The following is a list of contemporary ethnic groups of Africa. There has been constant debate over the classification of ethnic groups. Membership of an ethnic group tends to be associated with shared ancestry, history, homeland, language or dialect and cultural heritage; where the term "culture" specifically includes aspects such as religion, mythology and ritual, cuisine, dressing (clothing) style and other factors.
By the nature of the concept, ethnic groups tend to be divided into subgroups, may themselves be or not be identified as independent ethnic groups depending on the source consulted.
Africa here is considered to be approximately delimited from South America by the South Atlantic Ocean; from Asia by the Red Sea, Suez Canal, and Gulf of Aden; and from Europe by the Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Sicily, and Strait of Gibraltar.
Ethnic groups
The following groups are commonly identified as "ethnic groups", as opposed to ethno-linguistic phyla, national groups, racial groups or similar.
| Ethnicity | Language(s) | Primary homeland | Subgroups, tribes & castes | Religion(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abagusii | Atlantic–Congo → Bantu → Gusii | Kenya (Kisii County, Nyamira County, Kericho County, Bomet County) | Abagetutu, Abanyaribari, Abagirango, Abanchari, Abamachoge, Ababasi | Christianity, Traditional African religion |
| Acholi | Nilotic → Luo → Acholi | South Sudan, Uganda (Acholiland) | Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum, Lamwo, Nwoya, Pader, Omoro | Christianity, Islam |
| Adjoukrou | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Adjukru | Ivory Coast (Dabou) | Akradio, Agneby, Armébé, Gbougbo, Vieil-Aklodj, Débrimou, Lopou, Tiaha, Kpass, Orbaff, Bonn, Kaka, Kpanda, Mopoyem, Cosrou, Dabouly, Abraniamienbro, Bodou, Bouboury, Agbaille, Yassap, Vieux-Badien, Youhouli, N'gatty, Toupah | Christianity |
| Afar | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Afar | Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia (Afaria) | Asaimara, Adoimara | Islam, Early Cushitic |
| Afemai | Atlantic–Congo → Edoid → Afenmai | Nigeria (Edo State) | Agenebode, Weppa, Oshiolo, Emokwemhe Iviagbapue, Auchi, Ihievbe, Afuze, Warrake, Iviukwe, South Ibie, Agbede, Sabongida Ora, Igarra, Ekperi, Jattu, Fugar, Aviele, Okpella, Uneme Ehrunrun, Uneme Osu, Iviukhua, Ososo, Uzanu, Uzebba, Iviukhua, Weppa, Okpella, Okpekpe, Somorika | Christianity |
| Afrikaners | Indo-European → Germanic → Dutch → Afrikaans | South Africa | Boers | Christianity → Protestantism → Calvinism |
| Agaw | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Agaw | Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Eritrea) | Bilen, Ximre, Awi, Qemant | Christianity → Oriental Orthodoxy → Ethiopian Orthodoxy |
| Aja | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Adja | Benin, Togo | West African Vodun | |
| Aka | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Aka | Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo | Traditional Aka religion | |
| Akans | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Central Tano, Avikam–Alladian, Potou, Abé, Abidji, Attie, Ega Francosign → American Sign → Ghanaian Sign Adamorobe Sign, Nanabin Sign | Ghana (Gold Coast) | Abbé, Abidji, Ahafo, Ahanta, Akuapem, Akwamu, Akyem, Alladian, Anyi, Ashanti, Assin, Attie, Avikam, Baoulé, Bonos, Chakosi, Egas, Evalue, Fante, M'Bato, Nzema, Sefwi (including House of Israel), Tchaman, Wasa | Christianity |
| Akie | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Kalenjin → Akie Maasai (adopted language) | Tanzania (Manyara Region) | Traditional Akie religion | |
| Alur | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Alur | Uganda (West Nile sub-region), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ituri Province) | Christianity | |
| Ambundu | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kimbundu | Angola | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Amdang | Furan → Amdang | Sudan (West Darfur), Chad (Wadi Fira) | Islam | |
| Americo-Liberians | Various languages of different African ethnic groups (originally, descendants of African-American slaves who were freed and returned to Africa) English (adopted language) | Liberia | Christianity → Protestantism | |
| Amhara | Afroasiatic → Semitic → Ethiopic → Amharic | Ethiopia (Amharia) | Christianity → Oriental Orthodoxy → Ethiopian Orthodoxy | |
| Anglo-Africans | Indo-European → Germanic → English → South African English, Zimbabwean English | South Africa, Zimbabwe, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha | Anglo-South Africans (with diaspora in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States) Anglo-Zimbabweans (with diaspora in the United Kingdom) Saint Helenians | Christianity |
| Anuak | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Anuak | Ethiopia (Anuakia), South Sudan (Boma) | Christianity | |
| Arabs | Afroasiatic → Semitic → Arabic Arab Sign, Sudanese sign languages | North Africa, Sahel | Bedouins (including Beni Ades), Egyptian Arabs (including Upper Egyptian Arabs), Maghrebi Arabs (including the Sahrawis), Dawada, Sudanese Arabs, Arab Christians (including Alexandrians), Rashaida, Baggara Arabs (including Shuweihat), Abbala Arabs, Azawagh Arabs, Diffa Arabs, Manga Arabs, Ababda, Arab-Berbers | Islam → Sunni Islam, Sufism, Shia Islam → Twelver Shi'ism, Isma'ilism → Tayyibi Isma'ilism → Sulaymani, Zaydism, Ibadism Christianity → Eastern Orthodoxy → Greek Orthodoxy → Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria Christianity → Catholicism → Melkite Catholicism |
| Argobba | Afroasiatic → Ethiopic → Argobba | Ethiopia (Afar, Harari, Amhara, and Oromia Regions) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Atyap | Niger–Congo → Plateau → Tyap | Nigeria (Kaduna State) | Christianity, Abwoi | |
| Babur and Bura | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Bura | Nigeria (Borno State and Adamawa State) | Babur, Bura | Islam |
