10 largest tribes in Africa. Africa, known as the cradle of humanity, is continent rich in cultural diversity. home to over a billion people spread across 54 countries, The continent encompasses a rich tapestry of approximately 3,000 tribes. These tribes hail from diverse regions, each characterized by varying population sizes, unique traditions, languages, and customs. Remarkably, 30% of the African population is attributed to ten major tribes, each originating as precolonial states with distinct languages and independent institutions. In this video, we delve into the 10 largest tribes in Africa based on population.
Number 10, The Hutu tribe. The Hutu Tribe, numbering 20-25 million, primarily resides in Rwanda and Burundi, constituting the smallest among Africa's top 10 tribes. Approximately 85% of the populations in these countries are Hutu, totaling 21 million. Originating from the Bantu expansion around the first century, the Hutus share the Rwanda-Rundi language with the Tutsi and Twa, with a minority also speaking French. Historically, the Hutus coexisted with the Tutsi until European colonization strained relations, culminating in the Rwandan genocide. Notable Hutus have held prominent political positions, including Presidents of Rwanda and Prime Ministers of Burundi. Renowned for their pottery and craftsmanship, the Hutu tribe cherishes music and dance as integral components of their cultural heritage.
Number 9, The Somali Tribe. The Somali Tribe, numbering around 20 million, resides primarily in Somalia, where they constitute the majority. They can also be found in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya. With roots tracing back 7,000 years, recent studies confirm them as the indigenous people of the Horn of Africa. Predominantly speaking the Cushitic Somali language, which boasts 12.5 million speakers globally, many also converse in Arabic. Known for their rich culture, including cuisine and renowned hospitality, the Somali people are celebrated as a nation of poets by scholars like Margaret Lawrence. Notable figures from the Somali tribes include U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, and various Prime Ministers and Presidents of Somalia.
Number 8, Akan. The Akan, a tribe of around 20 million people, reside in Ghana and the Ivory Coast along the southern regions of both countries. Speaking the Akan language, a Central Tano branch language, they trace their origins to Ghana around the 11th century. The Akan people have a rich history, notably forming the Ashanti Empire, the most dominant Akan state lasting almost 200 years. Prominent figures like Kwame Nkrumah, the Pan-African movement founder, and Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, hail from Akan origins.
Number 7, Amhara. The Amhara Tribe, numbering approximately 20 million, constitutes 26.9% of Ethiopia's total population. Indigenous to Ethiopia, they historically inhabited the Northern, Central, and Western regions. Evidence suggests their presence dates back to the 12th century, challenging the previously accepted timeline. The Amhara people speak Amharic, a language embraced by 23.9% of the population, the Amhara have produced notable figures, including Emperors and Prime Ministers in Ethiopian history.
Number 6, Fulani. The Fulani, one of Africa's largest tribes, boasts a population exceeding 40 million. predominantly residing in Western African nations such as Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Chad. With their distinct Fula language, the Fulani's origins trace back to theories suggesting present-day Jordan. By the 5th century, they had established themselves in West Africa, with archaeological evidence dating their presence to at least the 6th century BC. Notably, the Fulani are among the few African tribes to embrace Islam, with 98% practicing the religion. Renowned figures like Ahmadou Ahidjo, the first President of Cameroon, and Mohammadu Buhari, the former President of Nigeria, highlight the tribe's significant contributions.
Number 5, Oromo. Fifth on the list of Africa's 10 largest tribes are the Oromo, totaling around 40 million people. Predominantly settled in Ethiopia, they constitute 34.5% of the country's population, with their distinct Oromo language. This tribe own their religion called Waaqeffanna religion. Originating in the 16th century, the Oromo migrated for grazing lands, embracing a pastoral lifestyle. Governed by the Gadaa system, they notably lack kings but elect Lubas. The Oromo stand as a historical example of African democracy, with figures like Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Sahle-Work Zewde, the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Number 4, Amazigh. The Amazigh, comprising around 40 million people, primarily reside in Morocco and Algeria, with a presence in Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Predominantly speaking the Amazigh language alongside Arabic, they have thrived in the Maghreb region for over 12,000 years, leaving their mark through ancient cave paintings dating back to 10,000 BC. Notable Amazigh figures include Juba II, Jugurtha, and Ahmed Ouyahia, while renowned sports icons like Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema proudly hail from this vibrant community.
