Largest Ethnic Groups In Iran

The Persian people are the largest ethnic group in modern day Iran.

Iran is a country at the juncture of Western Asia and the Middle East. Iran borders seven other countries, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkey. It also borders the Gulf of Oman, the Caspian Sea, and the Persian Gulf. The country was known as Persia until 1935.

Iran is a multi-ethnic nation with different ethnic groups that includes Persians, Kurds, Lurs, Arabs, Baluchs, Turkmen and Turkic tribes. The country enjoys a mix of cultures borrowed from far and wide. The many languages spoken in Iran have similarities to European and Asian languages. Persian is the largest ethnic group in Iran. The ethnic group makes up more than half of the nation's population. Due to Persian dominance, the group's culture has had a significant impact on other cultures in the country. Iran has taken measures to ensure ethnic diversity is maintained. The constitution guarantees the rights of Ethnic minority groups in Iran. According to the law, the minority groups have equal rights with the majority group.

Persians

Persians and their culture dominate the Iranian population. They are estimated to make up 61% of the population. They occupy major urban areas such as Tehran, Esfahan, Mashhad, Yazd and Shiraz. The official language in Iran is Persian also known as Farsi. It is the first language for Persians, and ethnic minorities use it as a second language. Persians are known to have a rich cultural heritage. Their music, art, and poetry are ranked the best in Iran. Persians hold a majority of government positions. As a result, they influence important government decisions. Most Persians are Shia Muslims, the predominant religious group in Iran.

Azerbaijani

Azerbaijanis, also known as Azeris, are the second largest ethnic group in Iran, making up an estimated 16% of the total population. They are a Turkic-speaking community found in northwestern Iran close to the border with Azerbaijan. The Azeri language is almost similar to the Turkish language spoken in Turkey. Azeri people have a great deal in common with Persians. Their lifestyles are almost similar. In the cities, Azerbaijani and Persians have considerably intermarried. These people are more integrated into the Iranian society than other ethnic minorities. Azerbaijanis, just as with most Persians, are predominately Shia Muslims.

Kurds

Kurds are ranked as the third largest ethnic group in Iran. They make up approximately 10% of the population. They occupy both rural and urban areas. Rural Kurds are nomadic pastoralists. The majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslims.

Lurs

Lurs form the fourth largest ethnic group in Iran. They constitute 6%of the total population. The majority of the Lurs are pastoral nomads. Lurs who reside in rural areas are governed by tribal elders. They are considered among the fiercest tribe in Iran. Lurs acquired a bad reputation for preying on non-Lur villages.

Arabs

Arabs are a smaller minority group in Iran at an estimated 2% of the population. They primarily occupy oil rich regions in Iran. Ethnic Arabs complain of discrimination, and neglect by the Iranian government. Ethnic conflicts involving Arabs and government agencies have broken out in recent years.

Inter-Ethnic Relations

Iran is a diverse nation with many ethnic groups living therein. The largest ethnic group, Persian, has considerable control over the country. Ethnic minorities such as Kurds, Azeris, Lurs, and Arabs are discriminated against by the Iranian government. They live in under-developed areas and do not have access to proper education and healthcare. Due to the unequal treatment of the majority ethnic group and the minority groups, ethnic unrest is common in Iran.

Largest Ethnic Groups In Iran

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Population in Contemporary Iran
1 Persian 61%
2 Azerbaijani 16%
3 Kurdish 10%
4 Luri (Lors) 6%
5 Turkmen and Other Turkic
Peoples 2%
6 Arab 2%
7 Balochi 2%
Other Groups 1%

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•Culled from www.worldatlas.com

Largest Ethnic Groups In Indonesia

Indonesia is an ethnically diverse nation, with Javanese and Sundanese peoples being the largest groups.

The Republic of Indonesia, the world's largest island, is located in Southeast Asia with part of its territory in the Oceania. The country is sandwiched between Pacific and Indian Oceans. Indonesia has more than 13 islands with an estimated population of 237.6 million people spread across the islands. The majority of the population (58%) lives in Java Island. The population growth rate is 1.9% and a relatively young population with an average median age of 28.1 years. Indonesia also has the largest diaspora with over 8 million people spread across the world especially in countries such as Malaysia, UAE, US, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Australia. Indonesia is home to over 300 ethnic groups and 742 different dialects. These ethnic groups include;

Javanese

Javanese people are the largest ethnic group in Indonesia with a population of over 100 million (40.2%) according to the 2011 census. They occupy mainly the central and eastern parts of the island. Javanese are also found in Malaysia, South Africa, Netherland, and Singapore. The ethnic group is divided into sub-groups including Mataram, Osing, Cirebonese, Samin, Tenggerese, Naganese, and Boyanese. The majority of these sub-groups are Muslims while a minority identify with Christianity. Javanese culture flourished in Indonesia and the oldest civilization that has been influenced by other cultures over time. The culture of this ethnic group demonstrates concern for elegance and refinement, courtesy, emotional restraint, politeness and consciousness to one's social status. Javanese values are promoted by cultural expressions such as dance, batik, gamelan, and wayang.

Sundanese

Sundanese people occupy mainly the western part of Indonesia and numbers approximately 40 million representing 15.5% of the total population. The majority of Sundanese are Muslims with a very few of them being Christians and Buddhists. Sundanese people are of Austronesian origin who migrated from Taiwan through the Philippines in the 1500BC. The ethnic group has borrowed a lot of its culture from the Javanese except for the less rigid systems. They identify with the bilateral kinship system that considers both male and female equally important in the society. Rituals evolve around individual's life cycle from birth to death. Sundanese cuisine characterized by freshness is popular in most of the cities in Indonesia. The ethnic group is largely agricultural with rice being the main crop cultivated.

Batak

Batak is a collective name for ethnic groups including Alas, Kluet, Toba, Mandailing, Pakpak, and Karo. These ethnic groups are found mainly in the North Sumatra in Indonesia. Though these sub-groups are distinct, their languages and customs are related. These ethnic groups collectively account for 3.65% of the total population in Indonesia. Batak societies are patriarchally organized around clans called Marga with fierce warriors guarding the clans. Batak's major occupation is agriculture, fishing, and hunting. Lake Toba provides freshwater suitable for aquaculture. The Batak value education and prominent professional positions especially doctors, teachers, lawyers, and engineers. The burial tradition for these ethnic groups is very rich and complex with begu rituals performed on the body. The burial ceremony also includes reburial of bones of ancestors.

