Ethiopia

Ethiopian Orthodox ChurchFollowers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church attend a ceremony in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Orthodox doctrine is most similar to Roman Catholicism in its emphasis on celebrating Mass and reverencing icons and patron saints. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 23 September 2007)

Image Source: Jose Cendon / Getty Images / AFP

Religion

About 44 percent of the population belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, a leading influence in the culture since the fourth century. Indeed, Ethiopian Christians stress that while Christianity was introduced by European colonizers in other African countries, it was adopted by Ethiopian rulers in AD 332—before many Western nations were exposed to it. Ethiopian Orthodox doctrine is most similar to Roman Catholicism in its emphasis on celebrating Mass and reverencing icons and patron saints. Protestants make up 19 percent of the population. Some people living around Axum claim that the biblical Lost Ark of the Covenant is kept there but is not permitted to be viewed. There are many replicas of the ark (called tabots) in the country's churches. During religious holidays, tabots are gathered together for a regional celebration. On feast days in each month, certain saints, angels, and religious fathers are remembered by those Christians who have chosen them as patrons. Christianity's legacy can be seen in many ancient structures, including the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela.

Muslims account for 34 percent of the population. Muslims consider Muhammad the last and greatest of all prophets. TheQur'an contains Allah's (God's) revelations to Muhammad. Religion is a matter of daily practice and a way of life for Muslims; it is not just a matter of belief and acceptance. In addition to a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and five daily prayers, Muslims also practice their faith through shahada (professing Allah as the only god and Muhammad as his messenger),zakat (giving a portion of one's income to help the poor), and fasting during the month of Ramadan. Together, these practices are referred to as the Five Pillars of Islam.

About 3 percent of Ethiopians follow traditional animist beliefs that stress a reverence for all living things. Many among the Oromo practice wakefata, which includes a belief in a supreme being (called waaqa) that created and maintains a spiritual connection (ayaana) to all things.

"Ethiopia: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Federal Republic of Nigeria

National MosqueCars drive past the National Mosque. Nigeria is divided primarily between Muslims and Christians. The north is mostly Muslim, and the southeast is primarily Christian. As part of a constitution adopted in 1999, the predominantly Muslim northern states have the option of establishing shari'ah (Islamic law) courts to handle certain cases. (Abuja, Nigeria, December 2006)

Image Source: Suzanne Plunkett / Getty Images / Bloomberg

ReligionNigeria is divided primarily between Muslims and Christians. The north is mostly Muslim and features several mosques, while the southeast is primarily Christian. About half the residents of the southwest are Muslim; half are Christian. In all, about 50 percent of Nigerians are Muslim and 40 percent are Christian. Nigerians who follow traditional African belief systems exclusively (10 percent) are spread throughout the country. Many Christians and Muslims also incorporate indigenous African worship practices and beliefs into their daily lives. This includes such practices as ancestor veneration and worshipping natural objects.

Central to Islam is a belief in the Qur’an (Muslim holy book) as the word of Allah revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Muslims show devotion through the Five Pillars of Islam, which include professing that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet; praying five times daily while facing Mecca, Saudi Arabia; giving money to the poor; fasting from dawn to dusk throughout the holy month of Ramadan; and making a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime, if possible.

As part of a constitution adopted in 1999, the predominantly Muslim northern states have the option of establishing shari'ah(Islamic law) courts to handle certain cases. The states have interpreted that to mean shari'ah can be the governing force in most local matters, a policy opposed by Christians and others. In Muslim areas, a person may be flogged as punishment for immorality, regardless of their religion. This situation has contributed in part to violence and conflict in the nation.

"Nigeria: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Arab Republic of Egypt

Mosque and PlaygroundFeatured here is one of the largest mosques in Alexandria. During times of elections or political turmoil, men gathered here to pray and to discuss politics. In front of the mosque is a playground where kids from the neighborhood spend their afternoons. Some of them also play here while their parents pray in the mosque. (Alexandria, Egypt, May 2012)

Image Source: Salym Fayad

ReligionAround 90 percent of all Egyptians are Muslims. Most of these are Sunni Muslims. Islamic theology is rooted deeply in the minds, hearts, and behavior of the people. Islamic scripture, the Qurʾan, is considered the final, complete word of Allah (God). Muslims accept and revere all major Judeo-Christian prophets from Adam to Jesus, but they proclaim Muhammad to be the seal of the prophets, meaning he was the last prophet to receive revelation from Allah.