| Bagirmi | Nilo-Saharan → Central Sudanic → Bongo-Bagirmi → Bagirmi | Chad (Chari-Baguirmi) | Islam → Folk Islam | |
| Bajju | Niger–Congo → Plateau → Jju | Nigeria (Middle Belt) | Christianity, Abwoi | |
| Bajuni | Atlantic–Congo → Bantu → Swahili → Bajuni | Somalia (Bajuni Islands), Kenya (Coast Province) | Islam → Sunnism → Shafi'ism | |
| Bakossi | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Akoose | Cameroon (Bakossi Mountains) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Balanta | Niger–Congo → West Atlantic → Senegambian → Balanta | Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, The Gambia | Traditional African religions | |
| Balondo-ba-Konja | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Londo | Cameroon | Creationism → Balondo-ba-Konja religion | |
| Bambara | Niger–Congo → Mande → Manding → Bambara | Mali | Islam | |
| Bamileke | Niger–Congo → Grassfields → Bamileke | Cameroon (West and Northwest regions) | Mengaka, Ngiemboon, Ngombale, Ngomba, Ngwe, Yemba, Fe'fe', Ghomala', Kwaʼ, Nda'nda', Medumba | Christianity |
| Bamum | Niger–Congo → Grassfields → Bamum | Cameroon (West Region) | Islam | |
| Banda | Niger–Congo → Ubangian → Banda | Central African Republic, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo | Central Banda, South Banda, West Banda | Christianity |
| Bangweulu Twa | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Bemba (adopted language) | Zambia (Bangweulu Wetlands) | Traditional African Religion | |
| Bari | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Bari | South Sudan (Central Equatoria), Uganda | Pojulu, Kakwa, Nyangwara, Mandari, Kuku, other Karo tribes | Christianity, Traditional African religion, Islam → Sunni Islam (minority religion among some Kakwa bordering Uganda) |
| Bariba | Niger–Congo → Gur → Bariba | Borgu (Benin, Nigeria) | Islam | |
| Bassa | Niger–Congo → Kru → Bassa | Liberia (Bassaland) | Christianity → Protestantism → Anglicanism | |
| Basters | Indo-European → Germanic → Dutch → Afrikaans | Namibia (Rehoboth) | Christianity → Protestantism | |
| Batwa | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kirundi (adopted language) Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kiga (adopted language) | African Great Lakes | Traditional African religion | |
| Beja | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Beja | Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea | Bishari, Hadendoa, Hedareb, Amarar, Beni-Amer | Islam → Sunni Islam |
| Bemba | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Bemba | Zambia (Northern, Luapula, and Copperbelt Provinces), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Katanga Province) | Christianity → Protestantism | |
| Bembe | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Bembe | Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania | Christianity → Protestantism, Traditional African religions | |
| Bena | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Bena | Tanzania (Njombe Region) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Berom | Niger–Congo → Plateau → Berom | Niger (Plateau State) | Christianity | |
| Berta | Nilo-Saharan → Berta | Ethiopia (Benishangul-Gumuz Region), South Sudan | Islam | |
| Beti | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Ewondo, Eton | Cameroon | Ewondo, Eton | Christianity |
| Bissa | Niger–Congo → Mande → Bissa | Burkina Faso | Islam | |
| Boa | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Boa | Democratic Republic of the Congo (Bas-Uele) | Christianity | |
| Bobo | Niger–Congo → Mande → Bobo | Burkina Faso, Mali | Traditional African religions | |
| Bolewa | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Bole | Nigeria (Gombe State) | Islam | |
| Bondei | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Sueta → Bondei | Tanzania (Pangani District) | Islam, Traditional African religions | |
| Bozo | Niger–Congo → Mande → Bozo | Mali | Islam | |
| Bubi | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Bube | Equatorial Guinea (Bioko) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Budu | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Budu | Democratic Republic of the Congo (Wamba Territory) | Christianity | |
| Buduma | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Yedina | Lake Chad (Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon) | Islam | |
| Bwa | Niger–Congo → Gur → Bwa | Burkina Faso, Mali | Traditional African religions | |
| Bwatiye | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Bacama | Nigeria (Adamawa State) | Christianity, Neo-Pentecostalism | |
| Cafres | French Creole → Bourbonnais Creole → Réunion Creole | Réunion | Christianity | |
| Cape Muslims | Historically Malay, Makassarese, Dutch, Arabic Afrikaans Afrikaans, Kaaps, English (adopted languages) | South Africa (Western Cape) | Islam | |
| Chaga | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Chaga | Tanzania | Gwenos, Rombos, Central Chaga (including Kahe), Rusa, West Chaga | Christianity, Islam, Traditional African religions |
| Chagossians | Indo-European → Bourbonnais Creole → Chagossian Creole | Chagos Archipelago | Christianity, Rastafari | |
| Chaoui | Afroasiatic → Berber → Shawiya | Algeria (Aurès) | Islam → Sunnism | |
| Chenouas | Afroasiatic → Berber → Shenwa | Algeria (Mount Chenoua) | Islam → Sunnism | |
| Chewa | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Chewa | Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Chinois | French Creole → Bourbonnais Creole → Réunion Creole Sino-Tibetan → Sinitic → Chinese → Hakka, Cantonese (spoken only by members of older generations) | Réunion | Christianity → Catholicism, Buddhism → Mahayana Buddhism | |
| Chokwe | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Chokwe | Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia | Christianity | |
| Coloureds | Indo-European → Germanic → Afrikaans, Kaaps, English | South Africa (Western Cape) | Cape Coloureds (South Africa) | Christianity |
