Afars

The Afars are an Afroasiatic, Cushitic-speaking ethnic group of the Horn of Africa. They form a widely distributed population across Djibouti, the Afar Region in northern Ethiopia, and parts of Eritrea, with smaller communities in neighboring areas. Traditionally, many Afars are pastoralists or semi-nomads, known for camel herding and salt production from the Danakil Depression.

Language and identity: The Afar speak the Afar language (Afari), a Cushitic language of the Afroasiatic phylum. They are generally bilingual in the dominant languages of their countries, including Amharic or Tigrinya in Ethiopia, Arabic and French in Djibouti, and Tigrinya in Eritrea, with regional dialects.

Society and economy: Afar social organization has historically been organized around clans and kin groups. Economic life centers on pastoralism—camels, cattle, goats—and salt mining and trade in the Danakil region. In some areas, agricultural crops are grown along rivers during the rainy season. Cross-border trade and seasonal migrations remain common.

Culture and religion: The vast majority of Afars are Muslims, predominantly Sunni, with some influence from Sufi orders and traditional practices. Cultural life includes distinctive music, dance, crafts, and a tradition of caravanning and exchange with neighboring peoples.