Pygmies are ethnic groups known for short stature, typically under 150 centimeters (4 feet 11 inches). They are widely distributed throughout central African rainforests and in Southeast Asia, specifically the Andaman Islands. The term "pygmy" is an anthropological classification rather than a self-identifier, and different groups have unique identities and histories.
Well-known pygmy groups include:
* The Aka people, primarily in the Congo Basin.
* The Mbuti people, in the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
* The Twa people, in Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda.
* The Semang people, in the Malay Peninsula and the Andaman Islands.
* The Aeta people, indigenous to the Philippines.
Pygmy groups typically adopt hunter-gatherer lifestyles, relying on rainforest resources. They have intricate knowledge of local flora and fauna and diverse cultural practices and languages. Historically, they have faced marginalization and discrimination, but they show remarkable resilience in maintaining their distinct cultures.