| Comorians | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Comorian | Comoros, France (Mayotte) | Grande Comorians, Anjouans, Mohélians, Maorais, Significant population in Metropolitan France | Islam → Sunnism |
| Dagaaba | Niger–Congo → Gur → Dagaare | Ghana, Burkina Faso | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Dagombas | Niger–Congo → Gur → Dagbani | Ghana (Kingdom of Dagbon) | Islam → Sunnism | |
| Damara | Khoe → Khoekhoe | Namibia (Damaraland) | Christianity | |
| Dinka | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Dinka | South Sudan | Christianity, Dinka religion | |
| Dogon | Niger–Congo → Dogon Bangime, Tebul Sign | Mali (Bandiagara Escarpment) | Ampari Dogon (including Nyamboli), Tebul U, Mombo Dogon, Escarpment Dogon (including Tommo So), Jamsai Dogon, Nanga Dogon, Yanda Dogon, Walo, Beente, Duleri Dogon, Pinia, Bondum Dogon, Dogul Dogon, Budu, Western Plains Dogon, Toro-tegu Dogon, Bangande | Traditional African religions |
| Dwe'e | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Nzime | Cameroon | Christianity | |
| Dyula | Niger–Congo → Mande → Manding → Dyula | Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali | Islam → Sunnism | |
| Ebira | Niger–Congo → Nupoid → Ebira | Nigeria (Kogi State) | Islam | |
| Edo | Niger–Congo → Edoid → Edo | Nigeria (Edo State) | Ika, Emai | Christianity |
| Efik | Niger–Congo → Cross River → Ibibio-Efik → Efik | Nigeria (Cross River State) | Christianity, Efik religion | |
| Egyptians | Afroasiatic → Semitic → Arabic (adopted language) Historically Afroasiatic → Egyptian → Coptic (nowadays only the liturgical language of the Copts) Egyptian Sign | Egypt, Sudan, Libya | Copts (includes the Sa'idi people), | Islam → Sunni Islam Christianity → Oriental Orthodoxy → Coptic Orthodoxy Christianity → Catholicism → Eastern Catholicism → Coptic Catholicism |
| Ekoi | Niger–Congo → Bantoid → Jagham | Nigeria, Cameroon | Christianity, Ekoi religion | |
| Embu | Niger-Congo ~ Bantu ~ Embu | Kenya (Eastern Province) | Christianity | |
| Esan | Niger–Congo → Edoid → Esan | Nigeria (Esanland) | Christianity | |
| Ewe | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Ewe, Waci, Kpessi | Togo, Ghana | Agave, Agome, Anlo, Avenor, Waci | Christianity, West African Vodun |
| Fang | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Fang | Equatorial Guinea (Rio Muni), Gabon | Christianity | |
| Fipa | Niger–Congo → Bantu (Zone M) → Fipa Niger–Congo → Bantu → Mambwe-Lungu | Rukwa Region, Tanzania (Sumbawanga Rural District, Nkasi District) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Fon | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Gbe → Fon | Benin (Dahomey) | Christianity → Catholicism, West African Vodun | |
| Franco-Mauritians | Indo-European → French-based creoles → Mauritian Creole | Mauritius | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Franco-Seychellois | Indo-European → French-based creole → Seychellois Creole | Seychelles | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Frantsay | Indo-European → Romance → French | Madagascar | Christianity → Catholicism, Christianity → Protestantism | |
| Fula | Atlantic–Congo → Senegambian → Fula | West Africa (Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad) | Wodaabe, Maasina Fulfulde, Sierra Leonean Fula, Toucouleur | Islam |
| Fur | Furan → Fur | Sudan (Darfur) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Ga-Adangbe | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Ga–Dangme | Greater Accra (Ghana) | Ga, Adangbe | Christianity |
| Gade | Niger–Congo → Nupoid → Gade | Nigeria (Niger State) | Gobo | |
| Ganda | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Great Lakes → Luganda | Uganda (Buganda) | Christianity | |
| Gbagyi | Niger–Congo → Nupoid → Gwari | Nigeria | Traditional African religions | |
| Gbaya | Niger–Congo → Ubangian → Gbaya | Central African Republic, Cameroon | Bokoto, Kara, Buli (including Toongo), Ali, Mandja, Gbaya-Bossangoa, Bozom, Mbodomo, Gbanu, Bangandu | Islam |
| Gedeo | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Gedeo | Ethiopia (Gedeo) | Christianity → Protestantism → P'ent'ay | |
| Ghomaras | Afroasiatic → Berber → Ghomara | Morocco (Western Rif) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Gnawas | Originally various languages of different African ethnic groups (originally, descendants of Subsaaharan African slaves who were freed) Arabic → Maghrebi Arabic (adopted language) | Morocco | Islam and Animism → Sufism and Animism → Gnawa religion | |
| Gogo | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Gogo | Tanzania (Dodoma Region) | Christianity, African Traditional Religion | |
| Gola | Niger–Congo → Gola | Liberia, Sierra Leone | Islam | |
| Gosha | Originally various languages of different Bantu ethnic groups (originally, descendants of Bantu slaves who were freed) Niger-Congo → Bantu → Zigula → Mushunguli | Somalia | Islam | |
| Greeks | Indo-European → Hellenic Afroasiatic → Arabic → Egyptian Arabic Francosign → French Sign and American Sign → Greek Sign | Egypt | Egyptian Greeks (including Alexandrian Greeks), along with significant populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe | Christianity → Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism → Greek Byzantine Catholicism, historically Hellenism, Neoplatonism, Greco-Roman Mysteries |
| Guan | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Guang | Ghana (Brong-Ahafo and Volta Regions) | Gonja, Kyode, Cherepon, Efutu, Anyanga, Larteh, Chumburung, Krache, Anum-Boso | Christianity |
| Gumuz | Bʼaga languages | Ethiopia (Benishangul-Gumuz Region) | Traditional African religion | |
| Gurage | Afroasiatic → Ethiopic → Gurage; historically Afroasiatic → Ethiopic → Mesmes | Ethiopia (Guragia) | Kistane, Zay, Inor, Mesqan, Muher Sebat Bet (including Chaha) | Christianity |
| Gurma | Niger–Congo → Gur → Gourmanche | Gurmaland (Burkina Faso, Ghana) | Ntcham, Bimoba | Islam |