Conclusion

Other ethnic groups in Indonesia include Madurese, Betawi, Minangkabau, Buginese, Malay, and Bantenese. These ethnic groups each account for at least 2% of the country's population. Most of these ethnic groups are predominantly farmers and a majority of their populations are Muslims.

Largest Ethnic Groups In Indonesia

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Indonesian Population
1 Javanese 40.2%
2 Sundanese 15.5%
3 Batak 3.65%
4 Madurese 3.0%
5 Betawi 2.9%
6 Minangkabau 2.7%
7 Buginese 2.7%
8 Malay 2.3%
9 Bantenese 2.0%
10 Banjarese 1.7%

By John Misachi

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Biggest Ethnic Groups In India

The CIA World Factbook lists most of India's present populace as either Indo-Aryan or Dravidian.

India is a unique country with great diversity in ethnicities, race, religion, language, culture, cuisine and in every other aspect of the human society. Indian civilization is one of the oldest in the world and primarily consists of the Into-Aryans of North India and the Dravidians of South India, the latter being the original inhabitants of the country, with links to the people of the Indus Valley Civilization while the former migrated to the country at about 1800 BCE. As India has such a diverse cultural demographic, it makes sense that the country is also incredibly linguistically diverse.

Indo-Aryans

The Indo-Aryan people are part of the various Indo-European ethnolinguistic groups who speak one of the many Indo-Aryan languages. It is estimated that the Indo-Aryans first migrated to the Indian Subcontinent of South Asia around 1800 BCE. Indo-Aryans make up the majority of the Indian population and are mostly located in north and central India.

The Indo-Aryans are the most diverse group of people in India, being made up of Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Marathi and Punjabi. The Indo-Aryans dominated all of India, outside of South India where most Indians are of Dravidian origin. Many of India's great dynasties and empires came from the Indo-Aryan peoples of India, like the Maurya Empire (322-185 BC), the Gupta Empire (320-558), the Karkota Empire (625-885), the Pala Empire (700-1100), the Maratha Empire (1674-1818), and the Mughal Empire (1526-1857), just to name the major ones. Each of the Indo-Aryan ethnic groups has their own language or languages.

Dravidians

The Dravidian people are any native speakers of the Dravidian languages in the Indian Subcontinent of South Asia. Almost all the Dravidians of India live in the south of India. The five major ethnic groups of Dravidian people in India are Kannadiga, Malayali, Tulu, Tamil, and Telugu.

The ancient Indus Valley civilization in India was believed to have been of Dravidian origin in northern India, but then the Dravidian people were pushed south when the Indo-Aryans came in and the Kuru Kingdom in northern Indian arose. Later south India was dominated by the three Dravidian kingdoms of the Cheras, Cholas, and the Pandyas. These three kingdoms have been shown to sponsor the growth of literature, music, the arts and to have done extensive trading. The three kingdoms also supported and were tolerant of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, which is part of the reason why the Dravidian people have a diverse religious following. The Chera kingdom fell to the Rashtrakuta Dynasty over time, and then eventually the Vijayanagara Empire dominated all of south India. Eventually, after a few centuries in power, the Vijayanagara Empire collapsed in 1646 due to rebellions and pressure from the Muslim north. South India then split up into smaller states that were then slowly taken over by colonists from Europe. The major languages spoken by the Dravidian people are Brahui, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu.

Mongoloid and Other Minority Groups

The Brachycephalic peoples were the first to arrive in India, having traveled all the way from Africa. In modern mainland India, only small groups of the Brachycephalic peoples, like the Irulas, Kodars, Paniyans, and Kurumbas, live in small areas in southern India in hill tribes. They are mostly found in the Indian territories of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The next group of people to arrive in India were the were the Austrics, who were the group that paved the way for the modern foundation for Indian civilization. They were the first in India to have cultivated vegetables and rice, as well as made sugar. There are very few Austrics found in India now, but their languages still live on in Eastern and Central India. The Mongoloids are found in the various states in the northeastern part of India, as well as in the northern areas in the states of Ladakh, parts of West Bengal, and Sikkim. The last minority group in India are the Western Brachycephals who mostly live in the western part of India is areas like Kashmir, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Biggest Ethnic Groups In India

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Indian Population
1 Indo-Aryan 72%
2 Dravidian 25%
3 Mongoloid and Other Minority Groups 3%

By Gregory Sousa

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Who Are The Han Chinese People?

Around 20% of the people on our planet are ethnically Han Chinese, and the Han have made many important religious, philosophical, and scientific contributions.

Geographic Distribution

The Han people belong to the largest ethnic group in China, with around 90% of people in mainland China being Han. Taiwan counts 90% of its people as Han Chinese as well, Hong Kong has about 6.6 million Han Chinese, while Singapore has 2.7 million Han. The Han people have long prospered in China, and increasingly many have ventured abroad and settled worldwide. Internationally, Han people can be found in Macau. Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Japan, Laos, India, Cambodia, Malaysia, Russia,the United States, Canada, Peru, France, and England. Almost 1 in every 5 people on our planet are ethnically Han Chinese, though most of these live in the People's Republic of China.

Historical Role

Han people originally ruled and influenced China during the Han Dynasty, beginning in 206 BC. Arts and science flourished during this time, which is often referred to as the Golden Age of China. The period introduced Buddhism, saw the spread of Confucianism and Taoism, and further developed the use of Chinese characters in writing. This was also the start of the Silk Road route that established trade between China and many nations far to the west. The first Chinese emperor, Huang-di, also called the Yellow Emperor, who united China, is considered by many Han as an ancestor. Huang-di ruled the Hua Xia tribe that lived by the Yellow River, thus his title as the Yellow Emperor. The Yellow River in China is considered by the Han as the cradle of their civilization, from where Han culture began and spread outwardly.

Language, Religion, and Ways of Life

Hanyu was the original language of the Han, and a tongue which later developed into an early version of Mandarin Chinese. Then, a written vernacular Chinese was increasingly used as a link among and between the many local languages used that time. Folk religion also played a large role in Han life. The worship of figures in Chinese mythology and clan ancestors were fused with Confucianism and Taoist Buddhism. The Han family structure was run like a business concern, with the head, the treasurer manager, and the family members all working together. A typical house had different areas and buildings designated for every member of the family. Food varied from spicy Sichuan cooking to Dim Sum "small dishes" to various ethnic influences.

