National minorities

National minorities are groups of people within a country who share a common ethnicity, language, culture, or history, and differ from the majority population. They often have a distinct identity but live within the borders of a sovereign state. Recognized minority groups may have specific rights or protections to preserve their culture, language, and traditions. Examples include the Kurds in Turkey or the Basques in Spain. Their status can influence national policies, fostering diversity and sometimes raising issues of autonomy, representation, or cultural preservation.