Member of the majority ethnic group of Burundi and Rwanda, numbering around 9.5 million. The Hutu tend to live as peasant farmers. They have been dominated by the Tutsi minority since the 14th century and there is a long history of violent conflict between the two groups. The Hutu language belongs to the Bantu branch of the Niger-Congo family.
White symbolizes justice and the promise of the future. Blue stands for prosperity. Red represents unity and purpose and the blood shed during the struggle for freedom. Effective date: 4 December 1975.