Romani people in Greece

[2] The Romani people originate from Northern India,[3][4][5][6][7][8] presumably from the northwestern Indian states Rajasthan[7][8] and Punjab.

The name Gypsy (Gyftos = Γύφτος) sometimes used for the Romani people was first given to them by the Greeks, who supposed them to be Egyptian in origin.

[15] Mostly Muslim Roma who live in Western Thrace adopted a Greek Muslim identity and speak Turkish and the Xoraxane dialect[16] Sedentary Roma Groups from Serres region, believe their Ancestors was once taken from Egypt by the Ottomans in 1517 to work of the Land of Turkish Feudallords in Rumelia.

According to the National Commission for Human Rights that number is closer to 250,000 and according to the Greek Helsinki Watch group to 300,000.

[11] As a result of neglect by the state, among other factors, the Romani communities in Greece face several problems including high rates of child labour and abuse, low school attendance, police discrimination and drug trafficking.

The most serious issue is the housing problem since many Roma in Greece still live in tents, on properties they do not own, making them subject to eviction.