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Betsileo literally means ''The many invincibles''. About 12% of the population of Madagascar are Betsileo. The majority of them live in the central highlands south of the [[Merina]] around [[Fianarantsoa]]. About 150,000 have their home in the Betsiboka region.
[[File:Bara_people_01Betsileo_01.jpg|600px|none|thumb|Bara women selling drinks outside the small town of [[Ranohira]]Betsileo man near Tsara Camp]]
The Betsileo culture is similar to their Merina neighbours. The Betsileo are reputedly the best farmers in Madagascar and therefore well known for their very good knowledge of rice cultivation. Irrigated, terraced rice paddies are characteristic scenery around Betsileo villages. Men are traditionally wrapped in colourful blankets, women have often shiny gold teeth and single boys will put a comb in their hair to inform that they are looking for a wife.
