nomad

A nomad is a person who does not have a single permanently settled home and moves regularly, often in response to seasons, resources, or economic activity. Nomadism is a mode of mobility that can be a livelihood, a cultural practice, or a transitional phase.

Historically, nomads relied on mobility to access pasture, water, and trade routes. Common types include pastoral nomads, who herd livestock and move cyclically; agro-pastoral nomads, who combine farming with grazing; and hunter-gatherer nomads who migrate to follow game or seasonal edible resources. Nomadic groups have existed in many regions, including Central and West Asia, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and parts of Central and North America.

In the modern era, nomadic lifestyles face pressures from nation-states, border controls, and climate change. Some populations have been sedentarized or integrated into settled economies, while others maintain traditional routes and camps. A related phenomenon is the digital nomad, a person who uses communications technology to work remotely while moving between locations.

Beyond a lifestyle, nomadism has been a subject of study in anthropology, sociology, and history, illustrating how mobility intersects with identity, economy, and sovereignty. The term is sometimes contested and can reflect external labels on diverse groups.