Determining the precise, up-to-the-minute population figures for all Naga tribes can be challenging due to variations in census data, academic estimates, and the inclusion of populations residing outside Nagaland (e.g., in Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh). However, based on available information, the list of 10 Naga tribes in India, generally considered to be among the largest by population, in descending order:
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Sümi (Sema) Naga: Estimates for the Sümi tribe's population vary, but they are often cited as one of the largest, with figures around 363,000.¹
Konyak Naga: The Konyaks are consistently listed as a major Naga tribe, with populations estimated around 244,477 to 320,000 individuals.²
Ao Naga: The Ao tribe is another prominent group, with their population in Nagaland estimated at around 226,626 to 250,000.³
Chakhesang Naga: This tribe, formed from a conglomeration of smaller groups, has a population estimated around 154,874 to 195,000.⁴
Lotha Naga: The Lotha tribe's population is estimated to be around 173,111 to 231,000.⁵
Angami Naga: The Angami tribe is a significant group, with their population generally considered to be substantial, although precise, consistently cited figures can vary. Some sources indicate populations that would place them among the larger groups.⁶
Zeliangrong (Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei) Naga: This is a collective term for three closely related tribes (Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei). The Zeme alone are estimated at around 130,000.⁷
Sangtam Naga: The Sangtam population is estimated around 74,994 to 119,000.⁸
Rengma Naga: The Rengma population in Nagaland is about 62,951, with additional populations in Assam, bringing their total to around 85,000.⁹
Pochury Naga: The Pochury tribe has a population estimated around 24,000.¹⁰
¹ PeopleGroups.org, "Sema Naga - India," accessed August 20, 2025,
² Sanchika - Central Institute of Indian Languages, "Konyak Naga," accessed August 20, 2025,
³ Wikipedia, "Ao Naga," accessed August 20, 2025,
⁴ Wikipedia, "Chakhesang Naga," accessed August 20, 2025,
⁵ Wikipedia, "Lotha Naga," accessed August 20, 2025,
⁶ Eco India, "Angami Tribe," accessed August 20, 2025,
⁷ Wikipedia, "Zeme people," accessed August 20, 2025,
⁸ PeopleGroups.org, "Sangtam Naga - India," accessed August 20, 2025,
⁹ Wikipedia, "Rengma Naga," accessed August 20, 2025,
¹⁰ PeopleGroups.org, "Pochury Naga - India," accessed August 20, 2025,
