Ethnic Groups

Madagascar has a large number of so-called ethnic groups or tribes. The various clans are based more on old kingdoms than on ethnic grouping. Due to continuing population movements and mixing with each other it is very difficult to declare strict regional borders for the tribes.

• Antaifasy - People of the sands
  Northern Madagascar: near Diego-Suarez
  
  
• Antaimoro - People of the coast
  Southeastern Madagascar: near Vohipeno and Manakara
  
  
• Antaisaka (subgroup of Sakalava)
  Southern Madagascar: near Farafangana
  
  
• Antankarana - Those of the rocks
  Northern Madagascar: near Diego-Suarez
  
  
• Antambahoaka - Those of the people
  Southeastern Madagascar: near Mananjary
  
  
• Antrandroy - People of the thorns
  Southern Madagascar: near Ambovombe
  
  
• Antanosy - People of the island
  Southern Madagascar: near Taolagnaro (Ft. Dauphin)
  
  
• Bara
  South-central Madagascar: near Isalo, Ihosy and Betroka
  
  
• Betsileo - The many invincibles
  Southern-central highlands of Madagascar: especially around Fianarantsoa but also a splinter group in the Betsiboka region
  
  
• Betsimisaraka - The many inseparables
  Eastern Madagascar: Toamasina to Antalaha
  
  
• Bezanozano - Many small plaits
  Central highlands and eastern Madagascar: the area between the Betsimisaraka lowlands and the Merina highlands
  
  
• Mahafaly - Those who make taboos or Those who make happy
  Southwestern Madagascar: desert around Ampanihy and Ejeda
  
  
• Makoa or Mikea
  Western Madagascar
  
  
• Merina - People of the highlands or Those from the country where one can see far
  Central highlands of Madagascar
  
  
• St. Marians
  Ile Ste Marie (Nosy Boraha)
  
  
• Sakalava - People of the long valleys
  Western Madagascar; widespread in this region
  
  
• Sihanaka - People of the swamps
  Northeastern Madagascar: around Lake Alaotra
  
  
• Tanala: Ikongo and Menabe - People of the forest
  Eastern Madagascar: near Manakara
  
  
• Tsimihety - Those who do not cut their hair
  Northern Madagascar
  
  
• Vezo (subgroup of Sakalava) - Fishing people
  Southwestern Madagascar: coastal regions
  
  
• Zafimaniry
  South-central Madagascar: highlands near Ambositra