The term "Bantu" refers to a group of over 500 closely related languages and the people who speak them, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. The Bantu people share cultural and historical ties, and their languages belong to the larger Niger-Congo language family. They are known for their rich traditions, including music, dance, and art, which reflect their diverse cultures. Historically, the Bantu migration, which began around 1000 BCE, spread these languages and cultures across much of Africa. This movement led to significant changes in agriculture, ironworking, and social structures. Today, the Bantu-speaking populations include groups like the Zulu, Xhosa, and Shona, each with unique customs and languages.