Southern People Groups
Population: 140,000 Location and Background: The Antakarana, who are originally of mixed Austronesian, African and Arab ancestry, settled in the far north of Madagascar in the 12th c. with the town of Ambatoharanana considered their capital. They are called “People of the White Coral Rocks” as they live in a geographically isolated, rocky place. In the late 18th c they… Read more »
Population: 750,000 Location and Background: The Malagasy people, who are a mixed Malayo-Indonesia and African-Arab ancestry, are believed to have migrated to the island between 1500-2100 years ago. The Bara live in the grasslands of south-central Madagascar, and although there are some roads, it is not very accessible by vehicles. History: While traditionally a cattle people, changes are taking place… Read more »
Population: 27,000 in Mozambique Location and Background: Mozambique is one of the world’s poorest countries, still recovering from a long civil war, and climatic extremes of flooding and drought. The Makwe are an ethnic group of Niger/Congo Bantu origin, with about 27,000 living in N. Mozambique and another 10,000 in S. Tanzania. Most people live in villages along the coast…. Read more »
Population: 105,000 Location and Background: The Mwani live on a 200 mile long strip of the coast of N. Mozambique; one third of them live in the city of Moçimbao da Praia. Mwani literally means “beach” and life is tied to the ocean. Influenced by sea-faring Arab merchants centuries ago, the culture is defined through fishing and folk Islam. History:… Read more »
Population: 1.4 million Location and Background: The Sakalava, who are related to the Antakarana, are semi-nomadic pastoralists who also grow some rice, living along the west coast of Madagascar. The island of Antsiranana is a sacred island where their ancestors live, and they believe that any Merina (highland people) who goes there will die. History: Until the start of the… Read more »
Enter your email to get prayer updates.