Notable Han Accomplishments

The Golden Age of China during the Han Dynasty brought a renaissance to Chinese literature, philosophy, arts, and cuisine. The early Han people introduced many discoveries to the outside world that came into contact with them. These included fireworks, rockets, gunpowder, the crossbow, cannons, and matches. Paper, printing, paper money, porcelain, silk, lacquer, compass, and earthquake detectors were also developed in China long ago. The Ming Dynasty, also ruled by Han people, contributed to the building of the Great Wall, which was began by the first Han Emperor, Huang-di, during the first Imperial Dynasty. The Terracotta Army of Huang-di is also a Han accomplishment. The Terracotta Army and Great Wall alike have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Modern Presence and Influence

Modern Han people are still receiving accolades for their meaningful contributions to the fields of science and mathematics. A few of them have been recipients of Nobel Prize awards. Namely, Han Nobel Laureates have included Charles K. Kao, Daniel C. Tsui, Chen Ning Yang, Yuan T. Lee, Samuel C. C. Ting, Roger Y. Tsien, Tsung-Dao Lee, and Steven Chu. One of the founders of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is also a Han named, Tsien Hsue-shen. In 1942, the Manhattan Project was helped along by another Han, Chien-Shiung Wu, a Han physicist. Charles Kao, is a Han who is considered as having discovered fiber optics and broadband. A Han also, Ching W. Tang discovered organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), and is considered a leading researcher in the field of Organic Electronics. The list goes on and on, as this group has long made contributions for the betterment of humanity, and is still doing so today.

By Ronaldo Y Wee

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

The Culture Of East Timor

East Timor's culture is a blend of the distinct cultures of its diverse ethnic groups.
The small, Southeast island nation of
East Timor (Timor-Leste) comprises the Timor island's eastern half and also includes some nearby islands. The country hosts a population of around 1,321,929 inhabitants. It has great ethnic diversity. The native population consists of many distinct ethnic groups of mixed Melanesian/Papuan and Austronesian descent. The country also hosts people of mixed Portuguese and East Timorese origin, a result of interracial marriage during Portuguese colonial rule. A small Chinese community also resides in the country. Thus, the country's culture is a blend of the distinct cultures of its diverse ethnic groups. Christianity is the dominant religion in East Timor, a legacy of the colonial rule. 97.6% of the population practice Roman Catholic Christianity.

5. East Timorese Cuisine

The cuisine of East Timor is heavily influenced by the cuisines of Southeast Asian nations and Portugal (the country was a Portuguese colony in the past). Rice, cassava, taro, and maize are the staples of the diet. Cowpeas, onions, cabbage, spinach, etc., are also consumed. Most homes in the country raise their own animals for milk and meat. Chicken and meat of goats and pigs are widely consumed. Some examples of East Timorese dishes are tapai (a fermented rice dish), caril (chicken curry with coconut paste and capsicum), Feijoada (a pork dish), etc. Desserts include Portuguese tart and Bibinka (a layered coconut cake).
Due to the unpredictable nature of precipitation and the varying climate patterns in the country, droughts are common, especially during the dry season between November and February. During such stressed times, the people subsist on akar which is the powder produced by beating the bark of the palm tree.
Coffee is a major cash crop of East Timor and is one of the country's biggest export products. Coffee is also consumed domestically.

4. Literature and Arts

Written literature in East Timor developed only recently. The literary scene in the country began during the Portuguese colonial reign. Literature flourished during the people's struggle for independence from foreign rule. Xanana Gusmão, a former Prime Minister of East Timor, is the most celebrated writer in the country. He was a leader of the natives' resistance to colonial rule and wrote two books on the fight of the people for independence. He also wrote many books on the culture and values of the people of the country.
The East Timorese craftsmen are very creative with their unique craftsmanship. Traditional hand woven fabrics called tais are sought after. These fabrics are produced in vibrant tribal designs, colors, and patterns. Basketry skills of the East Timorese are also widely appreciated. Other crafts in the country that attract the attention of tourists include embroidered bags, pottery, jewelry, musical instruments, dolls, and paintings. Roadside stalls and traditional markets sell such handicrafts.

3. Performance Arts in East Timor

The music of the country is influenced by the Portuguese and Indonesian music. The guitar is an integral part of the country's music while indigenous string instruments are also used. The likurai dance is a folk dance that is performed by women in the country. Traditionally, it was performed to the beat of drums to welcome men returning after a war, often carrying the enemy heads in processions through the village. During the colonial rule and Indonesian rule in the country, East Timorese music was associated with patriotism and the struggle for independence. In more recent times, foreign styles of music and dance like hip-hop, reggae, rock and roll, etc., have captured the attention of the country's younger generations.

2. Sports in East Timor

Although the people of East Timor play a number of traditional games and international sports, the athletic activities of the country's sportsmen are limited at the professional level. The widespread poverty existing in the country is responsible for the low levels of success of the country's sportsmen in international competitions. They have limited access to sophisticated training equipment, and facilities to prepare themselves for such competitions. The Timorese athletes have taken part in the Olympic Games, the 2003 Southeast Asian Games, etc.

1. Life in the East Timorese Society

Timor Leste had a tumultuous past. The people of the country have suffered centuries of Portuguese colonial rule and then invasions by Indonesia. The country's economy, although recovering now, still has great scope for improvement. Poverty and unemployment are widespread. Despite the hardships, the people haven't forgotten to smile. They shake hands when meeting strangers and flash bright smiles at them. The East Timorese people are known for their friendly nature. Humor is well-received by these people. Humour has helped them cope with their problematic past.
The people of the country are highly religious. Along with Christianity, they also continue to practice their animistic indigenous rituals.
The society in the country is patriarchal in nature with women's roles usually being confined to childcare and household chores. Women in the country suffer from domestic violence. Rape cases are also high. Early and forced marriages are common. Teenage pregnancies are a result of it. Men dominate the society and their decision is regarded as final. East Timorese households are usually extended in nature with patrilocal residence.

