Roma are also known as Gypsies, Rom, Rroma, Romani, Sinti, etc.
Overview:
The Roma people migrated from north-west India to Persia between 224 and 642
CE. By the 14th and 15th centuries, some had migrated to
western Europe. Some came to North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. There
are about 12 million Roma in the world. It is
impossible to estimate the total population with accuracy since many governments do not
record Roma in their census figures. Also, many Roma conceal their ethnic origin out of
fear of discrimination.
They are very heavily persecuted, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern
Europe. According to Amnesty International, of the ten million Roma living in
Europe, almost 80% live in European Union states. "The Roma population is the
poorest and one of the fastest growing in the region, living predominantly on
the margins of society. Roma are one of the largest ethnic minority groups in
Europe." 1
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