Ethnic Groups Of Madagascar

Most of Madagascar's residents belong to one of several Malagasy ethnic groups, the Merina being the largest.

More than nine-tenths of the population in Madagascar is Malagasy, comprising of about 20 ethnic groups and Merina is the dominant group. All these ethnic groups have different cultures, norms, and religious beliefs. The cultural and religious background of the various tribes rotates around the worship of ancestors and sees them as intermediaries between God and the living. It is hard to declare strict regional boundaries for each tribal group as they keep moving and interacting with each other.

Ethnic Groups Of Madagascar

Merina

They are people of dominant highlands and they form 26% of the whole population of Madagascar. They emerged as a politically dominant group in the course of the 17th to the 18th century. They captured non-Merinas and forced them into slavery, and later replaced them with imported slaves from East Africa by 1850. The British missionaries converted the Merina upper-class members to Protestants in the 19th century. 

Dominion of Merina Kingdom came to an end with the first Franco-Hora War of 1883-1885, and Merina language became the national language. Merina had three different classes comprised of the Andriana who are nobles, the Horas who are free men, and the Andero who were slaves. Their stable food is rice and they circumcise boys after seven years where relatives request for blessing and protection from ancestors. They bury their dead in family tombs located in ancestral villages.

Betsimisaraka

They are the inhabitants of east central and northern coast of Madagascar and constitute 15% of the total population. They speak a dialect of Malagasy. Moreover, they are inseparable multitudes where they live along the narrow eastern coastal strip thus were able to interact with African Bantu and Asians of astroasian descent. The Betsimisaraka kingdom was founded in early 18th century by Ratsimilao which united various chiefdoms along 400 miles. The kingdom collapsed after the death of the dynasty's third ruler in 1791. They then fell under the rule of the expanding Merina to the West until the advent of colonial rule in 1890s. They are historically reputed as skilled sailors and pirates. They believe in sorcery and a wide range of supernatural forces involving respect for ancestors, spirit possession, ritual sacrifice of zebu and patriarchal social structure. They practice reburial (famadihana) and circumcision (sambatra). Most taboos and folktales revolve around lemurs and crocodiles.

Betsileo

They began as an administrative subdivision in the 19th century. They were a highland ethnic group and are the third largest group of the population of Madagascar constituting 12% of the total population. Betsileo means 'invincible.' They were once occupants of the southern part of Madagascar plateau and organized into kingdoms of Fandriana, Fisakana, Manandriana, Isandra which existed independently. Randama conquered and reorganized the kingdoms turning most of them into slaves and trading others to the Europeans. They claim a common heritage with Antemoro from the east coast. They live in huts made of wood and some vegetative fiber which have changed to mud and bricks. They believed in diviners and astrologists who set dates for ceremonies and witch doctors who manipulate the magic.

Tsimihety

Their settlement in Madagascar dates back to the 16th century, and they descend from immigrants from the east coast villages of Betsimisaraka who fled the Merina rule. When a Tsimihety dies and is far from their homeland, they bury him in the land of death and later exhume the body and bring it to their native land, put it in a new coffin and burn the old one. Their music is called Malesa; they dance in an easy way with a man behind a woman. Unlike other tribes the Tsimihety have their unique marriage customs and traditional music. They rarely recognize authority. The Tsimihety are animists, believing in a supreme being who presides over the spirit world inhabited by their ancestors, and perform rituals, offerings and adhere to a strict system of taboos.

Historical Demographics Of Madagascar

To fully understand the character of Madagascar's population and their historical development, we need to appreciate the inhabitant's common characteristics including language and kinship structure, as well as the divisions based on geographical regions. Among other ethnic groups that exist in Madagascar is Sahara and antandroy though they form the smaller percentages of the total population. These ethnic divisions correspond with the major geographical divisions of the island. Within these regions, the people have certain cultural similarities accentuated by the natural environment.

Ethnic Groups Of Madagascar

Rank Ethnic Group or Nationality Share of Population of Madagascar
1 Merina 26%
2 Betsimisaraka 15%
3 Betsileo 12%
4 Tsimihety 7%
5 Sakalava 6%
6 Antaisaka 5%
7 Antandroy 5%
South Asians, East Asians, Arabs, French, and Others 24%

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Libya : Indigenous Ethnic Groups

Libya is a large African country with a small population. Within this population are different indigenous ethnic groups of people. Natives are primarily Arabs and Berbers. However, there are also tribal groups in southern Libya, such as the Tebou and Touareg tribes. These groups live together peacefully.