| Gurunsi | Niger–Congo → Gur → Gurunsi | Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo | Lukpa, Kabye, Tem, Lamba, Delo, Bago-Kusuntu, Chala, Lyele, Nuna, Kalamse, Pana, Winye, Deg, Puguli, Paasaal, Sisaala, Chakali, Siti, Tamprusi, Vagla | Traditional African religions, Islam → Sunni Islam |
| Ha | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Ha | Tanzania (Kigoma Region) | Animism | |
| Hadiya | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Hadiyya | Ethiopia (Hadiya) | Islam | |
| Hadza | Hadza language | Tanzania (Karatu District) | Hadza mythology | |
| Ham | Niger–Congo → Plateau → Hyam | Nigeria (Kaduna State) | Christianity, Abwoi | |
| Hangaza | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Hangaza | Tanzania (Kagera Region) | Christianity | |
| Harari | Afroasiatic → Semitic → Ethiopic → Harari | Ethiopia (Hararia) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Haratins | Afroasiatic → Arabic → Maghrebi Arabic (adopted language), Afroasiatic → Berber (adopted language) | Mauritania | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Hausa | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Hausa | Hausaland (Niger, Nigeria, Ghana) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Haya | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Haya | Tanzania (Kagera Region) | Christianity, Ruhanga | |
| Hawwara | Historically Afroasiatic → Berber Arabic (adopted language) | Lybia, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria and Morocco | Hawwara | Islam → Sunni Islam |
| Hehe | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Hehe | Tanzania (Iringa Region) | Christianity | |
| Herero | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Herero | Namibia (Hereroland), Angola | OvaHimba, Ovambanderu | Christianity |
| Hutu | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Great Lakes → Rwanda-Rundi | Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kivu) | Christianity | |
| Ibibio | Niger–Congo → Cross River → Ibibio, Anaang, Eket, Oron | Nigeria (Akwa Ibom State) | Eket, Anaang, Oron | Christianity |
| Idoma | Niger–Congo → Idomoid → Idoma | Nigeria (Benue State) | Agatu, Alago, Yala | Christianity |
| Igala | Niger-Congo → Igala → Igala | Nigeria (AneIgala) | Ayangba, Igala ogba Royalty → Ibaji, Igalamela, Ogugu, Akpanya, Ebu | Christianity, Islam |
| Igbo | Niger–Congo → Igbo | Nigeria (Igboland) | Anioma, Aro, Edda, Ekpeye, Etche, Ezaa, Ika, Ikwerre, Ikwo, Isu, Izzi, Mbaise, Mgbo, Ngwa, Nri-Igbo, Ogba, Ohafia, Ohuhu, Onitsha-Ado, Ukwuani, Waawa | Christianity, Odinala |
| Igdalen | Songhay → Northern Songhay → Tagdal | Niger, Mali, Algeria | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Igede | Niger–Congo → Idomoid → Igede | Nigeria (Benue State) | Christianity | |
| Ijaw | Niger–Congo → Ijaw | Nigeria (Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States) | Bille, Engenni, Ibani, Kalabari, Kula, Nkoro, Nkoroo, Obolo | Christianity |
| Imraguen | Afroasiatic → Arabic → Hassaniya Arabic → Imraguen | Mauritania, Western Sahara | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Indo-Mauritians | Indo-European → French-based creole → Mauritian Creole Indo-European → Indo-Aryan → Bhojpuri, Hindustani (Hindi and Urdu), Marathi Dravidian → Tamil, Telugu | Mauritius | Bihari Mauritians, Tamil Mauritians | Hinduism, Islam |
| Indo-Seychellois | Indo-European → French-based creole → Seychellois Creole Indo-European → Indo-Aryan → Bhojpuri, Bihari languages, Hindustani (Hindi and Urdu), Bengali, Gujarati, Kutchi, Odia Dravidian → Tamil, Telugu, Kannada | Seychelles | Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism | |
| Indo-South Africans | Various languages of different Indian ethnic groups (originally, descendants of immigrants from the Indian subcontinet) English → South African English (adopted language) | South Africa | Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism | |
| Iraqw | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Iraqw | Tanzania | Christianity | |
| Isoko | Niger–Congo → Edoid → Isoko | Nigeria (Isoko region) | Christianity | |
| Jerba | Afroasiatic → Berber → Nafusi Arabic (adopted language) | Tunisia | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Jews | Afroasiatic → Canaanite → Hebrew → Modern Hebrew, Jewish languages, DGSic → Israeli Sign | North Africa, East Africa | Sephardim (including Egyptian Sephardim, North African Sephardim, Maroka'im, Algerian Jews, Tunisian Jews, Libyan Jews, and Toshavim (including Mozabite Jews)), Beta Israel (including Beta Abraham and Falash Mura), Rusape Jews, Abayudaya, Igbo Jews, as well as historically some Aksumites, along with significant populations in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe | Judaism |
| Jita | Atlantic–Congo → Bantu → Suguti | Tanzania (Mara Region) | Christianity, Ethnic Religion | |
| Jola | Niger–Congo → West Atlantic → Senegambian → Jola | Senegal (Jolaland) | Banjaal, Bayot, Gusilay, Fogni, Karon, Kasa, Kuwaataay, Mlomp | Traditional African religions |
| Jukun | Niger–Congo → Jukun Takum | Nigeria (Wukari) | Wannu | Traditional African religions |
| Jur | Nilotic → Luo → Jur | South Sudan | Beli, Sopi, Mödö, Nyamusa, Wira, Biti, Morokodo | Christianity, Traditional African religions |
| Kabyle | Afroasiatic → Berber → Kabyle | Algeria (Kabylia) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Kafwe Twa | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Tonga (adopted language) | Zambia (Kafue Flats) | Traditional African religion | |
| Kaguru | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kagulu | Tanzania (Ukaguru Mountains) | Folk religion | |
| Kalanga | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Shona → Kalanga | Zimbabwe, Botswana | Nambya | Christianity |
| Kalenjin | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Kalenjin | Kenya (Rift Valley Province) | Keiyo, Tugen, Marakwet, Nandi, Kipsigis, Sabaot, Pokoot, Terik | Christianity |
