The Roma people, also known as Romani or Gypsies, are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group with origins traced back to northern India. Traditionally nomadic, the Roma migrated westward through the Middle East into Europe between the 5th and 14th centuries. They have a distinct language, Romani, which is part of the Indo-Aryan language family, and their culture has been influenced by their long history of migration and residence across many regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Today, the Roma are widely dispersed, with significant populations in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. They have historically faced discrimination and marginalization but have contributed richly to music, crafts, and cultural traditions worldwide. The term "Gypsy" is commonly used but can be considered derogatory by some Roma people.