Fianarantsoa is a city (commune urbaine) in south central Madagascar.
Fianarantsoa is the capital of Haute Matsiatra Region. It was built in the early 19th century by the Merina as the administrative capital for the newly conquered Betsileo kingdoms.
It is at an average altitude of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft), and has a population of 144,225 (2001 census)
