Tigrayans

Tigrayans are an ethnic group from the Horn of Africa, primarily inhabiting the Ethiopian region of Tigray. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, with significant diaspora communities in Eritrea and around the world. The Tigray Region borders Eritrea to the north and Sudan to the west, and has long-standing historical and cultural ties with neighboring peoples.

Language and religion: The majority speak Tigrinya as their first language, though Amharic is widely used in some areas and education. Most Tigrayans have traditionally adhered to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, with Muslim and Protestant minorities present in various communities.

History and culture: The Tigrayans trace ties to the ancient Aksumite civilization and have contributed to Ethiopian statecraft, art, and scholarship. Cultural practices include distinctive music, poetry, and coffee ceremonies; traditional cuisine centers on injera and stews such as wat.

Modern era: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) led the regional and national political landscape as part of the EPRDF coalition. From 2020, conflict between the federal government and the TPLF triggered a major humanitarian crisis in the region, with ongoing efforts toward peace, stabilization, and rebuilding of governance and services.