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Largest Ethnic Groups In China

More than 9 in every ten residents of the People in the Republic of China are of the Han ethnic Chinese. The ethnic group has a 91.59% of the overall Chinese population descent. The other 55 ethnic groups make up the minority consisting 8.41% of the total population as per the National Census of 2000. The ethnic groups harmoniously share the vast nation of China while leaving in the individual communities. The culture, festivals, and customs of the inhabitants of China are unique and serene.

The History of Ethnicity in China

The Han community for years portrayed prosperity and grew both in numbers and geographical boundaries. Within two millenniums, the ethnic group had absorbed many minority groups in China to become the dominant ethnic group. This sinicization reduced the many different states of China facilitating unity in imperial China. The Han inability to endorse and respect the different cultures and religion of other ethnic groups promoted the need for independence among the minorities conceptualizing a cultural divide. However, the imperial rule of the Han in their locality lands flourished until the communists took power in 1949.

Different ethnic group had a right to operate freely and independently of the federal government and can also disaffiliate. After years of influence, China finally gave into communalism. This change in governance saw the end of the sinofication of the non-Han Chinese people. The government of China also accepted, the Muslims in the region as Chinese and endorsed Islam as a religion constituting of many separate ethnic groups.

The Han Chinese, 91.6%

This ethnic group is the largest community not only in China but also in the whole world. With a population of about 1220.84 million, they live primarily in Yellow River, Pearl River, Yangtze River and Songliao Plain. The Han people majorly speak Mandarin and practice Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Zhuang, 1.27%

The Zhuang community group is the second largest community in the country with a population of 16,926,381. The majority occupy the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the province of Yunnan. They have their own language, but a majority speaks Chinese dialects. Their culture and way of life are similar to the Han, and this has facilitated respect and unity among them.

Hui Minority, 0.79%

This ethnic group practices the Islamic religion as they are descendants of the Turks but do not speak the dialect. Instead, they speak Mandarin Chinese just like the Uighurs.Today, they live in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in the northwest of China, and the community is concentrated in Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, and Xinjiang provinces. The ethnic group shares customs and language with the Han people. They are approximately 10,586,087 people.

Manchu, 0.78%

The ethnic group has a population of about 10,387,958 concentrated in the provinces of Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin. The people practice Buddhism and believe in Shamanism.

Uyghur, 0.76%

With a population of about 10,069,346, the ethnic group is found primarily in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and they practice Islam religion.

Interactions Between the Ethnic Groups

The government has introduced policies that facilitate the equity and unity between the ethnic groups. The systems also focus on promoting acceptance and tolerance of the different faiths and cultures practiced by the various communities. The introduction of regional autonomy by the government to enhance equity is the biggest stake in the minority group. The 55 communities have established townships and ran their affairs.

Despite these measures to promote peace and unity among and between the ethnic groups, the Tibetan people have continuously accused the government of China of marginalization. They claim that they are forced to reform and conform to the Chinese customs. China also accuses Beijing of the cultural genocides of the Tibetans and the recurring unsettling in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Largest Ethnic Groups In China

Rank Ethnic Group Population% of Overall Population

1 Han 1,220,844,52091.60
2 Zhuang 16,926,3811.27
3 Hui 10,586,0870.79
4 Manchu 10,387,9580.78
5 Uyghurs 10,069,3460.76
6 Miao 9,426,0070.71
7 Yi 8,714,3930.65
8 Tujia 8,353,9120.63
9 Tibetans 6,282,1870.47
10 Mongols 5,981,8400.45
11 Dong 2,879,9740.22
12 Buyei 2,870,0340.22
13 Yao 2,796,0030.21
14 Bai 1,933,5100.15
15 Korean 1,830,9290.14
16 Hani 1,660,9320.1
17 Li 1,463,0640.11
18 Kazakh 1,462,5880.11
19 Dai 1,261,3110.0
20 She 708,6510.05
21 Lisu 702,8390.05

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•Culled from www.worldatlas.com

Ethnic Groups In Cambodia

The Khmer are by far the largest ethnic group in Cambodia, alongside smaller numbers of other Southeast Asian peoples.

Cambodia formally known as the Kingdom of Cambodia is an Asian country situated in the Southeast Asian Peninsula. Cambodia is bordered by Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand with a total population of more 15 million people. The main religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism that is practiced by more than 90% the population. The Khmer are by far the largest ethnic group in Cambodia alongside smaller numbers of other Southeast Asian peoples. The minority groups in Cambodia include the Chams, Chinese, Vietnamese, and 30 other tribes from the hills.

Ethnic Groups In Cambodia

Khmer

The Khmer are the oldest ethnic groups in Cambodia having spread out into Southeast Asia around the same period the Mon did. Most historical experts including Sinologists, archaeologists, crop specialists, and linguists believe that the Khmer arrived in or before the 2000 BCE. It is believed that the Khmer brought with them agricultural practices in particular rice farming. The Khmer later built their Empire and overruled Southeast Asia from 802 CE for six centuries. At present, the Khmer Empire forms the Cambodian political, economic, and cultural mainstream. The Khmer people were the developers of the first alphabet and it is still in use in Southeast Asia. The first alphabet later gave way for the Thai and Lao scripts. The Khmer are historically believed to be lowland people choosing to live on one of the tributaries of the Mekong thus making them indigenous to other regions.

The Khmer people pride themselves on being one ethnicity that is not only associated with a single culture, history, and language but are split into three main small groups that are based on the nation of origin. The Cambodian Khmer people speak a dialect of the Khmer language. The Northern Khmer who speaks fluent Isan language are an indigenous ethnic group and their lands used to belong to the Khmer Empire but now belong to Thailand. The Khmer Krom are also native Khmers living in a Vietnam region that was formerly a part of Khmer Empire. The Khmer account for 91% of the Cambodian population.

Vietnamese

The Vietnamese were the most populous among the ethnic minority groups in Cambodia before the Cambodian Civil War with an estimated population of 450,000 mostly found in Southeast of Cambodia alongside the Mekong Delta. The Vietnamese of Cambodia also lived upstream along the shores of Tonlé Sap. However, during the civil war, the Vietnamese community was almost annihilated' from Cambodia. However, due to the Vietnamese invasion post-civil war, other Vietnamese people entered the country. The modern Cambodian government also maintained close ties with the Vietnamese and backed the Vietnamese ventures when they came to Cambodia to invest in the new market. Most urban immigrants consist of villagers who illegally cross the border into Cambodia to flee from poor rural conditions in Vietnam with hope for a better life. There exist very little cultural association between the Khmers and the Vietnamese because the first Khmers originated from the Greater India whereas the Vietnamese people originate from the East Asian culture. The Vietnamese account for 3% of the Cambodian population.

