Sambaina
Sambaina is the name of several towns and communes in Madagascar. Sambaina belongs to the district of Manjakandriana, which is a part of Analamanga Region. The population of the commune was estimated to be approximately 7,000 in 2001 commune census.
Primary and junior level secondary education are available in town. The majority, 85%, of the population of the commune are farmers. The most important crops are cassava and potatoes, while other important agricultural products are beans and rice. Services provide employment for 15% of the population.
Sambaina is situated to the north of Antsirabe with geographical coordinates of 19°37′0″S, 47°8′0″E. It is notable for its reserves of hydrocarbons in the form of bituminous schist. These are reported by the USGS categorised as oil shale and estimated at of shale oil. They are currently under appraisal by Avana Petroleum, a company founded by Sam Malin and that is now a subsidiary of Vanoil Energy.
