The Zulu are the largest South African ethnic group, with an estimated 10–11 million people living mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Small numbers also live in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.

Their language, Zulu, is a Bantu language; more specifically, part of the Nguni subgroup.

The Zulu Kingdom played a major role in South African history during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Under apartheid, Zulu people were classed as third-class citizens and suffered from state-sanctioned discrimination.

They remain today the most numerous ethnic group in South Africa, and now have equal rights along with all other citizens.