Scientists still occasionally discover new indigenous tribes on our well-explored Earth, tribes that have never had contact with the rest of humanity. Each time, the media celebrates these discoveries. However, far more global and tragic processes often go unnoticed. According to researchers, one language disappears from the Earth every two weeks, which means that one people is lost. The TOP disappearing peoples of the world will tell you about those populations unlikely to accompany humanity into the next century.
1 Kereks – 4 people 
Long ago, a large population of Kereks lived on the shores of the Bering Sea. Unfortunately, the Kereks’ lands were on the path of Russian conquerors. Almost all of them were killed during the “exploration” of the North, and the survivors were soon assimilated by the residents of Chukotka. Today, only 4 people identify as Kereks.
2 Votes – 64 people 
Once a thorn in the side of the Russians, frequently raiding the lands of Novgorod, the Votes eventually began living in peace with their “big” neighbor, gradually losing their identity. 150 years ago, a census counted over 5,000 Votes, but now there are only a few dozen left, mostly in the Leningrad region. Researchers have noted that the Votes were the blondest people in Europe, with most having flaxen hair, and Vote women were famed for their beauty.
3 Kusunda – 164 people 
The Kusunda of Nepal differ from other Nepalis in both language and lifestyle. They live in the forest rather than in houses, which may be a legacy of their ancestors. Linguistic analysis shows that the Kusunda are not of Mongol origin but part of the Pacific family. Sadly, soon there will be no one to ask about their traditions, as the last speakers of their language are elderly.
4 Tsaatans – 282 people 
The Tsaatans (meaning “reindeer herders”) have lived in Mongolia for centuries. Reindeer herding is unusual for Mongolia, but the Tsaatans take it a step further. They do not kill their domestic reindeer, hunting only wild ones. Interestingly, they use their reindeer for riding, treating them like horses.
5 Cocopah – 300 people 
The Cocopah are a peaceful tribe of Native Americans living in Mexico and Arizona. Remarkably, this tribe has survived with a small population for a long time. When they first made contact with European settlers in 1540, there were no more than 3,000 Cocopah. Scholars claim that with such small numbers, a population degrades and disappears quickly, with little chance of survival. Yet, the Cocopah have even thrived over time. For example, in the 2000s, they created their own alphabet and are doing everything they can to preserve their identity.
6 Chulyms – 355 people 
The Chulyms are another northern Russian people, herders and farmers who live in Siberia. They do not have a written language, but recently, efforts have been made to revive both their traditions and language.
7 Livonians – 400 people 
The Livonians arrived on the shores of the Baltic Sea from the Ural Mountains 5,000 years ago, establishing themselves firmly in the region. The area was named Livonia after them. However, they were gradually overtaken by Latvians and Estonians, and by the 12th century AD, the Livonians began to disappear as a people. The Soviet era finished the process, as Livonians were denied national recognition.
8 Pirahã – 420 people 
The Pirahã tribe lives along the Amazon in Brazil. They are a highly unique people. For example, their language lacks past and future tenses, meaning they can only speak about what is happening in the present moment. The Pirahã also sleep very little – only 30 minutes, four times a day – because they believe that sleep harms a person.
9 Yap – 500 people 
The Yap people are known worldwide for their “rai” stone money, with the largest coin known reaching 6 meters in diameter. However, few know that the Yap are a small population, the descendants of a vast Yapese empire that once spanned thousands of islands. Now, very few Yap people remain, living secluded lives and rarely traveling or allowing visitors.
10 Moriori – 585 people 
New Zealand’s Moriori never practiced cannibalism and were a peaceful people (unlike their neighbors), which led to their near-extermination by neighboring tribes. Although the last “true” Moriori is said to have died in the early 20th century, descendants from mixed marriages still preserve the traditions and culture of the people.
