The island provided ample fresh water, food, and timber for "careening" (repairing) ships.

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It was a kingdom without a king, and for a while, it was the most dangerous place on Earth.

In recent years, Madagascar has capitalized on its pirate legacy, promoting "pirate tourism" as a way to attract visitors. Tourists can explore the island's pirate history by visiting Sainte Marie, Tulear, and other coastal towns, where they can see pirate-era landmarks, museums, and even participate in treasure hunts.

Intermarriage was common. Many pirates retired on the island, assimilating into local tribes. This created a unique creole culture that persisted for decades. In fact, if you visit the cemetery on Sainte-Marie today, you can still find headstones carved with the skull and crossbones, marking the final resting places of men who hailed from England, France, and America, but who died as citizens of the island.