Chinese

The Chinese descended between the 19th and 20th century in Cambodia. Most of the Chinese were settlers who came because of trade and commerce when Cambodia was under the French protectorate. Chinese migration into Cambodia dates back to the early 12th century during the Khmer empire period. The Chinese and Khmers intermarry and often assimilate into the Khmer culture with a few Chinese retaining their customs. The Chinese account for 1% of the Cambodian population.

Tai, Cham, Lao, and Other Peoples

The Tai, Lao, Cham, and other group's population in Cambodia significantly decreased during the Cambodian civil war. The Lao people live in the distant northeast part of Cambodia along the Mekong and its tributaries. Most Lao born in Cambodia are acknowledged as Khmer according to a policy set by the Cambodian government. The Lao have a few political organizations and representation to none at all. Most of the remaining population of the 'other' Cambodian people has been assimilated into the Khmer culture. The Tai, Cham, Lao and Other account for 5% of Cambodia's population.

Ethnic Groups At A Glance

The Khmer have proven to be the socially and politically dominant group thus the other groups classify under the indigenous and nonindigenous ethnic minorities. There are about 17 to 21 independent ethnic groups who speak Austroasiatic dialects that are similar to Khmer. The indigenous ethnic minorities of Cambodia still maintain their traditional beliefs whereas the nonaboriginal ethnic minorities which include immigrants and descendants adopted the Khmer culture and language.

Ethnic Groups In Cambodia

RankEthnic GroupShare of Population of Cambodia1Khmer91%2Vietnamese3%3Chinese1%Thai, Cham, Lao, and Other Peoples5%

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Maltese Folk Music and Singing: Ghana

Traditional Maltese folk music has deep roots that date back to the 16th century, since music has always played an important part in the every day life of Maltese people.
This type of local folk music is called
ghana in Maltese (not to be mistaken with the country Ghana).

It can safely be said that folk music in Malta was heavily influenced by its geographical location. In fact, researchers state that ghana is a combination of the famous Sicilian ballad mixed with Arabic tunes.
In the old days, visitors to the Maltese islands used to comment that they were very impressed with the Maltese people's seemingly natural ability to sing and ryhme.

This folk singing was widespread on the islands and you could hear men and women singing while doing their daily activities on the farm, in the fields or around the house.

Ghana was in fact the music of peasants, fishermen and working class men and women.

A close look at the lyrics will reveal that each song usually recounts a story about life in the village or some important event in Malta history.

Street hawkers used to sing folk songs to attract attention to their products and declare how their products where better than the ones the seller next to them was selling! That's traditional Maltese marketing for you!

The acoustic guitar is the prominent musical instrument in Maltese ghana

Nowadays the ghannej (meaning folk singer) is usually accompanied by three guitarists. However, in the old days there used to be other musicians accompanying the singer.

Musical instruments used included the
zaqq (a form of bagpipes), the zavzava
(a type of drum), the tambur (a tambourine), the argunett (a mouth harp) and the accordion.

Types of Ghana

There are many types of Maltese folk singing but perhaps the two main categories are the following:

BOTTA U RISPOSTA (or Spirtu Pront)
This type of ghana requires a lot of skill and is the most popular form of ghana. Usually sung by two singers, this is more like a song-duel. Each singer has to come up with fresh verses on the spot so whoever's singing must be a quick thinker and also has the uncanny ability to ryhme. Nothing is prepared beforehand so it's all improvised singing!

GHANA TAL-FATT

This type of folk singing is very melancholic and in this type of ghana, the singer usually recounts a story that ends tragically.

Where can you hear traditional Maltese folk music and singing?

In the centre and south of Malta, some band clubs and bars organize Ghana Nights.

If you're lucky, you might even come across some impromptu folk singing in a village bar!

Prominent heritage and cultural events usually include ghana singing as well.

•culled from www.maltabulb.com

What Languages Are Spoken In Brunei?

Standard Malay is the official language of Brunei.
A number of languages are spoken in Brunei, but Standard Malay is the nation's official language. English is an important foreign language spoken in the country. Several indigenous languages spoken in Brunei are threatened with extinction. Here is a description of the linguistic landscape of Brunei.

The Official Language of Brunei

The 1959 Constitution of Brunei regards Malay as the official language of the country. There are many variants of the language, but Standard Malay is widely accepted as the national language. It is used for most official purposes, in courts, and as a medium of instruction in schools.

Brunei Malay or Melayu Brunei is the Malay variant that is spoken in Brunei in informal occasions, at home, between friends, and in shops. It also serves as the lingua franca in parts of East Malaysia. Presently, the growing popularity of Brunei Malay is threatening the survival of the other indigenous minority languages spoken in the country.

Minority Languages Spoken In Brunei

Indigenous Minority Languages

Brunei recognizes five indigenous minority groups inhabiting the country. These ethnic groups speak their own languages, namely Lun Bawang, Tutong, Bisaya, Belait, and Dusun. All of these languages are at risk of extinction. Only Lun Bawang is in a relatively better position among these languages, as it is spoken in Lawas, across the Malaysian border.

Chinese

Brunei's Chinese minority speak different varieties of Chinese like Hakka, Cantonese, and Hokkien. Mandarin acts as the lingua franca among the Chinese community of Brunei. It also serves as the language of instruction in some schools in China.
Indian and Nepali Languages
Brunei has a significant population of Indians who form a minority group in the country. A large expatriate community of about 7,500 Indians also resides here. Most Indians in Brunei originate from southern India and therefore Tamil, a South Indian language, is the most common language spoken by the Indians of Brunei.
Brunei also has a contingent of Nepali soldiers stationed in Serai. The most common language spoken by these soldiers is Gurkhali.

Expatriate Languages

Immigrants to Brunei speak their own languages. Batak, Indonesian, Javanese, Betawi, Sundanese, Ambonese, English, Filipino, and Dutch are some of the languages spoken by Brunei's expatriate communities.

Foreign Languages

Arabic

Islam is the official religion of Brunei and thus Arabic, the language of the Quran, plays an important role in the country. Most adherents of Islam can speak and write in Arabic to some proficiency level. Religious and other schools in the country teach Arabic. The law mandates Islamic children aged 7 to 15 to attend a religious school, known as the Ugama School, 5 days a week for 3 hours. Arabic is taught in these schools. Also, there are 6 Arabic schools in the nation.

