Who Are the Zomi?

The Zomi are a people with a shared historical, cultural, linguistic, and social heritage whose communities live primarily across areas now administered by Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh, with growing diaspora communities throughout the world.

The term “Zomi” expresses a collective identity while recognizing the communities, local histories, and language varieties found among the people. Zomi communities are connected through related languages, cultural traditions, kinship networks, historical experiences, and a continuing sense of common belonging.

Today, Zomi people live in Zogam and in diaspora communities across the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Asia and the world.

Christianity has played an important role in modern Zomi history, education, literature, music, social development, and community organization. Churches and faith-based institutions continue to serve as important centers of spiritual life, education, humanitarian assistance, and community connection.

The history and identity of the Zomi people are complex. Terminology, population estimates, historical boundaries, and political interpretations may vary according to source and context. Zomi Information Network seeks to present these subjects carefully, using documented evidence, responsible attribution, and consultation with historians, language experts, community institutions, and researchers.