The Goudus are a pastoral tribe living in the agency tracts of Andhra Pradesh and they are recognized as Scheduled Tribe in the agency area of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. They inhabit predominantly the hill tracts of Araku valley, Paderu, Munching put areas of Visakhapatnam district. According to 1991 census their population is 11,279. The total literacy rate among Goudu is 17.78.

The entire Goudu tribe is divided into twelve endogamous sub-divisions which are further divided into exogamous clans such as 1) Korra (Sun), 2) Pangi (Kite), 3) Killo (tiger) 4) Vanthala (Snake), 5) Samardhi (flower) etc.,

Goudus of East Godavari district speak Telugu and those living in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam speak Adivasi Oriya.

They practice shifting cultivation and also settled cultivation in the valley lands. The main occupation of Goudus of interior villages is cattle rearing.

The popular ways of acquiring mates are through negotiations, capture, love and elopement and service. Levirate type of marriage is also in vogue. The Goudus have their traditional community council known as 'Kula Panchayath' which maintains their customary laws, settles disputes and imposes fine on the offenders.