Zulu people
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 15,723,791 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Zulu religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Xhosa, Swazi, Hlubi, Thembu people, Southern Ndebele, Northern Ndebele and Ngoni, San people |
| Zulu | |
|---|---|
| Person | UmZulu |
| People | AmaZulu |
| Language | IsiZulu |
| Country | KwaZulu |
Zulu people (/ˈzuːluː/; Zulu: amaZulu) are a native people of Southern Africa of the Nguni. The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa, living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
They originated from Nguni communities who took part in the Bantu migrations over millennia. As the clans integrated, the rulership of Shaka brought success to the Zulu nation due to his improved military tactics and organization.
Zulus take pride in their ceremonies such as the Umhlanga, or Reed Dance, and their various forms of beadwork.
The art and skill of beadwork take part in the identification of Zulu people and act as a form of communication and dedication to the nation and specific traditions. Today, the Zulu people are predominantly Christian, but have created a syncretic religion that is combined with the Zulu's prior belief systems.