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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:Betsileo_01.jpg|600px|none|thumb|Betsileo man in the early morning hours near Tsara Camp[[Morarano]] village]]
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. Single boys will place a comb in their hair, whilst single girls will use hair clips to inform potential partners that they are available.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="margin-right:10px;"><tr>
<td valign="top">[[Image:Betsileo_07.jpg|189px|none|thumb|Betsileo [[Morarano]] village near Tsara Campin the Tsaranoro valley]]</td>
<td valign="top">[[Image:Betsileo_08.jpg|189px|none|thumb|Traditional Betsileo house]]</td>
<td valign="top">[[Image:Betsileo_09.jpg|189px|none|thumb|Young Betsileo woman]]</td></tr></table>
