An ethnic group native to the east coast of Madagascar who traditionally live along the Indian Ocean and have a rich maritime culture.
From Malagasy 'betsi' (many) and 'misaraka' (separated), referring to the scattered communities along the coast. The name was given to this Austronesian people by early anthropologists.
The Betsimisaraka are one of the largest ethnic groups in Madagascar, and their ancestry reveals an incredible trans-oceanic migration story—their Austronesian-speaking ancestors sailed from Southeast Asia across the Indian Ocean over 1,000 years ago, one of humanity's most remarkable long-distance voyages.
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