Transcript African Ethnic and Religious Groups

African Ethnic and
Religious Groups
Top of page 69

SS7G4b.
• Explain the diversity of religions
between the Arab, Ashanti, Bantu, and
Swahili ethnic groups
What is an ethnic group?

Ethnic groups share many common
characteristics, such as language,
physical features, customs, and
traditions.
What is a religious group?

A religious group shares a
common belief system, but not
necessarily composed of a single
ethnic group.
• Example: Some Arabs are Muslim, but
not all Muslims are Arabs.
Christianity, Islam, Traditional



In Africa, the three major religions
are traditional beliefs, Christianity,
and Islam.
Traditional beliefs may include
worship of ancestors, spirits, gods,
animals, land, inanimate objects,
and/or natural phenomena.
In some cases these traditions are
mixed with Christianity or Islam.
Ethnic Groups

Arab – There are Muslims and
Christians. In Africa most Arabs
practice Islam.
• North Africa

Ashanti –Practice traditional
religions based on a mix of
spiritual and supernatural
powers.
• West Africa (Ghana)
Ethnic Groups

Bantu – Practice traditional
religion based on a belief in the
power of ancestors in everyday
life. Also practice Islam and
Christianity depending on their
location.
• Central and Southern Africa

Swahili – Islam is the main
religion. There is some
traditional beliefs blended in with
Islam.
• East Africa