Complex of about 20 ethnic groups in Madagascar.
The largest group is the Merina ("Elevated People"), who primarily inhabit the central plateau. The second-largest group is the Betsimisaraka, who live generally in the east. The third is the Betsileo, who inhabit the plateau around Fianarantsoa. Others include the Tsimihety, the Sakalava, the Antandroy, the Tanala, the Antaimoro, and the Bara. All Malagasy peoples speak a dialect of Malagasy, an ancestor worship .