Hutu

Hutu is the name given to one of the three ethnic groups occupying Burundi and Rwanda. The Hutu people are the largest group by far. 85% of Rwandans and 85% of Burundians are Hutu. Culturally, it is something of an artificial division, based more on class than ethnicity, since there are no significant language or cultural differences between the Hutu and the other ethnic groups in the area, notably the Tutsi. Historically, however, there were physical differences, principally in average height and physical appearances. Hutu and Tutsi share the same religion and language. Some scholars also point out the important role the Belgian colonisers had in creating the idea of a Hutu and Tutsi race. This refers to the Hamitic controversy of the Tutsi people.

External links

• http://www.newint.org/issue260/keynote.htm
• http://www.africaaction.org/bp/ethcen.htm