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How many tribes are there in the world?

Nobody knows the exact number, because there is no agreed definition of a tribe. The United Nations speaks of about 5,000 distinct indigenous cultures or peoples, in some 90 countries. Official lists give firmer national figures: over 700 Scheduled Tribes in India and 574 federally recognised tribes in the United States as of 2024.

Any worldwide count depends on what is being counted. A people may be listed once in one country and split into several groups in another. Related communities may see themselves as one nation or as many. No international body keeps a master list of tribes.

The most widely used figure is the United Nations estimate of about 5,000 distinct indigenous peoples or cultures, with a combined population of about 476 million. This is a rounded estimate, not a list, and it covers indigenous peoples in general, whether or not they are called tribes.

Languages give another rough guide. There are about 7,000 living languages, and the United Nations says indigenous peoples speak the majority of them. Many peoples are identified mainly by their language, so the number of languages hints at the number of distinct communities.

National lists are more exact but only cover legal recognition. India has notified over 700 Scheduled Tribes, the United States recognised 574 tribes as of 2024, and Canada has more than 630 First Nations. Many communities exist without official status.

Words used here

TribeIndigenous peopleScheduled TribeFederal recognitionFirst NationsCensus

Sources

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