The Yoruba are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, with a rich history, a major language and a culture admired worldwide. This guide answers the most common questions about the Yoruba tribe, from population and language to religion and history. Many Yoruba people prefer the term “people” to “tribe”, so we use both here to match what readers search for.
Yoruba Tribe Quick Facts
- Population: Wikipedia lists an estimate of about 53 million (2025). Estimates vary, so treat the number as approximate.
- Language: Yoruba, a tonal Niger-Congo language, is reported to have the most first-language speakers of any language in that family.
- Homeland: south-western Nigeria, with communities in Benin and Togo.
- Poetic names: Ọmọ Oòduà (children of Oduduwa) and Ọmọ Káàárọ̀-oòjíire.
- Religion: Christianity, Islam and traditional Yoruba religion are all practised.
- Diaspora: large communities in the UK, USA, Canada, Brazil and Cuba.
Origin and History
Yoruba tradition traces the people to Ile-Ife and the ancestor Oduduwa; read the full story in our guide to the origin of the Yoruba and Ile-Ife. The Yoruba built some of Africa’s most urban societies, with kingdoms such as Oyo, Ijebu and Ife. See Yoruba kingdoms and city-states and the Oyo Empire.
Yoruba Subgroups
The Yoruba include groups such as Oyo, Ijebu, Egba, Ekiti, Ijesha, Ondo and Awori, each with its own dialect and traditions. Read more in Yoruba subgroups.
Language
Yoruba has 25 letters and three tones; see the Yoruba alphabet and start learning with how to learn Yoruba.
Religion and Culture
Traditional beliefs centre on Olódùmarè, the Orisha and the ancestors, explained in Yoruba religion. Daily life emphasises good character, respect and community; read Yoruba culture. Famous Yoruba figures are listed in famous Yoruba people.
Where Do the Yoruba Live?
The heartland covers Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, with parts of Kwara and Kogi. The wider diaspora is covered in the Yoruba diaspora. For background, see Wikipedia’s Yoruba people page.
Yoruba Tribe FAQs
How many Yoruba people are there?
Estimates are around 50 million or more, with Wikipedia listing about 53 million for 2025.
Where do the Yoruba people come from?
Tradition traces them to Ile-Ife, and the Yoruba live mainly in south-western Nigeria, Benin and Togo.
What religion do the Yoruba practise?
Many practise Christianity or Islam, and others follow traditional Yoruba religion; many blend traditions.
