Peul

The Peul, also known as Fulani, Fulbe, or Fula, are a widely dispersed ethno-linguistic group in West Africa and parts of Central Africa. They speak Fula languages, collectively called Fulfulde, Pulaar, or Pular, which belong to the Niger-Congo language family. Traditionally, the Peul have been known for cattle herding and long-distance trading, though many are now farmers or urban residents as well.

Geographically, Peul populations are found across a broad arc from the Atlantic coast to the Sahel and into Central Africa. Major concentrations occur in Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, and Chad, with sizable communities in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. A global diaspora of Peul communities exists in Europe and the Americas.

Culture and social organization emphasize pulaaku, a code of conduct stressing self-control, dignity, hospitality, and restraint. Social life is organized around clans and lineages, and pastoralism has historically been a central livelihood, complemented by crop farming, trade, and crafts. Islam is the predominant religion among Peul, often with influence from Sufi orders such as Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya. Fulani culture is also expressed in oral literature, music, and distinctive styles of dress in various regions.

Language and literacy vary by country and community. Fulfulde is spoken across dialects and written in Latin script in many areas, though French, English, and local languages are also used in education and administration. The Peul have contributed significantly to the cultural and economic landscapes of West Africa, while facing contemporary challenges such as climate change, land use conflicts, and urbanization.