Basques, The

The Basques are an ethnic group indigenous to Southwestern Europe, distinguished by their unique genetic heritage, ancient language (Euskara), and distinct cultural practices. Their homeland, known as the Basque Country (Euskal Herria), spans both sides of the Pyrenees, covering areas in north-central Spain and southwestern France, and lies along the Bay of Biscay. Basque identity traces back to ancient populations, such as the Vascones and Aquitanians, resulting in a rich and enduring cultural legacy that remains highly distinctive even today. In recent years, advances in genetic research have provided remarkable insights into Basque origins. A pivotal study published in 2015 revealed that the Basques are primarily descended from Neolithic farmers who arrived in the Iberian Peninsula thousands of years ago. These early agriculturalists intermingled with the local Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in the region but later became genetically isolated, diverging significantly from other European populations over millennia. This long-standing genetic isolation has likely contributed to the unique characteristics of the Basque people and their differentiation from surrounding groups.