Who are the Roma of Eastern Europe?: The Roma are also known to English speakers as Gypsies. However, this term is not correct, as it is derived from the belief that the Roma came from Egypt. In reality, the Roma originated in India and migrated throughout Europe. Large populations of Roma can be found in Eastern Europe today.
What Sets the Roma of Eastern Europe Apart from Local Populations?: The Roma of Eastern Europe have often been ostracized by local populations. Not only do they speak their own language, called Romani, but they sometimes dress in clothing that identifies them as Roma. (In some Roma groups, the brightly colored clothing that characterizes a stereotypical "Gypsy" is in fact what they wear.) The Roma culture also veers from local Eastern European culture and many Eastern Europeans find them to be loud or brash.
What Are Some Other Cultural Identifiers for the Roma of Eastern Europe?: The Roma of Eastern Europe take pride in large families and cherish children. Female "purity" until marriage is also highly prized. As the Roma have no written language, many Roma are illiterate. The Roma tend to live in groups and answer to an elder male when internal problems arise. Some Roma groups have settled, but traditionally, they are a nomadic people.
What Happened to the Roma During Communism?: The Roma of Eastern Europe were subject to assimilation during Communism, and sterilization of women was a practice that still has the Roma of Eastern Europe suspicious of national governments. In addition, the Roma were banned from expressing their cultural identity through language and music.
What Problems do the Roma of Eastern Europe Face Today?: The Roma of Eastern Europe are still an ostracized group, and one of the poorest in Eastern Europe. They often live in slums, are unable to find jobs, have trouble getting education (either because of segregation, bias or other social problem), and face multitudes of other oppressive standards that give Roma little opportunity to improve their situation.
Where are the Largest Roma Populations in Eastern Europe?: Romania has a large population of Roma people and a significant number of Roma babies and children who are in orphanages. Southeastern Europe also has large Roma populations, but they livein almost every part of Eastern Europe, even as far as Siberia.
