Nigeria takes the crown of being the most populated African country with 223 million people, but what is the largest single tribe in Africa? Surprisingly, the Hausa people from Nigeria are Africa’s largest tribe with over 78 million people. They are concentrated in northern Nigeria and southern Niger, but there are also significant Hausa populations in other African countries. They include Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Togo, Ghana, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Senegal and the Gambia.
The Hausa people are culturally homogeneous people with a shared language, Hausa. It is the second most spoken language in Africa after Arabic.
Table of Contents
What is the Largest Single Tribe in Africa?
Hausa People. Photo/Daily Family
The staggering Hausa population answers what is the largest single tribe in Africa. Hausa is a member of the Afroasiatic language family and is written in the Arabic script and they have a rich history and culture. They are known for their skilled craftsmanship, their beautiful textiles, their distinctive music and dance, their hospitality and their strong sense of harmony.
One of the reasons why they remain popular is their rich history in West Africa since they are the founders of the Hausa Kingdoms. These kingdoms became some of the most powerful states in the entire West Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. This explains why they spread beyond their native homeland of Nigeria to the entire West Africa.
Beyond their political and governance structure, the Hausa people played a major role in the trans-Saharan trade, which helped in spreading Islam and other cultural influences throughout West Africa. Today, despite telling the world what is the largest single tribe in Africa; this tribe is still an important force in West Africa. They remain economically and politically powerful with a strong reputation in arts and culture with a symbolic dance that people enjoy globally. Their cultural exploits rank them among the most industrious Nigerian tribe. The richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote is proudly Hausa.
What Is The Most Respected Tribe In Africa?
The most respected tribe in Africa is subjective. However, popular opinion puts several tribes as the most respected in Africa. Here they are.
Maasai
The Maasai people are semi-nomadic and they live in Kenya and Tanzania. They command respect with their rich traditions, embedded in their way of life, how they dress and how they do their things.
Yoruba
This Nigerian tribe is popular for many great things. They are hospitable, kind, and selfless which is why they command a lot of respect.
Zulu
South Africa is home to the Bantu ethnic group known as the Zulu. They are renowned for their skill in the military, ornate traditional attire, and intricate social structure.
Dinka
South Sudan is home to the Nilotic ethnic group known as the Dinka. Their enormous size, cattle-herding lifestyle, and ferocious independence are well renowned.
Tuareg
The Sahara Desert is home to the nomadic Tuareg tribe. They are recognized for their recognizable blue turbans, staunch independence, and intricate legal structure.
The Tuareg tribe. Photo/Startfor
San
Southern African hunter-gatherer people are known as the San. They are well recognized for their distinctive click language, their fine beading, and their ties to the earth on a spiritual level.
Kikuyu
Kenya’s largest tribe is the Kikuyu. They are renowned for their skill in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and colorful culture.
Which Country In Africa Has The Most Tribes?
Besides what is the largest single tribe in Africa; Nigeria accounts for a single African country with the most tribes. There are at least 250 tribes in Nigeria which is phenomenal given its population.
Who Are The Oldest Tribe In Africa?
The San people are among the oldest hunter-gatherer tribes in Southern Africa. They are thought to be the direct ancestors of the first people to travel to Africa, having lived here for more than 20,000 years. The San people have a lengthy history and rich culture. They are well recognized for their distinctive click language, their fine beading, and their ties to the earth on a spiritual level.
Another characteristic of the San is their reluctance to change. They have successfully maintained their traditional way of life for many years despite attempts by outsiders to integrate them into civilizations.