Although Egypt is officially a secular state, Islamic principles guide the nation's laws, business relations, and social customs. Islam also permeates daily life through dress and dietary codes, frequent prayers, and constant references to Allah's will or blessings. Muslims are obliged to pray five times daily, always facing Mecca, Saudi Arabia. On Friday, the Islamic day of worship, men gather in the mosque to offer Jumʿah (the Friday midday prayer) and to hear a sermon; women pray at home or in a separate part of the mosque. During the rest of the week, prayers may be performed elsewhere (at home, at work, or even in public places).

Ten percent of the population is Christian. Coptic Christians, whose religion dates back to the first century AD, are Egypt's largest religious minority. Although they make up a sizable portion of the population, Coptic Christians hold very few positions in the government and have little influence in running the country. Clashes between Muslims and Coptic Christians are uncommon but do occur occasionally. The Coptic Orthodox Church has strong ties to the Eastern Orthodox Church, and churches are built facing the east. The most important day of worship is Sunday, and services may last as long as four hours.

"Egypt: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Republic of Mali

Dogon DwellingsThe people of Dogon left their homes in the 14th and 15th centuries and fled to higher ground to escape Islamic conversion. Today, many still hold on to their animist beliefs, which include a belief that all living things have souls (henomena). The residence shown here is in the encampment of Badiagara, in the cliff zone. (Dogon Country, Mali, October 2008).

ReligionAbout 95 percent of all Malians are Muslim. Most of the rest, especially in the south and along the Dogon Cliffs, adhere to traditional religions, which usually emphasize animism. About 2 percent are Christian, with mainly Protestant and Catholic believers.

Islam entered Mali through the country's northern territory. The Peulh, Sarakole, Moor, Songhai, and Tuareg ethnicities have been Muslim since not long after the advent of Islam. Foundational Islamic beliefs include recognizing that there is only one God,Allah, and declaring Muhammad to be his prophet; praying five times daily; fasting during the holy month of Ramadan; giving alms to the poor (in Mali, this is often the garibouts, boys who attend Qur’anic schools and must beg for daily food); and making a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Christianity was introduced in Mali through the Kayes region in 1855. It was a major influence on the Bobo and Dogon areas during the colonial period. The majority of these two ethnicities are Christian.

Some Malians incorporate elements of their traditional beliefs, such as using masks or totem animals and wearing gri gri charms(amulets used to protect a person from harm or illness), into their religious practices. During the dry seasons, Muslims may gather for Friday prayers at the mosque to ask Allah for rain. To encourage rain for a good harvest or other events, animists select a large village tree, slaughter a sheep or goat, smear the animal's blood on the tree, and dance around shouting at the tree

"Mali: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Republic of South Africa

Christian BaptismMembers of the Zion Christian Church are baptized in a small pond. In South Africa, more than half of blacks, most whites, and most mixed-race people are Christians. Black South Africans typically belong to African Independent churches—the largest of which is the Zion Christian Church—that combine Christian and traditional African beliefs in their worship. There are also important Muslim and Jewish communities. (Johannesburg, South Africa, November 2008)

Image Source: Salym Fayad

ReligionMost South Africans are Christians. Afrikaans speakers belong primarily to the Dutch Reformed Church. English-speaking whites belong to Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and other congregations. Blacks typically belong to African Independent churches, the largest of which is the Zion Christian Church, that combine Christian and traditional African beliefs in their worship patterns. Some South Africans adhere solely to indigenous belief systems, though many people mix Christian and traditional beliefs and practices. The majority of Indians are Hindus, the rest are mostly Muslims and Christians. About 15 percent of South Africans claim no religion. A 2012 study found that about two-thirds of South Africans consider themselves religious, which is a decrease from previous years. Precise religious figures are difficult to determine because questions about religion appeared most recently on the 2001 census.

"South Africa: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Gabon

A spiritual medium prepares a mock soccer stadium with mystical effigies inside his shrine, which according to him guide and protect the Gabon national soccer team. Though up to 75 percent of Gabon’s population is Christian, traditional local beliefs maintain a significant influence in daily life. (Libreville, Gabon, January 2012)

Image Source: Thomas Mukoya / Reuters

ReligionChristians, mostly either Roman Catholic or Protestant, make up between 55 and 75 percent of the population. Most of the remainder of the population holds local animist beliefs, though a small Muslim population (mostly immigrants from other countries) exists as well. Going to church is a popular social occasion, especially for women and girls. Most Christian clergy are from the West, but meetings are influenced by African music and are conducted in the local language by village elders. In their daily lives, people mix local beliefs with Christianity, often turning to tradition rather than to Western religion in times of emergency. Some Gabonese seek the help of a medium or nganga (shaman) for instruction on finding a job, success, or marriage.