Ever since the Arabs conquered Libya in the seventh century A.D., Arab invaders brought their language and culture with them. During this time, intermarriages with Berbers and other indigenous people produced a mix of ethnic groups in Libya. 90% percent of Libya's population is made of this mix of Arab-speaking Muslims and Berber ancestry. The other ten percent is made up of tribal groups (Tebou and Touareg), and a mix of other kinds of people such as, Greeks, Muslim Cretans, Maltese, Armenians, and other North Africans. Oddly enough, fifty percent of Libya's population is estimated to be under the age of fifteen (U.S. Department of State, 1).

The people of Libya were not greatly affected by the slave trade. They were however affected by European colonialism. Between 1911 and 1949, a lot had changed in Libya (Tore Kjeilen, 3). Italian invaders battled for the control of Libya in 1911. As a result, the Ottoman Empire took control over Libya. But in 1943, Britain and France took control. They divided Libya by its major cities. Tripolitania and Cyrenaica became under British control, while Fezzan became under French control. This division not only separated the cities, but also separated the people. After this, there had been a constant fight over the control of Libya. 

Hardship came to Libyan's as well. In the early 1930's many natives were imprisoned in great camps, while others fled the country for safety. Italian colonization meant more Italians in Libya. However, by 1947 there were only an estimated 40,613 Italians left in Libya, and their numbers continued to dwindle into the 1950s (Jon G., 3)
The control over Libya greatly affected its people. Libya's economy has suffered since. Recently, domestic food production meets about 25% of demand (U.S. Department of State, 4). This food shortage causes starving and deaths. 

Despite their problems, the groups of Libya come together to help other nations. For example, Libya has played a helpful role in facilitating the provision of humanitarian assistance to Darfur refugees in Chad (U.S. Department of State, 4). It is apparent that these groups have hardships and many problems in their country, but they remain peaceful while keeping the country strong.

Liberia - Ethnic Groups

Indigenous African tribes constitute 95% of the population. Besides the descendants of the early settlers, Liberia is peopled by about 28 ethnic groups, each with its own language. They are believed to have migrated from the north and east between the 12th and 16th centuries AD , bringing with them elements of Egyptian and Arabian culture, such as the spinning and weaving of cotton and the smelting of iron. Linguistically, the tribes may be divided into three main groups: the Mande people in the north and far west, the Kru tribes (including the Krahn) in the east and southeast, and the Mel in the northwest. The largest groups are the Kpellé, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, and Bella. About 2.5% of the population is Americo-Liberian, descendants of immigrants from the US who had been slaves. There are also two tribes not strictly Liberian: the Mandingo, who are itinerant Muslim traders, and the Fanti fishermen, who come from Ghana and stay a few years at a time in Liberia.

Because of intermarriage and an aggressive national unification program, tribal divisions are rapidly becoming less distinct, especially around the capital. Nevertheless, there is a strong tendency among the indigenous people to preserve their tribal identities.

Of the non-African resident population, the biggest component consists of Lebanese and Syrians.

•culled from www.nationsencyclopedia.com

Biggest Cities In Lesotho

Maseru, meaning "red sandstones" in the Sesotho language, is the capital and the largest city of Lesotho.

Lesotho is a South African country completely surrounded by South Africa. The country has a mountainous terrain with most of its towns and villages located in areas with an altitude of more than 1600m above sea level. The high altitude allows for a number of tourist activities such as hiking and pony-trekking as well as natural sights. Lesotho's major towns are mainly administrative headquarters of various districts in the country. These towns are important and tourist centres with various cultural and historical aspects unique to the people of Lesotho.

Maseru

Maseru is the largest city in Lesotho and the capital of the country. The town was established in 1869 by the British colonisers. During the colonial period, Maseru served as a police camp and capital of Lesotho. Maseru played an important administrative role between 1869 and 1871 and from 1884 to-date. The city remained underdeveloped until the country gained independence in 1966. The city is the most populated with more than 200,000 people. Maseru has a rapidly growing economy due to industries, trade, and foreign and local investments based in the town.

