Istro-Romanians

The Istro-Romanians ( or ) are a Romance ethnic group native to or associated with the Istrian Peninsula. Historically, they inhabited vast parts of it, as well as the western side of the island of Krk until 1875. However, due to several factors such as the industrialization and modernization of Istria during the socialist regime of Yugoslavia, many Istro-Romanians emigrated to other places, be they Croatian cities such as Pula and Rijeka or places such as New York City, Trieste and Western Australia. The Istro-Romanians dwindled severely in number, being reduced to eight settlements on the Croatian side of Istria in which they do not represent the majority.

It is known that the Istro-Romanians are not descendants of a historical Roman population native to Istria, since the differences between the Istro-Romanian language and the geographically close, now extinct Dalmatian language, are notable. Additionally, similarities to Transylvanian Romanians and Timok Vlachs suggest that Istro-Romanians may originate from areas west of Romania or Serbia. Although it is not known exactly how and when, the Istro-Romanians settled in Istria, where they would remain for centuries until they began to assimilate. Even now, with several associations and projects aiming to preserve their culture and with the support from both the Croatian and Romanian governments, the Istro-Romanians are not officially recognized as a national minority.