Antandroy
These are the 850,000 “people of the thorns” who live in the remote and desolate deep south of Madagascar, inhabiting the spiny forest characterized by prickly bushes and shrubs found nowhere else on earth. Antandroy huts are sometimes surrounded by “fences” made of cactus. They are considered a fierce and independent tribe, known for practice of “dahalo” (cattle rustling). The Antandroy display an intense loyalty to their culture and are resistant to outside influences and change.

Antaimoro (Antemoro)
The Antaimoro (those from the coast) number around 684,000 and live along the southeast coast of Madagascar. They trace their descent to Arabic traders who settled along the coast centuries ago and still practice a form of folk Islam. Astrology and divination play a role in daily life for many from this group. Pray that the truth of the Gospel will make a difference in the lives of the Antaimoro.

Tanala
The 674,000 Tanala (people of the forests) inhabit the southeast central rainforest region of Madagascar. Many of them live in villages so remote they have very little contact with the outside world. Pray that God would send missionaries and nationals to the Tanala so that they would be able to hear, respond and gather in churches.

Antanosy
The 470,000 Antanosy (people of the island) are herders and farmers who live on the southeastern tip of Madagascar as well as in a stretch of land in the southwest of the island. There is some Islamic influence among them, as well as the practice of astrology.
They observe a number of taboos. Fort Dauphin is the main city in Antanosy territory. It is being radically altered by foreign investment in the developing mining industry. Pray that this influence would cause the Antanosy to see their need of God.

Antankarana
The 128,000 Antankarana (people of the cliffs) live in the extreme north of Madagascar. Primarily fishermen and pastoralists, they retain strong Islamic influences. However, their main city of Diego-Suarez is somewhat cosmopolitan and beset by sexual tourism. Pray that the Antankarana would find true life in Christ rather than seeking it through promiscuity or false beliefs.