The Roma are a stateless nation with roots in South Asia and a long history of migration throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They are also known as Gypsies, although this term is considered derogatory by many Roma people. The Roma have a distinct culture and language, and have faced discrimination and persecution throughout history. Today, there are an estimated 28-32 million Roma people worldwide, with significant populations in Europe, Turkey, and the Americas.

The Romani began to leave India about 1,000 years ago. They probably left to escape the invasion of Afghan general Mahmud of Ghazni early in the 11th century. Mahmud’s troops likely pushed the Romani out of northern India and into the area that is now Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. The Romani did not have a strong tradition of written or oral history, so scholars studied their language to piece together the path of their migration. (The Romani borrowed words from people they met in their travels.) In Iran, they split into two groups. One group went south, through Syria to northern Africa and Greece. The other group went north through Armenia before arriving in what is today Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia. Many Romani stayed in these Balkan countries, while others migrated farther west into Europe. In addition to language, Romani migration patterns can be documented in the written accounts of people who met them on their travels. Europe’s earliest record of the Romani may be in the writings of a monk at Mount Athos, Greece, in 1100. German officials wrote about encountering Romani near Hamburg in 1417. People wrote about the Romani in Barcelona, Spain, in 1425. By the early 1500s, Romani were living in Sweden, England, and Scotland.

Being Roma means identifying with a distinct ethnic group with roots in South Asia and a long history of migration throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The Roma have a distinct culture and language, and have faced discrimination and persecution throughout history.

The classification of Roma as an ethnicity or race varies depending on the country and context. In general, however, the Roma are considered an ethnic group with a distinct culture and language. While there is some genetic variation within the Roma population, there is no scientific basis for considering them a separate race.

Unfortunately, there are many stereotypes and misconceptions about Roma people that persist to this day. Some common misconceptions include that all Roma people are criminals or beggars, that they do not value education or work, or that they are inherently nomadic. These stereotypes are harmful and untrue.

No, being Roma is not something that can be acquired through membership or affiliation. The Roma are an ethnic group with roots in South Asia and a distinct culture and language. While anyone can appreciate and celebrate Roma culture and heritage, being Roma is something that is passed down through generations of family ancestry.

The World Roma Federation is a virtual nation dedicated to uniting and empowering the Roma community worldwide. Our mission is to promote social and economic justice, and build a brighter future for Roma people everywhere.

The World Roma Federation serves two important functions. First, it is an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of Roma people worldwide. As such, it has a representative body composed of individuals and organizations who work together to promote social and economic justice for the Roma community. Second, the World Roma Federation is also an online community and home for Roma people to unite transnationally. Through our virtual platform, we provide a space for Roma people from all over the world to connect, share their experiences, and celebrate their culture and heritage. Whether you are looking to get involved in advocacy work or simply want to connect with other Roma people, the World Roma Federation is here for you.

The World Roma Federation engages in a wide range of activities aimed at promoting social and economic justice for Roma people worldwide. This includes advocacy within the UN system, cultural preservation, education, community building, and more. We also work to raise awareness about issues affecting the Roma community and to promote understanding and respect for our culture and heritage.

Community Membership in the World Roma Federation is open to individuals who share our vision and values. To become a member, simply visit our website and fill out the membership application form. We welcome members from all backgrounds and walks of life.

There are many ways to get involved with the World Roma Federation! You can become a member, volunteer your time or expertise, donate to support our work, or simply spread the word about our mission. Visit our Join Us page to learn more about how you can get involved.

An e-citizen subscription is a digital membership to the World Roma Federation's community platform. It includes a digital ID card that verifies your membership and grants you access to exclusive content, forums, and events on the platform. As an e-citizen, you can connect with other members of the Roma community from around the world and participate in discussions on topics that matter to you. You can also participate in polls, voting on policies, nominate a member for a position, vote and elect a member.