Ranavalona's Reign Halved Madagascar's Population

During Queen Ranavalona I's rule, Madagascar's population is estimated to have fallen by about 50%, from around 5 million in 1833 to 2.5 million in 1839. The enormous death toll came amid years of military campaigns, high mortality among people subjected to forced labor, disease, slavery, and harsh traditions of justice under her rule. Ranavalona maintained an army of roughly 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers and repeatedly sent it on campaigns to expand and enforce Merina control across the island.

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