Tanala

The Tanala are a Malagasy ethnic group inhabiting the southeastern rainforest region of Madagascar, near Mananjary. Their name, meaning "people of the forest" in the Malagasy language, reflects their historical reliance on the forest for subsistence.

Historically, the Tanala were composed of several independent communities, each governed by its own chief. These communities often engaged in shifting cultivation, cultivating rice and other crops in forest clearings. Coffee cultivation became significant later in their history.

The Tanala are known for their traditional forms of social organization, including clan-based structures and elaborate rituals related to ancestor veneration. They have a rich oral tradition and unique customs relating to birth, marriage, and death. Their culture shares some similarities with other coastal Malagasy groups, while also retaining distinct features reflecting their forest-dwelling lifestyle.

The Tanala are generally considered one of the larger Malagasy ethnic groups, but accurate population figures are difficult to obtain due to their dispersed settlement patterns and the challenges of conducting surveys in their remote geographical region. They primarily speak a dialect of the Malagasy language. Contemporary challenges for the Tanala include deforestation, access to education and healthcare, and maintaining their cultural identity in the face of increasing globalization.