| Kamba | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kamba | Kenya (Ukambani) | Christianity | |
| Kanuri | Nilo-Saharan → Saharan → Kanuri | Kanuriland (Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon) | Kanembu, Yerwa Kanuri | Islam |
| Kapsiki | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Kapsiki | Mandara Mountains (Nigeria, Cameroon) | Islam | |
| Karai-Karai | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Karai-Karai | Nigeria (Bauchi State, Gombe State, Yobe State and Jigawa State) | Islam, Christianity | |
| Karana | Indo-European → Indo-Aryan → Gujarati, Hindustani (Hindi and Urdu), Kutchi, Sindhi Dravidian → Tamil, Telugu | Madagascar | Islam | |
| Kassena | Atlantic–Congo → Gur → Kasena | Ghana (Kassena-Nankana), Burkina Faso | Kassena religion | |
| Kerewe | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kerewe | Tanzania (Ukerewe Island) | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Kiga | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kiga | Uganda, Rwanda | Christianity → Catholicism, Christianity → Protestantism | |
| Kikuyu | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kikuyu | Kenya (Central Province) | Christianity | |
| Kilba | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Huba | Nigeria (Hong) | Christianity | |
| Kinga | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kinga | Tanzania (Kipengere Range) | Christianity, Traditional African religion | |
| Kissi | Niger–Congo → West Atlantic → Mel → Kissi | Guinea, Sierra Leone | Christianity | |
| Kofyar | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Kofyar | Nigeria (Plateau State) | Traditional African religions | |
| Kongo | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kongo | Kongoland (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Angola) | Lari, Vili, Yombe, Suundi, Dondo, Hangala, Kugni, Manyanga, Beembe | Christianity, Kongo religion |
| Konjo | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Konjo | Rwenzori Mountains (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda) | Nande | Christianity |
| Konkomba | Niger–Congo → Gur → Konkomba | Ghana, Togo | Traditional African religions, Christianity | |
| Konso | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Konso | Ethiopia (Konso) | Traditional African religions | |
| Kpelle | Niger–Congo → Mande → Kpelle | Liberia, Guinea | Traditional African religions | |
| Kposo | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Ghana–Togo Mountain → Kposo | Togo (Plateaux), Ghana | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Kru | Niger–Congo → Kru | Liberia (Grand Kru and Maryland Counties) | Aizi, Bete, Bakwe, Grebo, Krahn (including Sapo), Kuwaa | Christianity |
| Kunama | Nilo-Saharan → Kunama | Eritrea, Ethiopia | Christianity → Oriental Orthodoxy → Ethiopian Orthodoxy | |
| Kuria | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kuria | Kenya, Tanzania | Traditional African religions, Christianity | |
| Kuteb | Niger–Congo → Jukunoid → Kuteb | Nigeria (Taraba State) | Christianity | |
| Kwaya | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kwaya | Tanzania (Mara Region) | Christianity, Traditional African religion | |
| Kwere | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Kwere | Tanzania (Bagamoyo District) | Islam, Traditional African religion | |
| Lega | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Lega | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Traditional African religions | |
| Lemba | Historycally Old South Arabian languages Niger–Congo → Bantu → Venda, Shona (adopted languages) | Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique | Christianity, Islam, Judaism | |
| Limba | Niger–Congo → Limba | Sierra Leone (Bombali and Koinadugu Districts) | Christianity | |
| Lisi | Nilo-Saharan → Central Sudanic → Naba | Chad (Lake Fitri) | Bilala, Kuka and the Medogo | Islam |
| Lozi | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Lozi | Zambia (Barotseland), Zimbabwe, Namibia (Zambezi Region), Botswana | Mafwe, Mbukushu, Totela, Yeyi | Christianity, Traditional African religions |
| Luba | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Luban | Democratic Republic of the Congo (Lubaland) | Luba-Kasai, Luba-Katanga, Hemba (including Bangubangu), Songe, Lulua | Christianity |
| Lugbara | Nilo-Saharan → Central Sudanic → Lugbara | Democratic Republic of the Congo (Orientale Province), South Sudan, Uganda (West Nile (particularly Arua City, Arua, Maracha, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Yumbe and Koboko districts)) | Ayivu, Maracha, Terego, Vurra, Aringa | Christianity, Islam, Lugbara religion |
| Luhya | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Luhya | Kenya (Western Province) | Bukusu, Idakho, Isukha, Kabras, Khayo, Kisa, Marachi, Maragoli, Marama, Nyole, Samia, Tachoni, Tiriki, Tsotso, Wanga, | Christianity |
| Luo | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Dholuo | Kenya | Christianity | |
| Luso-Africans | Indo-European → Romance → Portuguese → African Portuguese | PALOP countries (Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea), South Africa | Portuguese Africans (including Luso-Angolans, Cape Verdeans, Luso-Equatoguineans, Luso-Guineans, Luso-Mozambicans, Santomeans, Luso-South Africans) | Christianity → Catholicism |
| Maasai | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Maasai | Maasailand (Tanzania, Kenya) | Samburu, Arusha, Kwavi | Traditional African religions |
| Madi | Nilo-Saharan → Central Sudanic → Ma'di | Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Uganda | Christianity | |
| Mafa | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Mafa | Cameroon | Christianity | |
| Makaa | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Makaa, Niger–Congo → Bantu → Byep | Cameroon (East Region, Centre Region) | South Makaa, North Makaa | Christianity, Traditional African religion |
| Makonde | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Makonde | Tanzania, Mozambique (Mueda Plateau) | Machinga | Islam |