Teyateyaneng

Teyateyaneng is located in Lesotho's Berea district and has an estimated population of 75,115. Teyateyaneng was founded in 1886 by chief Masupha as a settlement of the dispute between him and the British. Teyateyaneng served as the administrative capital of Berea. Its location on a hill gives Teyateyaneng a natural and outstanding view of the Maloti Mountains located to the southeast and the lowlands found to the north-east of the town. Teyateyaneng is a rich cultural center with hoisin art specimens in rock shelters as well as the cannibal cave which was used by the cannibals for guerrilla warfare. Teyateyaneng is an important marketplace in Lesotho with unique products including stoneware pottery, finely woven mohair rugs and textiles.

Mafetang

Mafetang is the capital of Mafetang district of Lesotho with a population of about 57,059. Mafetang is an important trading centre and tourist attraction owing to its rich historical importance and nature-inspired activities such as hiking and pony-trekking. In the late 19th century, the town served as the battle field during the Gun war confrontation. The soldiers who died there are commemorated with an obelisk above their cemetery. Mafetang is a thriving economy with local and foreign businesses based in the town. Agricultural products particularly wheat and maize are the main commodities of trade in the town. The Old Mill owned by the Scott and Osborne families processed corn and wheat for the local communities is currently a tourist attraction in the town.

Hlotse

Hlotse town was established by John Widdicombe, a British missionary in 1876. Hlotse existed as a colonial centre during the colonial period and is currently an important market centre in Lesotho. Sometimes the town is referred to as Leribe as it is the capital of Leribe and the presence of the French mission- leribe which was established in 1867. Hlotse is the home to the Leribe Crafts Centre which deals with handmade wool crafts. Tourist attractions in Hlotse include the Tsehlanyane Nature Reserve which is a habitat to a unique and rare biodiversity of alpine flora and fauna.
Problems Faced By Lesotho's Cities
Lesotho's towns including Mohale's Hoek, Maputsoe, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Peka, Butha-Buthe, Roma, Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka are faced by common challenges including prevalent poverty with most of their populations living below the poverty line, food shortages and high maternal and infant mortality rates.

The Biggest Cities In Lesotho

Rank City Estimate 2005 Distri
1 Maseru 218,355 Mase
2 Teyateyaneng 75,115 Berea
3 Mafeteng 57,059 Mafet
4 Hlotse 47,675 Lerib
5 Mohale's Hoek 40,514 Moha Hoek
6 Maputsoe 32,117 Lerib
7 Qacha's Nek 25,573 Qach Nek
8 Quthing 24,130 Quthi
9 Peka 17,161 Lerib
10 Butha-Buthe 16,330 ButhaButhe
11 Roma 11,612 Mase
12 Mokhotlong 8,809 Mokh
13 Thaba-Tseka 5,423 ThabTsek

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Languages Of Lesotho

Sotho and English are the official languages of Lesotho, and the former is the national and most widely spoken language in the country.

Brief History Of Lesotho

Lesotho is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. Beginning around 1822, present-day Lesotho was part of the kingdom of Chief Moshoeshoe I, who fought against other tribes to maintain its unity. British and Dutch colonists from nearby Cape Colony were influential in shaping the country, fighting over rights to the land for many years. In 1869, the Chief signed a treaty with England, ceding half of his kingdom to the country. Lesotho won its independence in 1966. This history of colonialism along with the history of the ruling indigenous class have shaped the culture of the country today. The languages spoken here reflect that history.

National And Official Languages Of Lesotho

Today, the national and official languages of Lesotho are English and Sesotho. These languages were nominated as such in 1966 at the time of the country's independence. The distinction was further enforced by the 1993 Constitution which states that these two languages are official and that no transaction conducted in English or Sesotho may be declared invalid.

English is generally spoken in government offices and official business. For educational purposes, it becomes the language of secondary school after the 5th year of instruction. Being able to communicate in English is seen as a necessity for obtaining a job and for conducting business.
Sesotho, also known as Sotho, is the native language of the Basotho ethnic group. It belongs to the Sotho-Tswana subgroup of the larger Niger-Congo language family and is commonly referred to as a Bantu language. It is the language of instruction for primary education, which is the first four years of school. Although the country encourages bilingualism, many individuals are only able to complete primary school and do not go on to learn English. Estimates suggest that between 85% and 90% of the population speaks Sesotho as a first language and 59% of the adult population is literate in the language. Because of its widespread use, Sesotho is becoming more common in printed and broadcast media, religious services, and even politics.

