merina

The Merina are a Malagasy ethnic group that forms the historical core of the Kingdom of Imerina in the central highlands of Madagascar. They primarily inhabit the area around Antananarivo and the surrounding regions. Their language is the Merina dialect of Malagasy, one of the varieties in the Malagasy language family; Malagasy is the national language of Madagascar, with French also used in official contexts.

Historically, the Merina emerged as a dominant political force in the highlands during the 17th–18th centuries. Under Andrianampoinimerina (reigned 1787–1810), they unified much of the central region, establishing a centralized state with a court at Antananarivo and the royal hill known as the Rova. His successors, including Radama I (reigned 1810–1828), expanded influence, opened the country to European trade and Christianity through alliances with Protestant missions, and initiated modernization. The 1860s queen Ranavalona II formally adopted Christianity, while Ranavalona III faced increasing French pressure and the kingdom was annexed to France in 1897, ending the monarchy. The Rova (royal palace complex) at Antananarivo remained a symbol of Merina authority and was largely damaged by a 1995 fire.

Culture and society: The Merina social system traditionally distinguished among the Andriana (nobles), the Hova (freemen), and the Andevo (slaves). Landholding, lineage, and state service structured governance, while fady (taboos) and ritual practices shaped daily life. Today, Merina people are the urban and political majority in Madagascar, notably in Antananarivo, and continue to influence national culture, education, and politics.