ABSTRACT
In a multiethnic country or region, two elements or conditions exert primary influence over the relations and exchanges among different ethnic groups: one is the relative size of the ethnic groups and the other is their geographical distribution. Ethnic groups with large populations are in an advantageous position when it comes to preserving their cultural and religious traditions and striving for their economic and political rights. Smaller ethnic groups, if their population is concentrated in one or a few areas, can also form strong communities within a certain region to preserve their cultural traditions and strive for their rights. Therefore, cultural assimilation and integration most often happens in areas with a mixture of ethnic groups and the integration of small groups into large groups is most common.
