Population

The Malagasy population is currently estimated 17 millions. The population growth rate has increased with an average of 3% per year (Statistics of Madagascar 2005). The global population density is roughly 29 per square kilometer.

Eighteen ethnic groups are officially recognized in the country. Each one ethnic has its own dialect, way of life, customs as well as its various traditions. They are unified by a unique and official language : “the Malagasy language”. The French language used for teaching from nursey.

The vast majority of Malagasy people are Christians (93.9%). Muslims represent 1.6% of the population, animists and those who believe in plants’ virtues represent 4.5% (Statistics of Madagascar 2000). However, everyone show some respect for the dead and for zebus which are always present during traditional ceremonies. Currently, like in most developing countries, «sects» are trying to get foothold throughout the island.

Les Merina «Those from Highlands»
Having malayo-indonesian characteristics, the Merina’s territory includes the central highlands. The Merina have settled in other parts of the island as traders, government officials, and professionals in big companies. They practise the «Famadihana» or «exhumation», followed by a big feast.

The Betsileo «The invincible people»
Living in the central highlands south of the Merina, they were, for a long time, fighting against their northern neighbours’ domination. Robust and tidy, they have kept from their Indonesian ancestors the mastery of rice terraces farming. The Zafimaniry constitute an important sub-group of Betsileo between Ambositra and Fianarantsoa. They are reputedly the best sculptors and workers in marquetry. The Betsileo’s favourite sport is the « Savika » or the Malagasy toreador with zebus.

The Bara «The nomads»
Living in the vicinity of Ihosy (south of the Betsileo), The Bara are Pastoral people, some of them are still semi-nomads. They drive large herds of zebu cattle through the savannah. They have remained faithful to their tradition which considers zebu stealing as a glorious achievement.

The Mahafaly «The Happy» and the Antandroy «People of the thorns »
The major peoples of southwest region are the Mahafaly and the Antandroy. Pastoral people, they are described as highly independent and they managed to adjust themselves with the harsh conditions of dry and thorn bushes. Carefree and brave, they like to give themselves up to loud and sincere laughter. They are also reputedly known for their burial which may last several months.

The Sakalava and the Vezo «People of the long valleys»
Along the west coast of the island live the Sakalava. Of nomad and pastoral origin, they have evolved towards diversified lifestyles. Their tombs are decorated with erotic statuettes which make them different to the other tribes. In Tulear, they have constituted a sub-group: the Vezo «the Fishermen». Nowadays, this ethnic group has turned out to be an intermixed population crossbreeding with newcomers from all origins. They migrate very easily and build their tents out of their sails.

The Antanosy «People of the island»
Living in the extreme south eastern part of the island, The Antanosy are probably of African origin and underwent some Islamic influence. In the 17th century, under the Merina domination, they migrated westward along the coast where large communities can still be found along the Onilahy River.

The Antaisaka «People of the Sakalava land»
Also coming from the south eastern part of the island (a town called Vagaindrano), they have settled in other parts of the island and they constitute a pool of temporary labour force for the regions which has lack of manpower.

The Antaifasy «People of the sands»
Living around Farafangana, they constitute a rather small group.

The Betsimisaraka «Numerous and inseparable»
Along the coast in a narrow band from the center to the north east (Toamasina province and Sainte Marie Island), they constitute the largest group of Madagascar. Benefiting from a good geographical situation, the Betsimisaraka are mainly farmers. Each clan has its chief and surrounds itself with many superstitions (beliefs in ghosts and mermaids) and the Fady (taboo).

The Antaimoro «People of the shore»
Living from Manakara to Vohipeno, they are of Arab origin and still keep manuscripts of Koran and their books, the Sorabe in which are jealously kept magic formula. The Antaimoro are at the origin of special papers encrusted with dry flower which are named after this tribe.

The Antambahoaka «The people»
Living in Mananjary, this tribe has preserved the Arab origins, as testify the practice of circumcision during the Sambatra ceremony organized every seven years and which is a time of an important public feast.

The Sihanaka «People living near the marshland»
Living around the Alaotra Lake plantation, east of the central highlands, the Sihanaka have a similar behaviour to that the Merina. Specialized in the rice cultivation, they organize big feasts at the end of the harvesting period.

The Bezanozano «Those who have many little braids»
Living the eastern escarpment separating the east plain from the central highlands, they live off forest resources such as bamboos, vegetal fibres, resin, medicinal plants, fruits, honey, fish and they also practice slash-and-burn agriculture in the forests. The Bezanozano women mix small braided branches with their braids. The branches are supposed to keep bad luck away. This group practices and shows respect to the dead like the Merina.

The Tanala «People of the forests »
Like the Bezanozano, the Tanala live off forests’ products and constitute the most recent tribe of the island. They excel in preparing medicinal infusions and alcoholic beverage made of honey.

The Antakarana «People of the mountains»
Living in the northern tip of Madagascar, they had been isolated from the other ethnic groups until 1770 when the Sakalava invaded them, followed by the Merina in 1820. Because of the topography of the region (existence of mountains which were hard for passing through, the Antakarana constitute a slightly homogenous group.

The Tsimihety «Those who do not cut their hair»
Living in the north-central region of the island, they represent the peaceful force. The name refers to the refusal of their forebears to submit to the Sakalava custom of cutting their hair when the king died as a sign of mourning and this is to show their independence. They have always been rebellious and unsubdued. They are proud of the fact that the first President of Republic, Philibert Tsiranana, came from their region. They have largely migrated to the north eastern region of the Mahajanga province.