What are some examples of ethnic groups?

Ethnic groups that compose the population of Benin include the Fon, Adja, Yoruba and Bariba peoples, as well as the Peulh, Ottamari and Yoa-Lokpa. Among the ethinc groups in Nepal are the Chhettri, Brahman-Hill, Magar and Tharu peoples. Ethnic groups in Vietnam include the Kinh, Tay, Thai and Muong peoples.

An ethnic group is a group of people with a shared sense of cultural identity. While racial traits sometimes play a role in defining ethnic groups, the shared patters of behavior and belief are what truly differentiate ethnic groups. In the United States, for instance, the African-American population is racially different from the majority white population but also classifies as an ethnic group due to distinctive black culture developed over the years.