Hausa

Way of life

The overwhelming majority of the people adhere to Sunni Islam. Another part practices traditional religions and a very small part belongs to Christianity.

The number of Hausa, who migrated more than 1000 years ago to the northern part of present-day Nigeria, has meanwhile risen to a considerable number, alone in Nigeria, of about 20 million. The name Hausa does not only stand for the people, but for all ethnic groups living in the so-called Hausaland.
The traditional clothing of the Hausa consists of loose-falling and ornately embroidered garments which are originally called "Baba Riga". They are worn together with wide trousers and a turban, which is artistically wrapped around a fez. This combination is considered a kind of national costume among the Hausa.

Economy

The main sources of income for the Hausa are trade in goods. They are known far beyond the borders of West Africa as merchants. In addition, they are very skilled in dyeing fabrics, making leather, pottery and fabrics. Farming, mainly in the area around Kano, is also practiced by the Hausa.