Udmurts

Who are the Udmurts?

The Udmurts are a Finno-Ugric ethnic group whose roots lie in the forests and meadows of eastern Europe. Their identity is shaped by the Udmurt language, shared traditions, and a sense of belonging to Udmurtia and neighboring regions. Though many now live in towns, traces of their former clan-based society remain in cultural practices and collective memory. The Udmurts are closely related to the Komis and other Permian peoples, and their folklore, music, and epic poetry continue to play a role in community life.

Where do the Udmurts live?

Udmurtia, their main homeland, lies in the Volga-Ural region of Russia. It is a land of rivers, forests, and meadows, which once supported semi-nomadic communities living along the waterways. Today, most Udmurts live in towns and cities within Udmurtia, but smaller groups are also found in neighboring Russian regions such as Kirov Oblast, Perm Krai, Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, and Mari El, as well as in Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

What language do the Udmurts speak?

Udmurt is part of the Uralic language family and is closely related to Komi. It is still spoken by many Udmurts, though Russian is also widely used. The decline in population and urban migration have put pressure on the language, but it remains a key marker of identity, and efforts to preserve and teach it continue.

How do the Udmurts live?

Traditionally, Udmurts were semi-nomadic forest dwellers who lived in riverside communities and relied on farming and the natural resources of their land. Today, most Udmurts live in urban areas and work in various jobs, but some rural communities still practice agriculture. Their traditional crafts, musical instruments like the krez zither and chipchirghan pipe, and folk tales remain important cultural expressions.

How is Udmurts society organised?

The Udmurt social structure was once based on clans, but this system no longer exists as it did in the past. However, its influence is still felt in cultural life and social relationships. Family ties, community gatherings, and shared rituals help maintain a sense of unity. Marriage and kinship practices have adapted over time, especially as more Udmurts move to towns.

What do the Udmurts believe?

Most Udmurts today follow Eastern Orthodoxy, but traditional beliefs and Udmurt mythology remain important for some. Rituals, folk tales, and music are central to their culture. The national epic Dorvyzhy, as well as festivals like the annual celebration of red-haired Udmurts, reflect a lively tradition of storytelling and communal art. Dress and music, including unique instruments, are also valued.

The history of the Udmurts

The Udmurts have long lived in the Volga-Ural region. Their name means 'meadow people', and they were once known by various exonyms, some now considered offensive. Under the Russian Empire, they were called Wotyaks or Votyaks. Their population has declined over the last century, and their clan-based society has changed with urbanization. Udmurt culture has been described in historical works since at least the 18th century, and their folklore and rituals have drawn scholarly attention.

Udmurts life today

Today, the Udmurt population is shrinking, with about 396,000 people in 2021, most in Russia. Udmurts make up about a quarter of Udmurtia's population. Many live in towns, and Russian is widely spoken. There are ongoing efforts to preserve the Udmurt language and traditions, but pressures from migration and assimilation remain strong. Festivals and cultural projects help keep Udmurt identity alive.

Questions people ask about the Udmurts

Sources and further reading

• Udmurts on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Udmurts themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.