Mari

Mari may refer to several related terms in anthropology, linguistics, and geography, including an ethnic group in Russia, the language they speak, a federal subject of Russia, and as a given name.

The Mari are a Finno-Ugric ethnic group concentrated in the Volga region of Russia, primarily in the Republic of Mari El and nearby areas. They traditionally sustain themselves through agriculture and crafts and maintain a distinct cultural heritage, including music and traditional religious practices. The Mari are divided into two language-based subgroups, Meadow Mari and Hill Mari, and many identify with both Mari and Russian cultural influences.

The Mari language comprises two main varieties, Meadow Mari and Hill Mari, both part of the Uralic language family within Finno-Ugric. They are written using a Cyrillic-based script with additional characters. Efforts to preserve and revitalize Mari include bilingual education, literature, radio broadcasts, and online resources, though the language remains endangered in parts of its range.

Mari El Republic is a federal subject of Russia (a republic) located in the Volga region. Its capital is Yoshkar-Ola. The republic is named for the Mari people and recognizes Mari and Russian as official languages; its culture features Mari arts, crafts, and folk performances alongside broader Russian influences.

Mari is also a given name used in various cultures, often as a feminine form of Maria or as a standalone name. It appears in many languages and can be found in literature and media as a personal name.