THE MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS IN ZAMBIA

The people of Zambia, a country in southern Africa, come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. The Bemba, Tonga, Lozi, Ngoni, Lunda, Kaonde, and Luvale are among Zambia’s most populous indigenous peoples.

The Bemba make up the biggest single ethnic group in Zambia, accounting for almost a third of the total population. Their Bemba language is one of the most frequently spoken in Zambia, and they are largely found in the country’s northern and central areas.

About 11 percent of Zambians identify as Tonga, making them the country’s second-largest ethnic community. About 1.5 million Zambians speak a language called Tonga, and most of them live in the country’s southern and western areas.

The Lozi make up around 5% of Zambia’s population and are another major ethnic group. About 600,000 Zambians speak their language, also called Lozi, mostly in the country’s western province.

The Ngoni are a minority in Zambia, accounting up just around 2% of the total population. About 200,000 people in Zambia speak the Ngoni language, which is spoken largely in the country’s eastern and central areas.

Another tiny ethnic group in Zambia, the Lunda only account for around 2% of the total population. About 200,000 Zambians speak the Lunda language, which is spoken mostly by this group that live in the country’s northern area.

The Kaonde people are one of Zambia’s smaller ethnic groups, making up just around 2% of the country’s total population. About 200 thousand Zambians speak a language called Kaonde, and most of them live in the country’s northwest.

The Luvale are yet another tiny Zambian ethnic minority, making up only around 2% of the total. About 200 thousand Zambians speak a language named Luvale, and most of them live in the country’s northwest.
In sum, Zambia is home to a wide range of ethnic groups, each of which contributes to the country’s own culture and history.