Madagascar, or the Big Island, is an island nation whose population is spread over the entire surface area of the island. There are less than 30 million inhabitants, and the territory is divided into 24 regions. Population flows are strong, with waves of migration occurring from north to south as well as from south to north. There are a total of 18 tribes on the island, and each tribe is represented in each of the island’s provinces.

Ethnic groups sharing the same dialect and customs, they form and structure the Malagasy population.

In this article, we take a look at the different tribes of Madagascar and give you a list of the clans of Madagascar. This is a theoretical list that does not take into account mixtures and migration flows, but it will help you to get to know the tribes of Madagascar. We’ll tell you all about it!

Antakarana: Antsiranana

From north to south, the Antakarana are the original population of northern Madagascar, an alert ethnic group who have distinguished themselves as valiant fishermen and very good walkers.

Tsimihety: Sava

Under the Antsiranana region still in the north of the island, the Tsimihety are those who historically reside in the Sava region. They are known for being expansive and demonstrative. The name Tsimihety literally means ‘uncoiffed’.

Sihanaka: Alantra

Still in the north of the island, the Sihananaka are the residents of the Alantra region. They are a tribe full of zest and energy. You can recognise them by their lilting accent.

Sakalava: Boina

The Sakalava make their home in the west of the island, in the Boina region near the town of Majunga. This tribe has moved around a great deal over the years and its representatives can be found all over the island.

Betsimisaraka: Tamatave

In Madagascar’s second city, Tamatave, the Betsimisaraka are the original tribe. The word ‘Betsimisaraka’ literally means ‘don’t split up much’. The tribe also has a strong presence throughout the island, with diasporas in all the major towns.

Bezanozano: Moramanga

In the historic town of the 1947 rebellion, the Bezanozano are the original inhabitants. The tribe is very attached to its identity and the members of its group. Like all self-respecting Madagascans, the Bezanozano are very proud of their country.

Merina: Tananarive

This was the dominant tribe established by the colonists when they passed through. The hierarchical relationship with the other tribes remained after decolonisation, so much so that the dialect of the Merina tribe has acquired the status of official language to this day. The Merina tribe lives near the capital, Tananarive, more specifically in Analamanga, literally ‘blue forest’. The Merina tribe has palaces and administrative buildings that are a valuable legacy of the colonial past. Like other tribes, the Merina are present and active throughout the island of Madagascar.

Betsileo: Fianarantsoa

The Betsileo make their home in the centre of the island, near the town of Fianarantsoa. The tribe is renowned for providing erudite personalities with a strong temperament. The universities of science, medicine and literature are located in Finarantsoa. The tribe has welcomed several influential army chiefs into its ranks. The name of the town ‘fianarantsoa’ literally means ‘well done learning’, reinforcing the importance of knowledge within the tribe.

Tanala: Ikongo

The Tanala tribe has made its home near the town of Ikongo. The tribe is renowned for its seriousness and determination. The tribe is well known throughout Madagascar, and has settled in almost every town on the island. The word ‘Tanala’ means chameleon in Malagasy.

Antanbahoaka: Manazary

It is near the town of Manazary that the Antanbahoaka have their original home. The town is located in the south-east of the island on the coast bordering the Indian Ocean, making the Antanbahoaka very good fishermen.

Bodo: Ikorombe

The Bodo are originally from the Ikorombe region, and are a united tribe attached to their traditions. Like other tribes in Madagascar, the Bodo have mastered the art of weaving raffia leaves and growing rice.

Antefasy: Irokibo

In Irokibo, the Antefasy are the masters of the place: the tribe is present in the vicinity of the town and in Madagascar’s major cities. The women of the tribe are known for giving birth to many new members of the tribe. In Irokibo, the Antefasy generally live in the traditional way, with a strong community bond.

Antemoro: Manakara

In the south of the island, on the east coast near the town of Manakara, the Antemoro own the land. The tribe shows solidarity among its members and likes to migrate to other regions. Nevertheless, a large part of the population lives in Manakara.

Antesaka: Vangaidrano

Like the Antefasy and Antemoro, the Antesaka live in the south of Madagascar. They make their home near the town of Vangaidrano. The Antesaka are very attached to tribal rituals and traditional spirituality. They live in balance with their environment.

Vezo: Toliary

A tribe renowned for producing beautiful girls, the Vezo tribe lives near the town of Toliary. The Vezo tribe is very widespread among the Malagasy population, and representatives of the tribe can be found in every town on the island. The Vezo are a tribe that likes to be in contact with other tribes.

Mahafaly: Ampariky

Literally ‘that which gives joy’, the Mahafaly live near the Amapariky region. Like the other tribes of Madagascar, they are attached to the traditions and dialect of the group.

Antandroy: Ambovomby

In the Ambovomby area, the Antandroy are the dominant tribe. The tribe is famous for its love of zebu, and they are very attached to the traditions of their ancestors and tribal rites. The tribe is one of those that migrate the most across the island.

Antanosy: Toalagnaro

The Antanosy live in the region near the town of Toalagnaro. Like the other tribes on the island, they are attached to traditions and love zebu, rice and rum. They live in and around the town of Toalagnaro, but representatives of the tribe can also be found in other towns on the island.