Minority Languages Of Lesotho
The minority languages of Lesotho are Zulu, Phuthi, and Xhosa. Each of these is considered a Bantu language.

Zulu is the Zulu ethnic group's native language and is spoken by approximately 248,000 people in Lesotho. However, it is also spoken throughout Africa by a total of 12 million individuals.
Phuthi is considered an endangered language and is thought to have only 20,000 speakers in numerous communities along the border between Lesotho and South Africa. It is the native language of the Nguni indigenous peoples. Linguists believe that Sesotho and Xhosa have influenced Phuthi, although it possesses its unique grammar.

The Xhosa language is spoken by both the Amaxhosa and Amabhaca ethnic groups, who live in both Lesotho and South Africa. Approximately 600,000 people speak Xhosa in Lesotho. This language utilizes the phenomenon of click consonants.

Main Immigrant Languages Of Lesotho

The most common language of immigrants in Lesotho is Afrikaans, a West Germanic language that evolved out of the Dutch language subgroup. It is most commonly spoken in South Africa and Namibia. This language has been influenced by Bantu languages, Malay, Portuguese, and German, but maintains a vocabulary that is between 90% and 95% Dutch-based.

By Amber Pariona

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Largest Ethnic Groups In Kenya

The Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, and Kamba are the largest ethnic groups in Kenya today.
Kenya is an East African nation with an estimated population of 46.79 million people, according to estimates from 2016. The official language is English as the country was formerly a British colony, while Kiswahili is the national language. The country has multiple ethnic groups that occupy different regions in the nation each with their language. The prominent ethnic groups include the Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, and Meru peoples. These major ethnic groups occupy most government positions and other senior positions in Kenya. Small African tribes, Asians, Arabs, and Europeans make up ethnic minority groups.

Largest Ethnic Groups In Kenya

Kikuyu

Kikuyus are Kenya's largest ethnic group, comprising an estimated 22% of the population. They are a Bantu-speaking group that is widely found in the central region of Kenya. A common myth states that the Kikuyus originated from a sycamore tree ' Mukuyu.' Kikuyu literature was expressed in the form of riddles, folktales, songs and dances before missionaries came and introduced education. Upon the arrival of missionaries, Kikuyus were taught to read and write, and as a result, prominent literature icons emerged. Some of the notable Kikuyu literature writers are Ngugi wa Thiong'o and Meja Mwangi. Kikuyus are mostly subsistence farmers who cultivate maize, beans, and vegetables. They also grow coffee and tea. Kikuyus have been prominent in the Kenyan government since independence. Three out of the four presidents that have ruled Kenya since independence have been Kikuyus.

Luhya

The Luhya ethnic group makes up the second largest ethnic group in Kenya. They are estimated to comprise 14% of the Kenyan population. They belong to the Bantu group of people. Luhyas are made up of several subgroups such as Ababukusu, Abatachoni, Abaidakho, Abaisukha, Abatiriki, Abanyala, Abakisa, Abamarachi, Abamarama, Avalogoli, Abasamia, and Abanyala. They are said to have migrated into Western Kenya from eastern Uganda in the 14th Century. Luhyas celebrate births and initiation ceremonies. Traditionally, Luhyas engaged in ancestor worship. They have since adopted Christianity and rarely engage in the traditional rituals. Chicken is a delicacy for the Luhya people, and it is prepared during special occasions. Luhyas in the rural areas mostly practices farming where they cultivate maize, beans, cassavas, vegetables, and sugarcane.

Luo

Luos are a Nilotic group and the third largest ethnic group in Kenya. They make up approximately 13% of the Kenyan population. Luos mainly occupy Nyanza Province in Western Kenya. They are said to have moved into Kenya from Sudan. Luos practice fishing along the shores of Lake Victoria. The women practice subsistence farming. Traditionally, polygamy was upheld in the Luo community. Storytelling is an integral part of the Luo culture, and it is used to pass down morals to the younger generations. Despite the Luos being a large ethnic group in Kenya, they have not been fairly represented in Kenya's leadership positions.