"Gabon: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Republic of Kenya

Three Muslim women walk past a mosque. They are wearing traditional Muslim buibuis, which cover the entire body. Sometimes, especially in urban areas, these buibuis are decorated with shiny beads and colorful designs. Some women also paint their hands and feet with henna. (Mombasa, Kenya, October 2011)

Image Source: Salym Fayad

ReligionThe majority of Kenyans are Christians. About 47 percent belong to various Protestant churches and 23 percent are Roman Catholic. Approximately 11 percent are Muslim. Most Muslims live along the coast and in the northeast. A small portion of people follow indigenous belief systems or nontraditional Christian faiths.

Members of various Christian churches generally interact peacefully, and different denominations may gather for special prayer meetings during which people pray for a common cause. Churches are often closely involved with political events and sometimes influence how their members vote. Before elections, churches may hold political meetings and invite speakers to address the congregation about political topics.

Indigenous beliefs vary by ethnic group. For example, the Kikuyu pray facing Mount Kenya in the belief that this is the location of Ngai (God). Christians often mix aspects of indigenous religions with their practice of Christianity. Upon the death of a loved one, the funeral may include both indigenous and Christian rituals.

"Kenya: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Kingdom of Morocco

Feast of Eid al-KebirMoroccans celebrate the feast of Eid al-Kebir, which commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. It also coincides with the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which Muslims are encouraged to undertake at least once in their lifetime. Pictured is a butcher ritually slaughtering a sheep for Eid al-Kebir. The feast will be shared by several families in the apartment building. (Fes, Morocco, November 2003

Feast of Eid al-Kebir. 2003. Photograph. Collection of CultureGrams. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar 2016.

ReligionIslam is the official religion of Morocco. The king is both the political and spiritual leader of his people. All ethnic Moroccans are Muslim. Conversion to another religion is not recognized by the state. Popular religion mixes aspects of various folk beliefs with traditional Islamic practices. Many Moroccans are Sufi Muslims. Some Christians and Jews live in Morocco: Jews are mostly native to the country, while Christians have European roots.

Muslims believe in a monotheistic god (Allah). Islam shares many biblical figures with Judaism and Christianity, but Muslims cite Muhammad as the seal of the prophets, meaning he was the last prophet to receive divine revelation from God. Muslims believe he received Allah's revelations through the angel Gabriel and recorded them in the Qurʾan.

Religion is a matter of daily practice. The Five Pillars of Islam that Muslims strive to accomplish are to profess there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet, pray five times daily, give alms to help the poor, fast each day during the month of Ramadan, and make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Friday is the Muslim day of worship, when a sermon is spoken at the mosque during the noon prayer. Mosques are full on this day and during Ramadan. Women usually worship at home but may also pray at the mosque in an area designated for women.

"Morocco: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.

Republic of Zimbabwe

Apostolic WorshippersWomen and children walk to church on a Sunday afternoon. Their white dresses and head cloths are characteristic of apostolic believers. Most Zimbabweans have a mixed belief structure. Various forms of Christianity predominate, but worship often is combined with traditional practices and beliefs. These include consulting spiritual mediums or witch doctors (called n'anga) and a strong belief in witchcraft, ancestor veneration, and clan affiliation with totems. (Harare, Zimbabwe, February 2009) Image Source: Salym Fayad

ReligionMany Zimbabweans have a mixed belief structure. Although various forms of Christianity, such as Protestantism (76 percent) and Roman Catholicism (8 percent) predominate, worship is often combined with traditional practices and beliefs. These include consulting spiritual mediums or witch doctors (n'anga) and a strong belief in witchcraft, ancestor veneration, and clan affiliation with totems. Traditional beliefs and practices vary from one tribe to another. Some Zimbabweans practice Christianity or adhere to traditional beliefs exclusively. Attendance is high at church services, which are important social events for most rural people. Muslims comprise less than 1 percent of the population.

"Zimbabwe: Religion." CultureGrams Online Edition. ProQuest, 2016. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.