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Balozi | |
|---|---|
 Flag of the Lozi nation | |
| Total population | |
| 1,561,900"Balozi". Retrieved 3 August 2024. | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Zambia | 1,325,000 |
 Zimbabwe | 166,000 |
 Namibia | 41,000 |
 Botswana | 20,000 |
 Angola | 9,900 |
| Languages | |
| Silozi | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity • minority African traditional religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Sotho-Tswana peoples | |
| Lozi | |
|---|---|
| Person | Mulozi |
| People | Balozi |
| Language | Silozi |
| Country | Bulozi |
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 are also known by various names such as Malozi, Nyambe, Makololo, Barotse, Rotse, Rozi, Rutse, Balozi, Balobedu, and Tozvi. They refer to their land as Bulozi or Barotseland.
- ^ "Lozi People group in All Countries". Joshua Project. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
- ^ https://ehrafworldcultures.yale.edu/cultures/fq09/summary