| Makua | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Makhuwa | Mozambique | Lomwe, Chuwabu, Moniga, Koti, Nathembo | Traditional African religions |
| Malagasy | Austronesian → Greater Barito → Malagasy | Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, Réunion, Mauritius | Merina, Sihanaka, Betsileo, Zafimaniry, Antaifasy, Antemoro, Antaisaka, Antambahoaka, Tandroy, Antankarana, Antanosy, Bara, Betsimisaraka, Bezanozano, Mahafaly, Makoa, Mikea, Sakalava, Tanala, Tsimihety, Vezo | Christianity, Malagasy religion |
| Malbars | French Creole → Bourbonnais Creole → Réunion Creole Historycally Dravidian → Tamil | Réunion | Hinduism | |
| Mambila | Niger–Congo → Mambila | Mambilla Plateau (Nigeria, Cameroon) | Somyev | Traditional African religions |
| Mandinka | Niger–Congo → Mande → Manding | Mali, The Gambia, Guinea, Senegal | Bolon | Islam |
| Manjak | Niger–Congo → West Atlantic → Senegambian → Manjak | Guinea-Bissau, Senegal | Traditional African religions | |
| Masa | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Masana | Cameroon, Chad | Christianity, Islam[citation needed] | |
| Masalit | Nilo-Saharan → Masalit | Sudan, Chad | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Mauritian Creoles | Indo-European → French-based creoles → Mauritian Creole | Mauritius | Christianity → Catholicism, Rastafari | |
| Mbaka | Niger–Congo → Ubangian → Mbaka | Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Mbugu | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Mbugu, Pare Niger–Congo and Afroasiatic → Bantu and Cushitic → Maʼa | Tanzania (Usambara Mountains) | Christianity, Islam, Traditional African religion | |
| Mende | Niger–Congo → Mande → Mende | Sierra Leone (Southern and Eastern Provinces) | Islam | |
| Mijikenda | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Mijikenda | Kenya (Coast Province) | Chonyi, Giriama, Digo, Segeju, Rabai | Christianity |
| Mongo | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Mongo | Democratic Republic of the Congo (Equateur, Tshuapa, Mongala, Nord-Ubangi, Sud-Ubangi) | Bolia, Ntomba, Ngando, Iyaelima, Mbole, Mpama, Nkutu, Sengele, Hendo, Dengese, Tetela | Christianity |
| Moru | Nilo-Saharan → Central Sudanic → Moru | South Sudan (Western Equatoria) | Miza, Ägyi, Moroändri, Kediro, 'Bari'ba | Christianity → Protestantism → Anglicanism → Episcopal Church of the South Sudan |
| Mossi | Niger–Congo → Gur → Mossi | Burkina Faso (Mossiland) | Islam | |
| Mozabite | Afroasiatic → Berber → Mozabite Arabic (adopted language) | Algeria (M'Zab) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Mumuye | Niger–Congo → Adamawa → Mumuye | Nigeria (Taraba State) | Traditional African religions | |
| Musgum | Afroasiatic → Chadic → Musgu | Cameroon (Far North Region), Chad (Chari-Baguirmi, Mayo-Kebbi Est) | Islam | |
| Mwera | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Mwera | Tanzania (Mtwara and Ruvuma Regions) | Islam | |
| Nama | Khoe → Khoekhoe | Namibia (Namaland), South Africa | Oorlams | Christianity |
| Nara | Nilo-Saharan → Eastern Sudanic → Nara | Eritrea | Higir, Mogareb, Koyta, Santora | Islam, Animism |
| Ndendeule | Niger-Congo languages → Bantu languages → Ndendeule | Tanzania | Animism | |
| Ngbandi | Niger–Congo → Ubangian → Ngbandi | Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic | Yakoma | Christianity |
| Ngoni | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Ngoni | Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia | Christianity, African Traditional Religion, Sangoma, Islam | |
| Nkole | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Nkore-Kiga → Nkore | Uganda (Ankole) | Christianity, Ruhanga | |
| Northern Ndebele | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Nguni → Northern Ndebele | Zimbabwe (Matabeleland) | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Nubians | Nilo-Saharan → Nubian | Nubia (Egypt, Sudan) | Nobiin, Mattokki, Dongolawi, Midob, Birgid, Hill Nubians (including Dilling, Debri, Ghulfan, Kadaru, Karko, and Wali) | Islam → Sunni Islam |
| Nubis | Afroasiatic → Arabic creoles → Nubi | Uganda, Kenya | Ugandan Nubis, Kenyan Nubis | Islam |
| Nuer | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Nuer | South Sudan (Nuerland) | Traditional African religions | |
| Nupe | Niger–Congo → Nupoid → Nupe | Nigeria (Niger State, Kwara State) | Islam, Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Nyambo | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Nyambo | Tanzania (Karagwe District, Kagera Region) | Christianity → Protestantism → Evangelicalism | |
| Ogiek | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Ogiek | Kenya (Mau Forest, Mount Elgon) | Christianity, Traditional Ogiek religion | |
| Ogoni | Niger–Congo → Cross River → Ogoni | Nigeria (Ogoniland) | Baan, Eleme, Gokana, Tẹẹ | Christianity |
| Ogu | Niger–Congo → Kwa → Gbe → Gun | Nigeria (Lagos, Ogun State), Benin | Christianity, Islam, West African Vodun | |
| Oku | Indo-European → English-based creoles → Krio Indo-European → Germanic → English | Sierra Leone, The Gambia | Islam | |
| Oromo | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Oromo | Ethiopia (Oromia), Kenya | Boorana, Barento, Salale, Machaa, Arsi, Wollo | Islam → Sunni Islam |
| Ovambo | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Ovambo | Namibia (Ovamboland), Angola | Christianity → Protestantism → Lutheranism | |
| Ovimbundu | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Umbundu | Angola | Christianity | |
| Papel | Niger–Congo → Atlantic → Senegambian → Papel | Guinea-Bissau (Biombo Region) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Pare | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Pare | Tanzania (Pare Mountains) | Islam | |
| Pedi | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Northern Sotho → Sepedi | South Africa (Limpopo) | Christianity | |
| Pende | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Pende | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Christianity | |