English

English is a widely spoken language in Brunei. The language is primarily used in business and official dealings. The
Borneo Bulletin is an English newspaper that circulates in Brunei. The education system in Brunei is also bilingual, and English is one of the important languages of instruction in the educational institutions across the country. Since, 1985, English has served as the medium of instruction of most subjects from the primary school's 4th year onwards. Recently, a new rule mandates the use of English in the teaching of math and science from the beginning of primary school.

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Which Are The Biggest Cities In Brunei?

Situated on the northern banks of the Brunei River, Bandar Seri Begawan is Brunei's biggest and capital city.

Where Is Brunei?

Brunei is a sovereign state located on the Borneo island's northern coast in Southeast Asia. The country has a coastline by the South China Sea and is bordered by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Brunei became an independent nation on January 1, 1984 after it achieved freedom from rule by the United Kingdom. Brunei is an industrialized nation and has the second highest HDI among the nations of Southeast Asia. As of 2013, Brunei had a population of 415,717. 76% of this population lives in urban areas of the country. Between 2010 to 2015, the rate of urbanization was 2.13% per year.

The Three Biggest Cities In Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan is Brunei's biggest and capital city situated on the northern banks of the Brunei River. Bandar Seri Begawan was declared a city in 1920 and encompasses an area of 100.36 square km. Formerly known as Brunei Town, the city hosts the Istana Nurul Iman, the seat of the government of the country and royal residence. The Istana Nurul Iman is the world's biggest residential palace and thus has been mentioned in the Guinness World Records. Two offices of the country's prime ministers are also located here. The Bandar Seri Begawan hosts a number of tourist attractions including several beautiful mosques like the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, and others. Historical sites in Bandar Seri Begawan include the Royal Ceremonial Hall, several tombs of important figures, the Brunei Museum, palaces and more. Several landscaped parks and recreational centers are also located in the city.

Kuala Belait

Kuala Belait is the second most populous urban center in Brunei and is located in the country's southwest. The town serves as the Belait District's administrative center and is bordered by the South China Sea to the north. The Belait River from which the town derives its name is to the west and south of the town. Originally, Kuala Belait was a small fishing village populated by fishermen. The village gradually grew into an important town in the country. The town is located close to the onshore Rasau gas field. Several tourist attractions are also located in the city including the Silver Jubilee, Kuala Belait Boat Club, Tudong Saji market, the Istana Mangelella residence of the Sultan of Brunei, etc. Transport options are limited in this Brunei town.

Seria

Seria is a town in Brunei Darussalam's Belait District. The town is located about 16 km to the east of Kuala Belait and the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan is about 100 km to the north-east of the town. Seria is Brunei's oil industry hub. It is here that Brunei's first commercial onshore oilfield was discovered. Seria is actually located on the Seria Field that was discovered in 1929. The Seria Mosque, Oil and Gas Discovery Center, Sungei Seria estuary, Billionth Barrel Monument, etc., are some of the tourist attractions in Seria.

Which Are The Biggest Cities In Brunei?

Rank Name Population
1 Bandar Seri Begawan 64,409
2 Kuala Belait 31,178
3 Seria 30,097
4 Tutong 19,151
5 Bangar 3,970

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

What Languages Are Spoken in Bhutan?

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.
Bhutan has a diverse linguistic landscape. The Dzongkha language is the country's national language. Most languages spoken in the country belong to the Tibeto-Burman language family. Here is a list of languages that are spoken in Bhutan.

Tibetan Languages Spoken in Bhutan

Dzongkha: The Official and National Language of Bhutan

The Sino-Tibetan language of Dzongkha serves as the mother tongue of the Bhutanese people residing in eight western districts of the country. The language is used in government administration and as the medium of instruction in Bhutan's schools. The language uses the Tibetan alphabet for writing. As of 2013, there are about 171,080 native speakers of Dzongkha. Studying Dzongkha is compulsory in schools across the country. In the southern and eastern districts of Bhutan, the language serves as a lingua franca.

Chocangaca language

Closely related to Dzongkha, the Chocangaca language is spoken in eastern Bhutan's Mongar and Lhuntse Districts. The Southern Tibetic language is spoken by about 20,000 people.

Lakha

The Southern Tibetic language of Lakha is spoken in central Bhutan's Trongsa and Wangdue Phodrang Districts. There are about 8,000 Lakha speakers in the country, who are mostly descendants of the yakherd pastoral communities.

Brokkat

An endangered Southern Tibetic language, the Brokkat language is spoken by only about 300 residents in the Dhur village located in central Bhutan's Bumthang District.

Brokpa

The Southern Tibetic language of Brokpa is spoken in parts of eastern Bhutan's Trashigang District. Speakers of this language trace their origins to the pastoral yakherd groups of Bhutan.

Laya

The indigenous Layaps who are descendants of nomadic or semi-nomadic cattle herders, living in northwest Bhutan's high mountains, speak the Laya language. Most speakers of this language live at altitudes above 3,850 meters.

Khams Tibetan

The language is spoken in Eastern Bhutan by about 1,000 people.

East Bodish Languages Of Bhutan

Bumthang

The language is spoken in the Bumthang and neighboring districts of Bhutan by about 20,000 speakers. It is the main language of Central Bhutan.

Kheng

The language is spoken in south-central Bhutan's Mongar, Zhemgang, and Trongsa Districts by about 40,000 speakers.

Kurtöp

The East Bodish language of Kurtöp is spoken in Bhutan's Lhuntse District. As of 1993, there were 10,000 Kurtöp speakers who mainly resided in Kurtoe Gewog.

Dzala

The Dzala language is spoken in the Trashiyangtse and Lhuntse Districts of eastern Bhutan by about 15,000 speakers.

Nyen

The language is spoken in the Black Mountain region of Bhutan by about 10,000 people.

Ole

The language is spoken in western Bhutan's Black Mountains region. There are about 1,000 speakers of Ole, mainly concentrated in the Trongsa and Wangdue Phodrang Districts of the country.

Takpa

The language is spoken in eastern Bhutan's Trashigang District.

