Who Are the Roma People? A Guide to History & Culture

Short answer

The Roma are an ethnic group who began in northern India and migrated to Europe centuries ago. Today they live across Europe and the rest of the world. Many speak the Romani language, share related cultures, and have faced long histories of discrimination. For more background, see Britannica on the Roma and the Wikipedia overview.

Who are the Roma?

The Roma (also written Romani) are a group of people connected by history, language, and shared traditions. They are not a single nation. Instead, Roma include many sub-groups such as Sinti, Kalé, Gitano, and Romanichal. The United Nations calls Roma “one of the world’s most populous marginalized communities.” Learn more from the UN summary.

Where did the Roma come from? A short timeline

1. Origins in northern India: Linguistic and genetic studies point to origins in the Punjab region of India. See genetic and language notes.
2. Migration west: Groups moved west through the Middle East and reached Europe in the Middle Ages.
3. Early modern period: Roma lived across Europe, often as travelling communities, tradespeople, and craftsmen.
4. Persecution and slavery: In parts of Eastern Europe, including areas of modern Romania, Roma were enslaved and later expelled or persecuted.
5. The 20th century: Hundreds of thousands of Roma were murdered under the Nazi regime; the event is remembered on Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day (2 August). The National WW2 Museum and the UN provide reliable accounts.

Where do Roma live today?

Most Roma live in Europe, especially in Eastern and Central Europe. Large populations are in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and other countries. Many also live in Western Europe and in the United States. For country-level details, see the geographic notes in Britannica.

Culture, language, and daily life

Roma culture is rich and varied. Here are common features you may find across different Roma communities:

• Language: Many Roma speak dialects of Romani alongside the main language of the country where they live.
• Music and dance: Music is a major cultural expression. Roma influences are visible in styles like flamenco and many regional folk traditions. See cultural notes at the National WW2 Museum.
• Family and community: Family ties and community networks are central. Extended families often stay close and support one another.
• Trades and crafts: Historically, many Roma worked in trades such as metalwork, music, and animal handling. These skills shaped their social roles.

Sub-groups and terminology

Different Roma groups identify by names based on language, region, or traditional work. This short table shows a few well-known groups:

Group	Common regions	Notes
Sinti	Germany, Italy, France	Often used for a distinct Central European group.
Kalé (Calé)	Spain, Portugal, Wales	Includes Spanish Gitano communities.
Romanichal	United Kingdom	Also called English Romanies; distinct dialects and customs.

Is "Gypsy" an offensive word?

Most Roma organizations say the English word "Gypsy" is harmful because it carries stereotypes and a mistaken origin story (it implies the group came from Egypt). Amnesty International and other groups recommend using "Roma" or a specific subgroup name when possible. Read Amnesty’s guidance at The Roma in Europe. A short note: in a few places some people still accept or use "Gypsy" about themselves, but it’s safest to ask or use "Roma".

History of persecution

Roma have faced exclusion, forced labor, legal discrimination, and violence for centuries. Notable historic facts:

• In parts of Eastern Europe, Roma were enslaved until the 19th century.
• During World War II, Nazi and allied forces murdered hundreds of thousands of Roma in what many call the Romani genocide. The National WW2 Museum and the UN document these crimes.
• Today, discrimination continues in housing, education, health care, and policing. The UN and human-rights groups track these issues and call for stronger protections.

Challenges Roma face today

Common problems include:

• Social exclusion and segregation in schools and housing.
• Higher rates of poverty and worse health outcomes.
• Discrimination by institutions and in daily life.

For human-rights reporting and analysis see the UN page and Amnesty.

How to talk about Roma respectfully

Here are practical tips you can use:

• Use "Roma" or a specific subgroup name when you can.
• Avoid the word "Gypsy" unless someone asks to use it.
• Don’t repeat stereotypes (e.g., about crime or fraud).
• Listen to Roma voices: choose sources and organizations led by Roma people.

Want a short guide to keep? Bookmark the Amnesty briefing and the UN page.

FAQ

• Is Roma the same as Romanian? No. "Roma" refers to the ethnic group. "Romanian" refers to people from Romania. They are different words and not interchangeable.
• Do all Roma speak Romani? Many do, but not all. Some speak only the majority language of their country. Dialects vary.
• When is Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day? It is observed on 2 August to remember Roma victims of the Nazi regime.
• What does "Roma" mean? In Romani, "Roma" is often said to mean "people" or "men."

Quick check: can you explain where the Roma originated and why "Roma" is the preferred term? If yes, you’re ready to share this topic accurately and respectfully.

Sources and further reading: Britannica, the UN, Amnesty, Wikipedia, Traveller Movement, and the National WW2 Museum.