Number 3, Yoruba. The Yoruba, ranking second among Africa's largest tribes with around 47 million people, primarily reside in West Africa, notably Nigeria with about 43.4 million and Benin republic, with about 1.4 million in population. Their people speak the Yoruba language, part of the Niger-Congo language family. their history dates back to 9,000 BC in Southwest Nigeria. Initially unnamed as the Yoruba until the 1st century BCE, they became a dominant cultural force, with cities like the capital of the Oyo empire hosting nearly 100,000 people. Renowned for their unique Aṣo-Oke cloth, Yoruba culture has produced notable figures in Nollywood, politics, and leadership, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the current president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Number 2, Igbo. The Igbo, a populous tribe of approximately 45 million, predominantly reside in modern-day Nigeria, constituting over 18% of the country's population. Additionally present in Guinea, they boast their distinctive Igbo language. Originating around 3000 BCE, evidenced by pottery findings, the Igbo engaged in early iron smelting in the Nsukka region of Igboland. With a democratic republican governance system, a unique calendar, and banking system, the Igbo thrived in extensive trade routes before European colonial influence. After the deadly Nigerian civil war in the late 1960s which ended about 2 million igbos. This tribe has grown to be one of the most industrious in Africa prioritizing business and trade as a means of survival. Notable Igbo figures include renowned footballers Nwanko Kanu, Dr. Philip Emeagwali, a computer scientist who developed the CM-2 massively-parallel computer, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Nigeria's first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe.
Number 1, Hausa. The Hausa, the largest among Africa's top 10 tribes, boasts an estimated population of 74 million, primarily residing in Nigeria with 64 million. They are also present in significant numbers across Niger, Benin, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Ghana, Chad, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Algeria. Originating from at least the 7th century, the Hausa people were organized into kingdoms specializing in trade, particularly in leather, gold, and textiles. Famed for their cloth weaving, intricate architecture, and renowned cuisine, the Hausa have left an indelible mark on African culture. Notable figures include various Sultans of Sokoto, Nigerian footballer Ahmed Musa and the richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangotail.
Etsako Tribe T he Etsakọ people are the majority ethnic group in the northern region of Edo State, Nigeria. They are historically linked to the ancient Benin kingdom.
OP, you are wrong by saying that Igbos can be found in Guinea. OP would have said that Igbos are good in traveling to every parts of the country. Again, Igbos do not supposed to be number two here considering there insignificant numerical strength. The Fulanis, Hausas, Yorubas should be ranked first, second and third bcuz these tribes cought across many countries in Africa.
Lumarstone: OP, you are wrong by saying that Igbos can be found in Guinea. OP would have said that Igbos are good in traveling to every parts of the country. Again, Igbos do not supposed to be number two here considering there insignificant numerical strength. The Fulanis, Hausas, Yorubas should be ranked first, second and third bcuz these tribes cought across many countries in Africa.
Lumarstone: OP, you are wrong by saying that Igbos can be found in Guinea. OP would have said that Igbos are good in traveling to every parts of the country. Again, Igbos do not supposed to be number two here considering there insignificant numerical strength. The Fulanis, Hausas, Yorubas should be ranked first, second and third bcuz these tribes cought across many countries in Africa.
Lumarstone: OP, you are wrong by saying that Igbos can be found in Guinea. OP would have said that Igbos are good in traveling to every parts of the country. Again, Igbos do not supposed to be number two here considering there insignificant numerical strength. The Fulanis, Hausas, Yorubas should be ranked first, second and third bcuz these tribes cought across many countries in Africa.
I left..!
The post on YouTube had Igbo as number 3. But the OP thought it smart to make a switch, changing the number 3 to number 2 in the transcript. Unnecessary childishness.
