The Kalmyks, known in their native language as Хальмгуд (Xaľmgud) and in Mongolian as Халимагууд (Halimaguud), are a Mongolic ethnic group predominantly residing in Russia. Their ancestors migrated from the Northern Xinjiang region in Northwestern China. Establishing the Kalmyk Khanate between 1635 and 1779 in the southern European part of Russia's territory, they settled in Kalmykia, situated in the Kalmyk Steppe along the western shore of the Caspian Sea. Remarkably, they represent the sole traditionally Buddhist ethnic community within Europe. Despite their primary presence in Kalmykia, Kalmyk communities have also been formed through emigration, establishing smaller enclaves in the United States, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

Kalmyks - Wikipedia