Rusyns

Rusyns are an East Slavic ethnic group native to the Carpathian Mountains of Central Europe. They form a historical and cultural community centered in the region traditionally called Carpathian Rus, with significant populations in present-day Ukraine (notably Zakarpattia Oblast), Slovakia, Poland, and Serbia, and smaller communities in neighboring countries. A dispersed Rusyn diaspora has also formed in North America and elsewhere.

The Rusyn language is a key element of Rusyn identity. It belongs to the East Slavic language group and encompasses several dialects. Some scholars treat Rusyn as a distinct language, while others view it as a collection of closely related languages or dialects linked to Ukrainian, Slovak, Polish, and Serbian linguistic influences. Literary forms exist for several Rusyn varieties, and in some countries the language is taught or used in minority cultural contexts.

Religious life among Rusyns is diverse. Many Rusyns historically belong to the Greek Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite in communion with Rome), while others are Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic. Religious communities, along with folk traditions, music, dress, and cuisine, play important roles in cultural continuity.

Historically, Rusyns developed distinct regional identities within empires that ruled the Carpathian region, including Galicia and Lodomeria. In the 20th century, state boundaries and policies shaped Rusyn political status, identity formation, and rights as a minority. Today Rusyn identity is maintained through cultural associations, language preservation efforts, and regional minority protections in several countries, with varying degrees of official recognition.