Racism is treating one group of people less favourably than another because of colour, religious belief, or ethnic origin. It was once widely held that human beings belonged to different "races" of people, which were defined according to physical characteristics. Racism is rooted in the belief that some "races" are superior to others. Feelings of racial superiority led Europeans to colonise countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, and exploit their economies.
To find out more, download the Racism factsheet.