Chali

The Chali language is spoken in eastern Bhutan's Mongar District by about 8,200 speakers. The language is primarily spoken along the Kuri Chu river's east bank in Chhali Gewog.

Other Tibeto-Burman Languages Of Bhutan

Tshangla

The language is the mother tongue of the Sharchops and is spoken in eastern Bhutan, where it is a dominant language. There are about 138,000 speakers of the language.

Gongduk

An endangered language, the Gongduk is spoken by about 1,000 people living in remote villages along the banks of eastern Bhutan's Kuri Chhu river.

Lepcha

About 2,000 Lepcha people living in Bhutan speak the Lepcha language that is written using the Lepcha script.
Lhokpu
The Lhokpu language is spoken by about 2,500 people in Bhutan.

Indo-Aryan Languages Spoken In Bhutan

Nepali

The Nepali language is spoken mainly in southern Bhutan by about 265,000 Lhotshampa people living in the country. The Lhotshampa are Bhutanese residents of Nepalese descent, commonly referred to as southerners in the country. The Nepali language is the only Indo-Aryan language spoken by a significant majority in Bhutan.

Border Languages Spoken In Bhutan
Sikkimese

The Sikkimese is a Tibetan language that is spoken by the Bhutia people in the Sikkim-Bhutan border in Western Bhutan, and also in Nepal and the Sikkim state of India.

Groma

The Tibetan language of Groma is spoken by the Tibetans living along the Tibet-Bhutan border.

Toto

A language of the Tibeto-Burman family, the Toto language is spoken by the people of the Toto tribe along Bhutan's border with the Indian state of West Bengal.

By Oishimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Biggest Cities And Towns In Bhutan

Bhutan's cities and towns are nestled amidst the mountains and valleys of the Himalayas, several being famous hubs for tourism.

Bhutan is a landlocked sovereign state in the Eastern Himalayas. China, Indian, and Nepal are the bordering countries of Bhutan. In 2008, the governance of the country transitioned from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, and the first general elections of the country were held in the same year. Bhutan's cities and towns each have their unique characteristics. Thimpu is the nation's biggest and capital city. Paro is the site of the country's international airport. Bhutan's commercial hub is Phuntsholing and Punakha is the country's former capital. The administrative headquarters of Tsirang District and the Bumthang District are Damphu and Jakar respectively. Mongar is the nation's eastern commercial hub.

The Four Biggest Cities/Towns Of Bhutan

Thimpu

Thimpu is the Kingdom of Bhutan's largest and capital city. Thimpu stretches from north to south on the west bank of the Raidāk River's valley. It is the world's third highest capital city and lies at an altitude of 2,248 meters to 2,648 meters. Thimpu is the economic and political center of the country and its agriculture and livestock industry contributes to 45% of the Gross National Product. Tourism is also a popular source of income in the city. The National Assembly of Bhutan and the Dechencholing Palace of the King of Bhutan as well as other political buildings of Bhutan. Thimpu has a rich cultural heritage and the art, architecture, and people's way of life in Thimpu reflects the culture of the country.

Phuntsholing

Phuntsholing, a border town of Bhutan on the India-Bhutan border, is located in southern Bhutan. It is the Chukha District's administrative seat. The cross-border trade between the Indian town of Jaigaon and Phuntsholing has greatly boosted the economy of this Bhutanese city. Phuntsholing is a major industrial, trading, and financial hub of the country. The town is regarded as the gateway to the trade centers in India. The border is also one of the friendliest ones in the world and tourists and traders from both the countries pass peacefully across the border to visit or conduct trade in the neighboring country.

Punakha

Punakha is Punakha dzongkhag's administrative center. Until 1955, the city served as the capital of the country and seat of government. Punakha can be reached by a 3 hours drive from Thimpu that is 72 km away from the city. Punakha is relatively warmer than Thimpu in winter and is at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. Punakha is also home to the Palace of Great Happiness that was constructed in 1637 and is the most beautiful Dzong in the country.

Samdrup Jongkhar

Samdrup Jongkhar is a town located in Bhutan's Samdrup Jongkhar District in the south-eastern part of the country. It is the main trading town in eastern Bhutan. Coal mining around this town contributes significantly to the country's economy.

The Biggest Cities/Towns In Bhutan

Rank City Population
1 Thimphu 62,500
2 Phuntsholing 60,400
3 Punakha 21,500
4 Samdrup Jongkhar 13,800
5 Geylegphug 6,700
6 Paro 4,400
7 Trashigang 4,400
8 Wangdue Phodrang 3,300
9 Daga Dzong 3,100
10 Trongsa 2,300

By Oshimaya Sen Nag

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Ethnic Groups In Bangladesh

Bangladesh exhibits minimal ethnic diversity, with Bengali people speaking the Bangla language dominating the nation's demography.
Bangladesh is located in South Asia and bordered by the Bay of Bengal, India , and Myanmar. The country is the 8th most populous in the world with a population of 166.2 million. Its most widely practiced religion is Islam and Bengali is the official language, although different regions speak different dialects. The population of this country is nearly ethnically homogeneous, but some ethnic groups do live here in very small numbers. This article takes a look at the main ethnic group and some of the minorities as well.

Bengali

As previously mentioned, the population of Bangladesh is not very ethnically diverse. In fact, 98% of the people here identify as having Bengali ethnicity. The Bengali group is part of the larger Indo-Aryan ethnic group which is native to Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. They represent the third largest ethnic group in the world. Bengalis have contributed to literature, music, philosophy, architecture, and textile production since at least as early as the 4th Century BC. This group of individuals played a key role in the fight for the independence of India and eventually the independence of Bangladesh.

Bihari

Making up roughly .3% of the population is the Bihari ethnic group. Although this group speaks many languages, those living in Bangladesh tend to speak Hindi-Urdu. The Bihari descend from a long line of individuals who once made up the ancient kingdom of Magadha from which Jainism and Buddhism grew. The kingdom was later conquered by an Islamic empire and much later, British rule. In the 1940's, Biharis participated widely in the movement for India's independence. These individuals migrated from the east Indian state of Bihar to East Pakistan in 1947 during the division of the country. In December of 1971, East Pakistan became Bangladesh, and all of the Pakistani soldiers and civilians evacuated the area. The Bihari, however, were welcomed neither in Pakistan nor in Bangladesh. They had no legal protection for Pakistani citizenship and could not make their way back to Bihar state in India. The group remains "stateless" today, with roughly 600,000 living in 66 camps across Bangladesh. Some have managed to obtain Bangladeshi citizenship and still others have been permitted into Pakistan. Those born after 1971 have automatic Bangladeshi citizenship.

