The people of Kashmir are one of the friendliest in the world.

The residents of Kashmir are known as KASHMIRIS. According to the historians, the ancestors of Kashmiris are early immigrants from India proper. With the spread of Buddhism, many scholars came to Kashmir from far off lands for study and research of Indian philosophy. The Kashmiris, during their long and cherished history, came in contact with the Roman, Greek and Persian civilizations, and the interactions made for the happy blending of cultures. The Kashmiris made remarkable contribution to story-telling, mystical poetry, grammar and the sciences. Folk songs and dances, as well as the various crafts, for which Kashmir is world famous.

Actually Kashmir is inhabited by diverse and different races, distinct in their looks , dress, food habits, customs, language, dialect and traditions. The Kashmiris possess an individuality and character which distinguishes them wherever they go. They are passionately fond of their "good earth". And, no matter to what creed they belong, they are Kashmiris to the core.

Most people in the valley are fair complexioned, with light brown hair, blue or gray eyes, chiseled features and fine physique. There are also people with a whitish complexion, black almond eyes and black hair.

The Kashmiris on a whole are non- aggressive and temperate in nature and very God fearing. They have been regarded as martial not only in character but also as timid. Most Muslims of the Kashmir region are converters and belong to the original stock.

A Kashmiri Muslim on the other hand, is generally more active, energetic and dynamic. He is an unrivalled craftsman, deftly producing time-honored designees- intricate and beautiful- on papier-mâché', wood , silver and gold, and embroiders and weaves the most exquisite shawls, carpets and rugs. He is an excellent cultivator, rears sheep and cattle and is self employed in cottage industries. There is scarcely a thing that he cannot do.

Ninety percent of population in Kashmir professes Islam, both Sunni and Shia sects. The rest are Kashmiri pandits. There are some Sikhs.