Kalenjin

Kalenjins account for 12% of the Kenyan population, making them the fourth largest ethnic group. The Kalenjin ethnic group is a Nilotic community composed of Kipsigis, Pokot, Tugen, Keiyo, Nandi, Marakwet, Sabaot, and Terik subgroups. The Kalenjin are mostly found in the Rift Valley region in Kenya. Kalenjins use folktales to pass down their norms and values to younger generations. Teenage boys and girls go through initiation rituals where they are ushered into adulthood. Kalenjins practice livestock keeping and subsistence farming. Livestock rustling is common among some Kalenjin subgroups.

Coexistence Among Kenyans

Kenya is a multi-ethnic nation with as many as 42 ethnic groups living in the country. The numerous groups contribute to the rich Kenyan culture. In the past, ethnic minority groups were often neglected in development issues. However, the nation implemented a new constitution in 2012 that protects the rights of minority groups. In recent years, the different ethnic groups have coexisted harmoniously.

Largest Ethnic Groups In Kenya

Rank Ethnic Group or Tribe Share of Kenyan Population
1 Kikuyu 22%
2 Luhya 14%
3 Luo 13%
4 Kalenjin 12%
5 Kamba 11%
6 Meru 6%
7 Indian and Other Asian 0.1%
8 Arab 0.1%
9 White European <0.1%
Other African Tribes and Other Groups Not Listed 21%

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Ethnic Groups Of Ivory Coast

The Akan and Voltaique peoples are the largest of Ivory Coast's many ethnic groups.

Ivory Coast is a unitary presidential republic found in the western parts of Africa. It has an estimated population of 24 million and a population density of 1-65.6 persons per square mile. Yamoussoukro City is the political capital while Abidjan is the both the economic capital as well as the largest city in the country. The Akan are the predominant ethnic group in the country making 42.1% of the entire population. There are over 60 ethnic groups in the country. In this article, we will discuss the ethnic communities found in Ivory Coast.

Ethnic Groups Of Ivory Coast

Akan Community

The Akan community has an estimated population of twenty million members occupying both Ghana and Ivory Coast, and they are the largest ethnic group in the two countries. They are believed to have migrated from the Saharan desert where they faced a hostile Nubian community. They settled in the present day Ghana where their main economic activity was gold mining and sale of cash crops. Their gold trade made the community wealthy and in the long run attracted the interest of the European traders. Among the European traders were the Portuguese who also dealt with the slave trade. The Akans started wars with the neighboring communities with the aim of capturing people to sell them as slaves. The Akan community has several subgroups which include; the Ashanti, Abinghi, Abbe, Abidji, and Ahafo among others. Some of the notable individuals from the Akan community are; Koffi Annan (former UN sec. Gen), Kwame Nkrumah, and Arthur Wharton (the first black professional footballer).

Gur Community

This is a large community with over 70 languages and distributed in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast and Benin. The community was previously known a Voltaiques which was the French name for River Volta. There are two subdivisions of the ethnic group which are the Northern Gur and the Southern Gur.

Krus Community

The Kru community originated from Liberia and settled along the western Africa Coast. They were renowned fishermen and navigators of the Atlantic Ocean. Traditionally, they were fishermen and traders but were later employed by Americans and the Brits as sailors due to their vast experience in Maritime. Currently, the Kru are distributed in three countries namely; Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone. The majority of the community is found in Liberia while their population in Ivory Coast is estimated at 14,000 members.

Southern and Northern Mandes

Southern and Northern Mandes is a huge ethnic group that is spread in several countries. In Ivory Coast, the community is divided into two primary groups; the Southern Mandes who occupy the western parts of the country and Northern Mandes occupy in the northwestern parts. The community is believed to have descended from ancient Saharan people and spread throughout West Africa. The primary economic activity of the Mandes was production trade of woven textiles. They also engaged in mixed farming until climatic changes left the area being semi-arid. One of the most successful rulers was Askia Muhammad who led expansion plans for the kingdom. When the French invaded their territory, they fiercely fought back but lost the war, and most of their soldiers were left dead. They went back into slave trade as their primary economic activity. The community is predominantly Islamic, but this is not exhibited especially in their clothing and women do not wear veils. Some of the most important cultural practices include; caste system, Fadenya, and traditional music. The kora is a traditional music instrument resembling a harp and is very popular among the Mande community.

