' creations are renowned worldwide.
