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Hutu comprises the majority of Burundi ethnic groups and they constitute about 85 % of the population. Hutu are also known as Bahutu or Wahutu and are basically the Central African ethic group. Apart from Burundi, the Hutus also reside in various regions of Rwanda. The Central Africa was initially dominated by Twa but when the Hutu tribe arrived they forced the Twa tribe. The Hutus could easily outnumber the Twa.
Tutsis form the other major ethnic tribe in Burundi. The Hutus and Tutsis enjoyed equal social status and importance in the government. But the relation between the two tribes was strained during the colonial days of Burundi. The German administrators bestowed more power to the Tutsis that led to an altercation between the two tribal groups. The racial conflict led to the eruption of ethnic violence in the 1960s. The situation has not improved much in recent times.
People of the Hutu tribe are mainly farmers. Most of the Hutu tribe resides in the rural areas in grass huts on their respective farms. Men and women are equally responsible for the farm work. Other than farming, the Hutus are also engaged in cattle herding which forms an important source of income.
The Hutupeople mainly follow their own tribal religions. But with the coming of Christian missionaries, many Hutus were converted to Roman Catholicism. The main language spoken by the people of this tribe is Kirundi. Kirundi is the native language of Burundi. The tradesmen, who carry on business with neighboring countries, have picked up the Swahili language for conversation purpose. The educated Hutus can also converse in French.
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