Other Ethnic Groups In Ivory Coast

Other ethnic groups including the French, Lebanese, and Guineans make up 11% of the population. The French are the majority westerns in the country because Ivory coast was a french colony.

Ethnic Groups Of Ivory Coast

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Population of Ivory Coast
1 Akan 37.1%
2 Voltaiques (or Gur) 16.8%
3 Northern Mandes 14.5%
4 Krous 10.4%
5 Southern Mandes 9.5%
French, Lebanese, Liberians, Guineans, and Other Peoples 11.7%

By Kenneth Kimutai too

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Ethnic Groups Of Guinea (Conakry)

The Fulani are the largest of many ethnic groups in the diverse West African nation of Guinea. Guinea is located on the western coast of Africa formally known as French Guinea. The modern Guinea is sometimes called Guinea-Conakry to distinguish it from other countries with similar names like Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial-Guinea. The Republic of Guinea has a population of over 10 million people including thousands of refugees from the neighboring countries like Liberia and Sierra Leon. The population is made up of 24 ethnic groups with Conakry, the capital city, the most ethnically diverse town in Guinea. The majority of the population is Muslims at 85% of the population while about 7% identify with the indigenous religion.

Ethnic Groups Of Guinea (Conakry):

Fulani:

Fulani is the most widespread Muslim ethnic group in Sahel and West Africa. In Guinea, the majority of the population, 41%, belong to the Fulani tribe and are mainly found in the Futa Djallon region. Fulani has their roots in the North Africa and is bound together by the Fula language, culture, and religious beliefs. Fulani people are mainly pastoralists making them the largest nomadic pastoralist community in the world. They are primarily sedentary farmers. They follow a code of behavior known as "pulaaku" which is characterized by patience, self-control, honesty, and respect. They have a rich musical culture accompanied by traditional instruments like drums, hoddu, and riiti. Kossam is a major delicacy among the Fulani community. The traditional Fulani people live in temporary dome-shaped houses called bukkaru supported by millet stalk pillars.

Mandinka:

Mandinka ethnic group has a worldwide population of over 11 million while in Guinea, 33% of the population belongs to the Mandinka group. Mandinka belongs to the larger Mande people. The Mandinka originated from Mali and gained their independence from the empires in the 13th century. The Mandinka regions have a long history of the slave trade from the 14th century. The Mandinka territory was a major slave source for the Portuguese in the 16th and 18th century. Mandinkas are subsistence farmers who rely on millet, maize, and rice. Marriage among this community is arranged while the oldest male is considered the head of the family. The majority of Mandinka are Muslims while an insignificant number practices traditional African Religion. Villages are autonomous led by a chief. Kankaung is a rite of passage which marks beginning of adulthood. Female genital mutilation is also common among the Mandinkas.

Soussou:

Soussou belongs to the Mande people living in Guinea. The Susu community is a patrilineal society which favors cross-cousin marriages. The Susu originated from the mountainous border between Mali and Guinea. 12% of the Guinean population belongs to Soussou ethnic group. They live in an extended family setting with polygyny an accepted practice in the society. Soussou is mainly Muslims with Islam dominating their culture and practices. They have a caste system referred to as "nyamakala." They believe that the caste have their origin from the medieval slave era. Artisans, carpenters, musicians, and jewelers are in separate caste. Soussou is primarily farmers while women are palm oil makers.

Other Ethnic Groups In Guinea

Other ethnic groups making the population of Guinea include Kissi who accounts for 5% of the population and speak kissi language, the Kpelle who accounts for 5% which is also the largest ethnic group in Liberia, and the Toma. The non-Africans living in Guinea include the Europeans and the Lebanese.

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Population in Guinea

1 Fulani 41%
2 Mandinka 33%
3 Soussou 12%
4 Kissi 5%
5 Kpelle 5%
Other Groups 4%

•By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•Culled from www.worldatlas.com

Iceland Traditional Musical Instruments

Celandic folk music with traditional Icelandic langspil, guitar, kantele and Icelandic fiðla​. Traditional Icelandic langspil and fiðla, plus more besides. Between us, we play several instruments, including the traditional Icelandic langspil and fidla (fiðla) that you don't see around much these days.


