 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| c. 70,000 [1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Chad | |
| Languages | |
| Bagirmi, Fula, Chadian Arabic | |
| Religion | |
| Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Sara people, other Central Sudanic peoples |
The Bagirmi (also spelled "Baguirmi") or Barma are a Central African ethnic group who inhabit the Chari-Baguirmi region of Chad. They are one of Chad's major ethnic groups. [2]
The Bagirmi mostly speak the Bagirmi language as their native language, although some of them speak Fula [1] or Chadian Arabic [3] instead.
Their main religion is Folk Islam. Islam was introduced to the Bagirmi by the start of the 17th century, however it never fully replaced their traditional beliefs. [1]
Bagirmi society has a royal family [1] [2] and their king is known as mbang, a tradition that dates back to the Sultanate of Bagirmi.
The Bagirmi mainly cultivate sorghum and millet and raise cattle, chickens, goats and sheep. [1]