Merina
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| Merina | |
|---|---|
| Total population | c. 3 million |
| Regions with significant populations | Madagascar |
| Language | Malagasy |
| Religion | Christianity, Animism |
| Related ethnic groups | Betsileo, other Malagasy people |
The Merina is the largest ethnic group in Madagascar. Boasting a population of 3 million, which equals to about one-quarter of the country's population, they speak a Malayo-Polynesian tongue and are concentrated in the central highlands.
Their ancestors, the Malays migrated from the Malay archipelago around the beginning of the common era. Today, the features of the Merina are still quite visible [1].
Like most tribes, the Merina practice a syncretism of Christianity and Animism.
In the late 18th century Merina rulers began to assert political domination over much of the island. In 1895-96 the French abolished the Merina monarchy by force.
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