Photo by Google. (2025). Image generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash: Kati Nuristani
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QUICK FACTS:
People groups: 8
Population: 302,200
Unreached people groups: 8
UPG population: 302,200
Unengaged UPGs: 8
UUPG population: 302,200
Number of countries: 2
Affinity Bloc: Persian-Median Peoples
Overview: The Nuristani peoples form a distinct ethnic and linguistic cluster in northeastern Afghanistan and parts of northwestern Pakisan. Historically, the Nuristanis practiced a form of ancient Hinduism before converting to Islam in the late 19th century.Their pre-Islamic religious practices included elements of animism and ancestor worship. Today they are predominantly Sunni Muslims. The Nuristani do not have a formal tribal structure. Instead, they identify themselves based on the names of local regions they inhabit.
Peoples within this cluster: Ashkun; Bashgali-Kati; Gawar-Bati; Grangali; Kamviri; Prasuni; Waigeli
Countries where they are found: Afghanistan; Pakistan
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