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The Fula is an ethnic group of people spread over many countries in West Africa, from Mauritania in the northwest to Cameroon in the east. They are called many names, including Foulah, Peulh, Peul, Fulfulde, Fulbe, and Fulani. A closely related group is the Tukolor ( Toucoleur ) in the central Senegal River valley.

They speak the Pulaar language, or variants thereof, as do the Tukulor ; all local people who speak that language natively are known as the "halpulaar". The traditional dress of the Fula in most places is long colorful flowing robes, modestly embroidered or otherwise decorated. Most Fula in the countryside spend long times alone on foot, moving their herds. They are the only major migrating people of West Africa.

History

The Fulani were traditionally a nomadic, pastoral community, herding cattle, goats and sheep across the vast dry hinterlands of their domain, keeping somewhat separate from the local agricultural populations. During the 16th century the Fula expanded through the sahel grasslands stretching from what is today Senegal to Sudan. Fulani strength was centered on powerful cavalry that could quickly move across the large empire and defeat rivals. This meant the Fulani could not expand southwards, however, as the horseThis article discusses ungulate mammals. For other meanings of horse see Horse (disambiguation). The Horse Equus caballus is a large ungulate mammal, one of the seven modern species of the genus Equus''. It has long played an important role in transportats could not withstand the diseaseA disease is any abnormal condition of the body or mind that causes discomfort, dysfunction, or distress to the person affected or those in contact with the person. Sometimes the term is used broadly to include injuries, disabilities, syndromes, symptoms,s of those latitudes.

During the 19th centuryAlternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical ( 18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801- 1900. Events The Little Ice Age ended under Usman dan Fodio the Fulani became the leaders of a centralized Fulani EmpireThe Fulani Empire was one of the most powerful states in sub-Saharan Africa in the years prior to European colonization. The Fulani were traditionally a nomadic, pastoral community, herding cattle, goats and sheep. They populated the grasslands between th. This empire continued until 19031903 has the latest occurring solstices and equinoxes for 400 years, because the Gregorian calendar hasn't had a leap year for seven years or a century leap year since 1600. Events January 1 Edward VII of the United Kingdom is proclaimed Emperor of India when the Fulani were divided up among European colonizers.