Chakma

Another .3% of the population is made up of the Chakma ethnic group. They mainly populate the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a hilly area in the southeast region of the country. Within this region, the Chakma make up half of the population and divide themselves into 46 family clans. The majority of this ethnic group practices Theravada Buddhism and speaks the Chakma language which has been influenced by the Chittagonian language which is related to the Assamese language. They share a unique culture and customs that are markedly dissimilar to those held by other ethnic groups.

Meitei

The Meitei make up a very small percentage of the Bangladeshi population, comprising only 0.1%. They are also divided into several family clans and a larger population of Meitei live in Manipur in northeastern India. Their language, Meithei, comes from the Tibeto-Burman language family. In Bangladesh, the majority of the Meitei live in the Sylhet district. Common economic activities among the Meitei include the farming of oranges, tobacco, sugarcane, pineapple, and rice. Hinduism is their most practiced religion.

Other Ethnic Groups

Other minority ethnic groups living in Bangladesh, making up around 0.1% of the population each, include Khasi, Santhal, Garo, Oraon, Munda, and Rohingya.

Ethnic Groups In Bangladesh

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Bangladeshi Population
1 Bengali 98.0%
2 Bihari 0.3%
3 Chakma 0.3%
4 Meitei 0.1%
5 Khasi 0.1%
6 Santhal 0.1%
7 Garo 0.1%
8 Oraon 0.1%
9 Munda 0.1%
10 Rohingya 0.1%

By Amber Pariona

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Ethnic Groups Of Afghanistan

Pashtun peoples are the largest ethnic group in the south of the country, while Tajiks and Uzbeks are concentrated along the norther borders, and the Hazara in the central highlands.

Afghanistan is a country in the greater Middle East. The country is located along historic trade routes, and those used by militaries during invasions, between Eastern Asia and Western Asia. It therefore enjoys a mixture of cultures borrowed from Europe, Eastern and Western Asia. The official languages in Afghanistan are Pashto and Dari. Many Afghans are bilingual. They use proverbs and common sayings in their daily conversation. Spiced rice dishes are a staple in Afghanistan. Tea is an integral beverage in their homes. Afghanistan's beautiful architecture is seen in their mosques and homes.They practice subsistence farming and also keep livestock. Pashtun make up the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, followed by Tajiks, Hazara, Uzbek, Aimaks, Baloch, and others.

Pashtuns

Pashtuns make up an estimated 42% of the population of contemporary Afghanistan. They are also known as Afghans and the name 'Afghanistan' translates to 'land of the Afghans', equally meaning 'land of the Pashtuns'. Pashtuns can further be divided into major sub-tribes, such as the Ghilzali and Durrani, and several smaller ones, including the Jaji, Safi, Wardak, Shinwari, Tani, Mohmand, Jardan, Khungiani, and Mangal. They are easily recognized form other Afghans by their Pashto language and their unique way of living called Pashtinwali. Pashtuns are predominantly Muslim. Islam has a significant influence on the Pashtun culture such as their clothing. The women wear long dresses and cover their heads. Men wear loose-fitting shirts that are of knee length and trousers tied to the waist with string. Pashtun cuisine is popular for its use of dried fruits. A famous dish in Pashtun homes is Pulao which is a spiced rice meal. They are forbidden from eating pork or indulging in alcoholic drinks. Pashtuns are traditionally nomadic pastoralists who move from place to place in search of grazing land.

Tajik

Tajiks are believed to have Iranian origins, and are also referred to as Farsi. They are the second largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, making up an estimated 27% of the nation's population. They speak a Persian dialect known as Dari. According to a US State Department report released in 2009, Tajiks are 98% Sunni Muslims. Tajiks' meals range from sweet dishes such as Halwa to savory ones such as Pulao (spiced rice). Tajiks are famous for their elaborate embroideries on fabric. These beautiful patterns are also found on their carpets, wall hangings and head pieces. Decorative carvings on stone can be seen in Tajik homes.

Hazara

Hazaras occupy the rugged central highlands regions in Afghanistan. They make up close to 10% percent of the Afghanistan population. Hazaras are said to be descendants of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire. Hazaras belong to the Shia sect of Islam in a country that is mostly Sunni Muslim. As a result, they are viewed as outsiders. Hazaras work in the least desirable jobs due to their low ranking in the caste system. However, they are very industrious people.

Uzbek

Uzbeks form the largest Turkic group in Afghanistan, and they constitute 9% of the total population in the country. They are Sunni Muslims and occupy the Northern region of Afghanistan. They speak Uzbek, a Turkic language. Uzbeks practice early marriages and their girls are typically married off as soon as they become teenagers.

Aimaq

The Aimaq are a group of Persian-speaking nomadic tribes, and they constitute 4% of the total population in the country. Aimaqs live in Western Afghanistan. Women adorn themselves in brightly colored clothes while men wear cloaks and round caps. Interestingly, Aimaq women are not as restricted as other women in rural Afghanistan. They take part in group discussions with men and have a say in the choice of a groom for them.

Relations Between Afghanistan's Ethnic Factions

Other major ethnic groups in Afghanistan include Turkmen (3%) and Balochi (Baluch) (2%). There are others which do not belong to any of these aforementioned ethic groups, and collectively they make up 5% of the total population in the country. The country's national anthem mentions 14 ethnic groups that are integral to the country. The Taliban, most of whom were from the Pashtun ethnic group, were accused of systematically targeting the Hazaras, Uzbeks, and Tajiks ethnic groups. The United Nations had voiced its concern when the Taliban denied the provision of emergency food supplies to hungry people from certain groups, most of whom were Tajiks or Hazaras. With the fall of the Taliban regime, thousands of Pashtun became refugees as they fled the Uzbek-dominated regions because they were accused of being sympathizers of the Taliban.

Ethnic Groups Of Afghanistan

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Population of Afghanistan
1 Pashtun (Pashto) 42%
2 Tajik 27%
3 Uzbek 9%
4 Hazara 8%
5 Aimaq 4%
6 Turkmen 3%
7 Balochi (Baluch) 2%
Other Groups 5%

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com