people

People, or human beings, are members of the species Homo sapiens, a primate lineage known for advanced cognitive abilities, language, and complex social organization. Anatomically modern humans emerged in Africa roughly 300,000 years ago and dispersed to inhabit virtually all regions of the world. Humans are distinguished by a large brain relative to body size, the capacity for abstract thought, symbolic communication, and the use of tools.

As social beings, people live in organized groups that range from families to nations. Culture—comprising beliefs, arts, technologies, social norms, and institutions—shapes behavior and identity and is transmitted through language, education, and imitation. Language enables cooperation, planning, and the sharing of knowledge, contributing to considerable cultural and linguistic diversity across populations.

Demography examines the size, structure, and distribution of human populations, with trends such as urbanization, aging, migration, and varying fertility rates. People form economies and governance systems that coordinate production, trade, health, and security. Environment and technology interact with society, influencing living standards and ecological impact. Health, education, and rights play central roles in development and well-being, while ethical considerations about dignity, equality, and autonomy guide public policy and international norms. Studying people draws on biology, anthropology, sociology, economics, and history to understand both shared humanity and diverse lived experiences.