| Rendille | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Rendille | Kenya (Eastern Province) | Waaq | |
| Rifians | Afroasiatic → Berber → Tarifit | Morocco | Islam → Sunnism | |
| Saho | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Saho | Eritrea, Ethiopia | Islam → Sunnism | |
| Sandawe | Sandawe | Tanzania (Chemba District) | Traditional African Religion, Islam | |
| Sara | Nilo-Saharan → Central Sudanic → Sara | Chad, Central African Republic | Ngambay, Doba, Laka, Kabba, Sar, Mbay, Ngam, Dagba, Gulay | Traditional African religions |
| Senufo | Atlantic–Congo → (disputed) → Senufo | Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso | Nafana, Minyanka | Traditional African religions |
| Serer | Atlantic–Congo → Senegambian → Serer, Cangin | Senegal | Laalaa, Ndut, Niominka, Serer-Noon, Palor, Saafi | Islam, Serer religion |
| Seychellois Creoles | Indo-European → French-based creoles → Seychellois Creole | Seychelles | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Sherbro | Atlantic–Congo → Mel → Sherbro | Sierra Leone (Sherbro Island) | Traditional African religions | |
| Shilha | Afroasiatic → Berber → Shilha | Morocco | Islam → Sunnism | |
| Shilluk | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Shilluk | South Sudan | Gule | Christianity → Catholicism |
| Shona | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Shona | Zimbabwe (Mashonaland) | Manyika, Ndau | Christianity |
| Sidama | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Sidaama | Ethiopia (Sidamia) | Christianity | |
| Sierra Leone Creoles | Various languages of different African ethnic groups (originally, descendants of African-American, Afro-Caribbean and Liberated African slaves who were freed and returned to Africa) Indo-European → English-based creoles → Krio, Pichinglis | Sierra Leone | Gambian Creoles, Saros, Krio Fernandinos, with significant populations in the United States | Christianity |
| Siltʼe | Afroasiatic → Semitic → Ethiopic → Gurage → Siltʼe | Ethiopia (Siltia) | Islam | |
| Sino-Mauritians | Indo-European → French-based creoles → Mauritian Creole Sino-Tibetan → Sinitic → Chinese → Hakka, Cantonese (languages spoken only by members of older generations) | Mauritius | Christianity, Chinese folk religion, Buddhism | |
| Sino-Seychellois | Indo-European → French-based creoles → Seychellois Creole Sino-Tibetan → Sinitic → Chinese → Hakka, Cantonese (not widely spoken) | Seychelles | Christianity, Chinese folk religion, Buddhism | |
| Sinoa | Sino-Tibetan → Sinitic → Chinese → Cantonese, Mandarin | Madagascar | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Siwi | Afroasiatic → Berber → Siwi language Arabic (adopted language) | Egypt, Lybia | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Soga | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Soga | Uganda (Busoga) | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Somalis | Afroasiatic → Cushitic → Somali | Greater Somalia (Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya) | Hawiye, Darod (including Majeerteen), Isaaq, Dir, Rahanweyn, Madhiban, Yibir, Ajuran along with significant populations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Canada | Islam → Sunnism → Shafi'ism |
| Songhai | Songhay languages | West Africa | Songhai proper, Zarma, Wogo, Kurtey, Ingalkoyyu, Arma, Belbali, Dendi | Islam |
| Soninke | Niger–Congo → Mande → Soninke | Mali | Islam → Sunni Islam → Malikism | |
| Sotho | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Sotho | South Africa (Free State), Lesotho | Christianity | |
| Southern Ndebele | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Nguni → Southern Ndebele | South Africa (Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo) | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Spaniards (Canary Islanders) | Indo-European → Romance → Spanish → Canarian Spanish, Silbo Gomero, Isleño Spanish | Spain (Canary Islands) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Sukuma | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Sukuma | Tanzania | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Surma | Nilo-Saharan → Surmic | Ethiopia, South Sudan | Me'en, Mursi, Kichepo | Traditional African religions |
| Susu | Niger–Congo → Mande → Susu | Guinea, Sierra Leone (Kambia) | Islam | |
| Swahili | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Swahili | Swahili coast (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros) | Shirazi (including Zanzibaris, and Maore) | Islam |
| Swazi | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Swazi | South Africa (Mpumalanga), Eswatini | Christianity → African Zionism | |
| Tallensi | Atlantic–Congo → Gur → Talni | Ghana (Tallensi Traditional Area), Burkina Faso | Tallensi religion | |
| Tama | Nilo-Saharan → Taman → Tama | Chad, Sudan | Islam | |
| Tarok | Niger–Congo → Plateau → Tarok | Nigeria (Plateau State) | Christianity | |
| Teke | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Teke | Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo | Traditional African religions | |
| Temne | Niger–Congo → Mel → Temne | Sierra Leone (Northern Sierra Leone) | Islam | |
| Tigrayans | Afroasiatic → Ethiopic → Tigrinya | Eritrea (Eritrean Highlands), Ethiopia (Tigrayia) | Christianity → Oriental Orthodoxy → Ethiopian Orthodoxy | |
| Tigre | Afroasiatic → Ethiopic → Tigre | Eritrea | Islam | |
| Tiv | Niger–Congo → Tiv | Nigeria (Benue State) | Christianity | |
| Tonga | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Tonga | Zambia, Zimbabwe | Traditional African Religion | |
| Tooro | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Tooro | Uganda (Tooro Kingdom) | Abagweri, Abasingo, Abahinda, Ababiito, Abasumbi, Abayaga, Ababwiju, Abasiita, Abasambo, Ababoopi, Ababwooro, Abagaya, Abalebeki, Abango, Abagimu, Abarungu, Abanyakyoozi, Abasoigi | Christianity, Ruhanga |
| Toubou | Nilo-Saharan → Saharan → Tebu | Toubouland (Chad, Niger, Sudan, Libya) | Daza, Teda | Islam → Sunni Islam |
