kids encyclopedia robot

Xhosa people facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Xhosa
Nelson Mandela.jpgSthAfrica.ThaboMbeki.01.jpgArchbishop-Tutu-medium.jpg
Famous Xhosa people: Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Desmond Tutu
Total population
(About 7.9 million (2001 estimate))
Regions with significant populations
Eastern Cape: 5.4 million

Western Cape: 1.1 million
Gauteng: 0.7 million
Free State: 0.25 million
Kwazulu-Natal: 0.22 million

(2001 estimates)
Languages
Xhosa (many also speak Zulu, English, and/or Afrikaans)
Religion
African Traditional Religion, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Nguni, Basotho, Zulu, other Bantu people and South Africans
Person umXhosa
People amaXhosa
Language isiXhosa

The Xhosa (Xhosa: amaXhosa) are a large group of people living in South Africa. They make up about 18% of the country's population. The Xhosa language, called isiXhosa, is a Bantu language. It is part of the Nguni subgroup, just like the Zulu language.

Discover the Xhosa People

The Xhosa are one of the most important ethnic groups in South Africa. They have a rich history and culture. Many famous leaders and thinkers come from the Xhosa people.

Where Xhosa People Live

Most Xhosa people live in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. You can also find many Xhosa communities in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces. Smaller groups live in other parts of South Africa too.

The Xhosa Language and Culture

The Xhosa language, isiXhosa, is known for its unique clicking sounds. These sounds are made by quickly moving the tongue in different ways. Xhosa culture is rich in traditions, music, and storytelling. Family and community are very important to the Xhosa people.

Famous Xhosa Leaders

One of the most famous Xhosa people was Nelson Mandela. He was a key leader in the fight against Apartheid in South Africa. Mandela later became the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Other notable Xhosa figures include Thabo Mbeki, who also served as president, and Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and archbishop.

Related Topics

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Xhosa para niños

kids search engine
Xhosa people Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.