Lozi people

Lozi people
Balozi
Flag of the Lozi nation
Total population
1,561,900"Balozi". Retrieved 3 August 2024.
Regions with significant populations
 Zambia1,325,000
 Zimbabwe166,000
 Namibia41,000
 Botswana20,000
 Angola9,900
Languages
Silozi
Religion
Christianity • minority African traditional religion
Related ethnic groups
Sotho-Tswana peoples
Lozi
PersonMulozi
PeopleBalozi
LanguageSilozi
CountryBulozi

The Lozi people, also known as Balozi, are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group native to Southern Africa. They have significant populations in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The Lozi language, Silozi, is used as the formal language in official, educational, and media contexts. The Lozi people number approximately 1,562,000.[1]

The Lozi comprise several tribes, including the Bamakoma, Kwanda, Lukolwe, Bafwe, Batotela, Bayeyi, Mbowe (Mamboe), Bambukushu, Mishulundu, Muenyi (Mwenyi), Mwanga, Ndundulu, Nygengo, Shanjo, Simaa, Basubia, and Batonga. These tribes share common customs and traditions, with Silozi serving as the formal language for official, educational, and media purposes. Intermarriage among the tribes further strengthens their cultural bonds.[2]

The Lozi people refer to their land as Bulozi or Barotseland and are also known by various names such as Malozi, Nyambe, Makololo, Barotse, Rotse, Rozi, Rutse, Balozi, Balobedu, and Tozvi.

  1. ^ "Lozi People group in All Countries". Joshua Project. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  2. ^ https://ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu/cultures/fq09/summary