The Canal des Pangalanes consists of a series of natural rivers, waterways and human-made lakes that extends for over 654 km and runs down the east coast of Madagascar from Toamasina to Farafangana. An initial area of the canal in Toamasina is straight, while subsequent areas have curves, lagoons, connected lakes and swamps. Initial construction of the canal was undertaken by France during the French colonial period between 1896 and 1904 to increase trade, provide a means to supply troops that were located inland, and to provide a safe route for cargo boats destined for Toamasina compared to traveling along the coast of the Indian Ocean.