Swahili

Language belonging to the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family, widely used in east and central Africa. Swahili originated on the East African coast as a lingua franca used among traders, and contains many Arabic loan words. It is an official language in Kenya and Tanzania.

The name Swahili is also used for the group of African people of Bantu origin using the language, especially those living in Zanzibar and adjoining coastal areas of Kenya and Tanzania. The Swahili are not an isolated people, but are part of a mixed coastal society engaged in farming, fishing, and trading. They mingled freely with the Arabs, who have greatly influenced their customs, language, and religion. Most are Muslims.