Ethnic Groups of Africa

Ethnic Group vs Religious Group An ethnic group is a group defined by similar physical and cultural characteristics. This can include color, race, and nationality. It can also include language, religion, customs and social views. A religious group is shares a belief in a god or gods. Religion is not defined to a particular ethnic group. A religious group can encompass several ethnic groups. It is a set of customs and beliefs.

Review Ethnic Groups in the Middle East

Review Religious Groups in the Middle east

Africa is made up of over 2000 different ethnic groups and over 800 different languages are spoken

ArabsAshantiBantuSwahili Draw this Chart African Ethnic Groups

Arabs Any member of the Arabic-speaking peoples native to the Middle East and North Africa. Many Arabs are Muslims (followers of Islam), but some are also followers of Christianity.

First arrived in Egypt in the late 600 AD and spread across northern Africa all the way to Morocco. They later spread to the Sahel region and along the eastern coast (Kenya, Mozambique Tanzania and Zanzibar). They make up the majority of the people along the Mediterranean Sea and the East coast. The majority are Muslim however a few are Christians.

ArabsAshantiBantuSwahili There are both Muslims and Christians, however, in Africa, most are Muslim. African Ethnic Groups

Ashanti People of West Africa near Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo. Ashanti ethnic group mostly have traditional beliefs. An Asante chief wearing silk cloth and gold jewelry.

The traditional religion is centered on a belief in a supreme god (Nayme) They believe in spiritual and supernatural powers. There are also many Christians in this ethnic group, which was introduced by the European and American missionaries. There is also a growing number of Muslims. Golden Stool Ashanti Men

ArabsAshantiBantuSwahili There are both Muslims and Christians, however, in Africa, most are Muslim. They believe in spiritual and supernatural powers. There are also many Christians and some Muslims African Ethnic Groups

BANTU One of the original ethnic groups in Africa that was part of the largest migration of people on the continent thousands of years ago. An

Bantu were farmers and animal herders and iron making crafts. There is a strong Muslim presence and some Christian. There is still followers of the Traditional belief (animist) believing spirits are found in natural objects and surroundings. (rocks, trees, waterfalls etc.)

ArabsAshantiBantuSwahili There are Muslims and Christians, however, in Africa, most are Muslim. They believe in spiritual and supernatural powers. There are also many Christians and some Muslims Some follow the Traditional beliefs (animist) believing spirits are found in natural objects and surroundings. (rocks, trees, waterfalls etc.) There is a strong Muslim presence and some Christian. African Ethnic Groups

SWAHILI The Swahili people live on the east coast of Africa from Somalia to Mozambique.

Many Swahili people are Muslims (believe in Islam) after Arabs brought the religion from Arabia when trading. However, they also mix in some traditional beliefs with their Islamic beliefs. They believe that there are spirits that can possess a person. Herbal medicines are often given along with prescribed prayers and ritual for a cure. The Swahili language is a mixture between Bantu and Arabic. Most live in cities today and many make a living through fishing and trading.

ArabsAshantiBantuSwahili There are Muslims and Christians, however, in Africa, most are Muslim. They believe in spiritual and supernatural powers. There are also many Christians and some Muslims Some follow the Traditional beliefs (animist) believing spirits are found in natural objects and surroundings. (rocks, trees, waterfalls etc.) There is a strong Muslim presence and some Christian. Many Swahili people are Muslims, however, they also mix in some traditional beliefs with their Islamic beliefs. They believe that there are spirits that can possess a person. African Ethnic Groups