Culture & etiquette
Peoples of Madagascar
Distinct groups, distinct customs
Madagascar has many ethnic groups, each with its own history, language variety and customs. No single practice is national.
Merina — central highlands around Antananarivo.
Betsileo — highlands around Fianarantsoa and Ambositra.
Bara — the dry interior around Ihosy and the Isalo region.
Vezo — the southwest coast, fishing communities around Tuléar and Anakao.
Sakalava — the west and northwest coasts.
Antandroy — the arid far south around Ambovombe.
Mahafaly — the southwest plateau around Betioky and Ampanihy.
Antanosy — the southeast around Fort Dauphin.
Placeholder detail for each group to follow.