- 12 major tribes + several smaller tribes and sub-tribes
- Bajaur and Mohmand – major tribes – Utmankhel, Mohmand, Tarkani and Safi
- Khyber and Orakzai – major tribes – Afridi, Shilmani, Shinwari, Mulagori Orakzai
- Kurram – major tribes – Turi, Bangash, and Masozai
- North and South Waziristan – major tribes – Darwesh Khel Wazirs + Mahsuds in the central part of the region
- FRs of Peshawar and Kohat – major tribe – Afridi
- FR Lakki and Tank – major tribes – Bhittani
- FR Bannu – major tribe – Wazir
- FR D.I.Khan – major tribes – Ustrana and Shirani
Other tribes in FATA – Utmanzai, Ahmadzai Dawar, Saidgai, Kharasin and Gurbaz