The Romanisael (also known as Swedish Roma and Norwegian Roma, or Swedish Taters and Norwegian Taters) are a Romani subgroup who have been resident in Sweden and Norway for some 500 years. The estimated number of Romanisael in Sweden is 65,000, while in Norway, the number is estimated to be around 10,000.
Romani culture encompasses the regional cultures of the Romani people. These cultures have developed through complex histories of interaction with their surrounding populations, and have been influenced by their time spent under various reigns and empires, notably the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Romani people constitute the largest ethnic minority in Europe. They are believed to have resided in the Balkans since the 9th century, with their subsequent migration to other parts of the continent beginning in the 15th century. The Romani people in Europe may belong to various subgroups such as the Boyash, Kalderash, Kalé, Kaale, Lăutari, Lovari, Manouche, Xoraxane (term) Romanichal, Romanisael, Romungro, Ruska, Sinti and Vlax. Despite a history of persecution in the continent, they have maintained their distinct culture. There is also a significant Romani population in the Americas, stemming from later migrations from Europe.
The Finnish Roma (Romani: Kàlo; Finnish: Suomen romanit, kaaleet; Swedish: kalé-romer, finska romer), also known as the Kaale [ˈkɑː le], Finnish Romani and Finnish Kale, are a Romani subgroup who live primarily in Finland but also in Sweden. Their main languages are Finnish, Swedish and Kalo.
The first recorded Roma arrived in Finland in the 16th century, and they primarily descend from the Romanisael. Although Finland does not collect data on individuals' ethnicity, the Finnish Roma population in Finland was estimated at approximately 10,000 in 2004. In addition, approximately 4,500 Finnish Roma were residing in Sweden in 2020.