| Tsonga | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Tsonga | Mozambique (Maputo City and Maputo Province, Gaza Province), South Africa (Limpopo, Mpumalanga) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Tswana | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Tswana | Botswana, South Africa (South Tswanaland) | Balete, Mangwato, Bangwaketse, Bakwena, Batlokwa, Bahurutshe, Bakgatla, Rolong | Christianity |
| Tuareg | Afroasiatic → Berber → Tuareg languages Arabic (adopted language) | Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Tumbuka | Niger-Congo → Bantu → Tumbuka | Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe | Senga, Henga, Yombe, Phoka, Tonga | Christianity, Tumbuka mythology |
| Tupuri | Niger–Congo → Adamawa → Tupuri | Cameroon (Far North Region), Chad (Mayo-Kebbi) | Christianity | |
| Turkana | Nilo-Saharan → Nilotic → Turkana | Kenya (Turkanaland) | Christianity → Catholicism | |
| Tutsi | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Great Lakes → Rwanda-Rundi | Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kivu) | Banyamulenge | Christianity, Islam |
| Urhobos | Niger–Congo → Edoid → Urhobo | Nigeria (Delta State) | Christianity | |
| Vai | Niger–Congo → Mande → Vai | Liberia, Sierra Leone | Islam, Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Venda | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Tshivenda | South Africa (Vendaland) | Christianity, Traditional African religions | |
| Wala | Niger–Congo → Gur → Wali | Ghana (Upper West Region) | Islam → Sunni Islam, Animism | |
| Welayta | Afroasiatic → Omotic → Wolaitta | Ethiopia (Wolayitia) | Christianity → Protestantism → P'ent'ay | |
| Wolane | Afroasiatic → Ethiopic → Wolane | Ethiopia (Gurage) | Islam | |
| Wolof | Niger–Congo → Atlantic → Senegambian → Wolof | Senegambia (Senegal, The Gambia) | Lebu | Islam → Sunni Islam → Sufism → Mouride |
| Xhosa | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Nguni → Xhosa | South Africa (Xhosaland) | Christianity | |
| Yabs | Indo-European → French-based creoles → Réunion Creole | Réunion | Christianity | |
| Yako | Niger–Congo → Cross River → Yako | Nigeria (Yakurr Local Government) | Christianity | |
| Yao | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Yao | Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania (Ruvuma and Mtwara Regions) | Islam and Animism → Yao Folk Islam | |
| Yoa-Lokpa | Niger–Congo → Gur → Oti–Volta → Yom, Niger–Congo → Gur → Gurunsi → Lukpa | Benin (Donga Department) | Ethnic religion | |
| Yoruba | Atlantic–Congo → Yoruboid → Yoruba Yoruba Sign | Yorubaland (Nigeria, Benin, Togo) | Ijesha, Egba, Yewa, Igbomina, Awori, Akoko, Okun, Ana, Ekiti, Ilaje, Ijebu, Oyo, Ondo, Ife, Nagos, with significant populations in the United States and Canada | Islam, Christianity, Yoruba religion |
| Zaghawa | Nilo-Saharan → Saharan → Zaghawa | Chad, Sudan | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Zande | Niger–Congo → Zande | Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan | Barambu | Christianity |
| Zarabes | Indo-European → French-based creoles → Réunion Creole Historycally Indo-European → Indo-Aryan → Gujarati | Réunion | Islam | |
| Zayanes | Afroasiatic → Berber → Central Atlas Tamazight Arabic (adopted language) | Morocco (Middle Atlas) | Islam → Sunni Islam | |
| Zulu | Niger–Congo → Bantu → Nguni → Zulu | South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) | Christianity | |
| ǃKung | Kxʼa → ǃKung | Namibia (Kalahari Desert) | ǃXun, Ju | Animism |
| ǂAakhoe | Khoe-Kwadi → Khoe → Khoekhoe → ǂAakhoe | Namibia | Animism |
Lists of ethnic groups
- By status:
- List of Indigenous peoples
- List of diasporas
- List of stateless nations
- Regional lists:
- African people
- Indigenous people of Africa
- Ethnic groups in Algeria
- Ethnic groups in Botswana
- Ethnic groups in Burundi
- Ethnic groups in Chad
- List of ethno-linguistic groups in Eritrea
- List of ethnic groups in Ethiopia
- List of ethnic groups in Nigeria
- List of ethnic groups in Rivers State
- Ethnic groups in Rwanda
- List of ethnic groups in Tanzania
- Ethnic groups in Senegal
- Ethnic groups in Sierra Leone
- List of ethnic groups in South Sudan
- List of ethnic groups in Zambia
- Asian people
- List of contemporary ethnic groups of Asia
- Ethnic groups in Northern Asia
- List of ethnic groups in Russia
- List of ethnic groups in East Asia
- List of ethnic groups in China
- List of ethnic groups in Japan
- List of ethnic groups in North Korea
- List of ethnic groups in South Korea
- List of ethnic groups in Taiwan
- List of indigenous peoples of Taiwan
- South Asian ethnic groups
- Ethnic groups in Nepal
- Ethnic groups in Pakistan
- Demographics of Sindh
- Ethnic groups in Southeast Asia
- Ethnic groups in Indonesia
- List of ethnic groups in Laos
- Ethnic groups in Malaysia
- List of ethnic groups in Myanmar
- Ethnic groups in the Philippines
- List of ethnic groups in Vietnam
- Ethnic groups in the Middle East
- European people
- List of contemporary ethnic groups of Europe
- Ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Peoples of the Caucasus
- Indigenous peoples of the Americas
- List of contemporary ethnic groups of North America
- List of contemporary ethnic groups of South America
- Classification of indigenous peoples of the Americas
- Oceanian people
- List of contemporary ethnic groups of Oceania
- List of Indigenous Australian group names
- List of Melanesian ethnic groups
- List of New Guinean ethnic groups
- List of Micronesian ethnic groups
- List of Polynesian ethnic groups
- Ethnoreligious group
- Ethnic groups by country
See also
- List of languages by number of native speakers
- List of language families
- Lists of people by nationality
- Lists of active separatist movements
- Uncontacted peoples
- Ethnic flag
- Race (human categorization)
- List of Y-chromosome haplogroups in populations of the world
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