The Merina are the largest ethnic group in Madagascar, primarily living in the central highlands, with a rich royal history.

Population

~5 million

Origins

The Merina are the largest ethnic group in Madagascar, residing primarily in the central highlands, including the capital, Antananarivo. They trace their origins to Austronesian settlers who arrived from Southeast Asia over a thousand years ago.

Customs and Culture

The Merina culture is characterized by elaborate funerary traditions, including "famadihana" (the turning of the bones) ceremonies, where ancestors' remains are rewrapped in fresh cloth. The Merina have a strong tradition of rice cultivation and maintain hierarchical social structures.

Activity

Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attend famadihana ceremonies, and learn about Merina architecture and traditional farming.

Other

Centralized in the highlands, royal ancestry