West Sumatra is inhabited by the Minangkabau ethnic , from predominant Malaysian origin with significant Indian and Chinese influences.

The Minangkabau are one of the last populations to live in a matriarchal organisation, in strong contrast with the dominant religion, Islam.

Other significant religions are also numerically consistent: Christian (30%) and Buddhist (8%).

The official language is Indonesian. English is practically unknown and used only by the educated classes. The cultural influence of the colonisers, Portugal and Holland is hardly felt.