The Pygmies of Central Africa Over 150,000 unreached Pygmies live in the tropical rain forests of Central Africa. They inhabit the region that stretches from Cameroon, across the Congo, into Zaire. At least one of the groups, the Akebou, also occupies parts of Togo, West Africa. Pygmies are best known for their small size. Adults usually grow to be only three or four feet tall.
Pygmies are the earliest known inhabitants of the Congo Basin, which is located in Zaire.
It is also reported that the Ituri Forest has been occupied by Pygmies for over four thousand years. The Pygmies who live there today call themselves Mbuti . The Mbuti includes such groups as the Efe, the Aka, and the Bayaka Pygmies. Pygmies are lighter skinned than their Negroid neighbors. They are a gentle, peaceful people who have the ability to be camouflaged so well in the forest that they can be passed without ever being noticed.