Yes, in civ tribes are nothing as "specific" like in SMAC. There is a record that shows three characteristics (these I believe): the will of civ to expand, the will of civ to build units or improvements more, and the will of civ to pick war technologies or trade ones.
This only means that if you have 10 cities and Mongols have one they will still sneak attack you, while Babylonians will rarely do so even if the case is opposite.
No bonuses in trade or production like in SMAC. (which is good I think
)