Sikhs originate from the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, which is their historic homeland. Sikhism, the religion of the Sikhs, was founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century in Punjab. Sikhs are concentrated mainly in Punjab, India, where they form a majority, but they also live in other parts of India such as Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Delhi. Additionally, significant Sikh communities exist worldwide, including in North America, Europe, Australia, Malaysia, East Africa, Singapore, and Thailand, largely due to migration over the last two centuries.

The Sikh faith arose as a distinct religious community in Punjab and was formalized in the late 17th century by Guru Gobind Singh, who established the Khalsa, an initiated Sikh collective. Over time, Sikhs migrated out of Punjab for economic opportunities and during periods of political upheaval, leading to diaspora communities around the globe.