Merina people

Andry Nirina Rajoelina is a politician and businessman who served as the eighth president of Madagascar from 2019 to 2025. He was previously President of the High Transitional Authority from 2009 to 2014 following a political crisis and military-backed coup, having held the office of Mayor of Antananarivo for one year prior. Before entering the political arena, Rajoelina was involved in the private sector, including a printing and advertising company called Injet in 1999 and the Viva radio and television networks in 2007.

President of Madagascar from 2002 to 2009

ethnic group in central Madagascar

Andrianampoinimerina () (c. 1745–1810) ruled the Kingdom of Imerina on Madagascar from 1787 until his death. His reign was marked by the reunification of Imerina following 77 years of civil war, and the subsequent expansion of his kingdom into neighboring territories, thereby initiating the unification of Madagascar under Merina rule. Andrianampoinimerina is a cultural hero and holds near mythic status among the Merina people, and is considered one of the greatest military and political leaders in the history of Madagascar.

President of Madagascar (1906-1979)

King of Imerina (1793–1828)

Malagasy poet who is widely considered to be Africa's first modern poet and the greatest literary artist of Madagascar. (1901–1937)

King of Madagascar

Malagasy politician (1931-1975)

Malagasy politician

Rainilaiarivony (30 January 1828 – 17 July 1896) was a Malagasy politician who served as the chief of state and co-king of Madagascar (often translated as "prime minister") from 1864 to 1895, succeeding his older brother Rainivoninahitriniony, who had held the post for thirteen years. His career mirrored that of his father Rainiharo, a renowned military man who became prime minister during the reign of Queen Ranavalona I.

Malagasy politician

Malagasy politician (1919-1989)

Rainivoninahitriniony (1824–1868), was Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Madagascar between 1852 and 1864. He was the chief engineer of the Aristocratic Revolution initialized upon the attempted assassination of King Radama II. His excesses and participation in the regicide saw him fall from favor, ultimately being relieved of his position and replaced as prime minister by his younger brother Rainilaiarivony. Rainivoninahitriniony died in exile on May 5, 1868, shortly after an attempted coup meant to enable him to regain his position upon the death of Queen Rasoherina ended in failure.

thumb|right|300px|Rainiharo's tomb is located on the road connecting the Isoraka and Isotry neighborhoods of Antananarivo.

monarch (sultan/queen regnant) and regent of Mohéli (Mwali)

last monarch (sultan/queen regnant) of Mohéli (Mwali) (1874-1964)

Malagasy Prime Minister (1928-2011)

Princess Raketaka of Madagascar (August 1824 – 1866) was heir to the throne of Madagascar until her father Radama I died.

Malagasy politician (1930-2013)

Sultan of Mohéli

Malagasy politician (1886-1979)