The Langspil is a simple member of the zither family, examples of which are found all over Europe. Its closest cousin is the hummel, which originated in northern Germany and southern Scandinavia. Later on it was taken to Pennsylvania in the USA by German settlers and subsequently made its way down to Appalachia where it evolved into the Appalachian or mountain dulcimer. There are many variations in the numbers of strings and the ways that they are a layed out and attached to the instrument. Our langspils have a fairly typical set up of just three strings, two of which are drones, while the third one is positioned over a fret board and is used to play melody. The langspil is usually played with a bow.

The Icelandic fiðla (pronounced fithla with the ith pronounced the same as in the word with) is a rather strange beast. Very little is known about the instrument, because it died out and almost disappeared by the middle of the 19th century. Our instrument is a copy of an instrument that was made just over a hundred years ago, by a carpenter called Stefán Erlendsson who lived in the north of Iceland. His instrument is a copy, made from memory, of an instrument his uncle had played some fifty years before.

The Kantele not a traditional instrument in Iceland. It is most commonly found in Finland and the Baltic countries. We think it suits our Icelandic folk music very well so we are happy to make use of it.

Our langspils, fiðla and and kantele were made by Michael King, who specialises in making old and unusual instruments. Bára also plays a five string kantele, made by our friend Billy Horne in Turku, Finland.

Guitar Chris has been playing acoustic guitar to accompany his English songs for many years. When he first heard Bára singing her Icelandic songs he could see how his style, using altered tunings, would be a great way to accompany the often modal melodies of her Icelandic songs. Chris' guitars are made by Roger Bucknell of Fylde Guitars.

Hammer dulcimer is our latest acquisition. Chris has always hankered after playing one, ever since spending time in the company of traditional players like Reg Reader in Suffolk, England. We got our instrument just over a year ago and it made its way onto our new CD, where it fitted in perfectly, so we expect to be using it more in the future. Our instrument was made by Oakwood Instruments and you can check out their web site at:

•Culled from www.funi-iceland.com

•By Bára Grímsdóttir and Chris Foster

Major Ethnic Groups of Ghana

The Akan peoples comprise a significant portion of the people in Ghana today.

Ghana has a population of 27.4 million people according to the 2015 population report published recently. The population of women is greater than men representing 50.3% of the population. With a population density of 115 people per square kilometers, Ghana is world's 127th most populated country. The average life expectancy in the country is 60.95 years with a median age of 30 years old and an average family size of 3.5 persons. The majority of the population in the country (98%) is black Africans with the remaining 2% being of Asian, American, and European origin. Even though English is the official language, Ghana is an ethnically diverse country with several ethnic groups and tribes speaking different languages.

Major Ethnic Groups Of Ghana

Akan

Ashanti or Asanti are the largest subgroup of the Akan people. They speak an Asanti dialect of Twi which is a language spoken by over ten million Asanti people as the first language. Ashanti means "because of war." Because of the gold and the presence of Lake Volta, the Ashanti people built an empire in 1670. The Ashanti Kingdom controlled much of the present Ghana using Kumasi as the central base. The leader of the kingdom, Osei Tutu, defeated Denkyira in 1701 and named his area of influence "Asanti." 

Other major subgroups of the Akan people include the Abbe, Abidji, Ahafo, Tchama, and Wassa.

Mole-Dagbon

Many Mole-Dagbon people inhabit the Northern Regions of the Kingdom of Dagbon. They speak the Dagbani language and account for 16.6% of Ghana's population. They are related to the Mossi who have their homeland in the modern-day Burkina Faso. The Dagombas call their homeland Dagbon which covers an area of 20,000 square kilometers and was founded by Na Gbewa. The Mole-Dagbon have a sophisticated oral tradition that is woven around musical instruments including drums. Thus, its history has been influenced by the drummer. The culture of the Mole-Dagbon is influenced by Islam traditions. Islam is the state region. The important festivals observed by the Dagombas include Damba, Bugum, and the Islamic festivals.

Ewe

Ewe people are located in Togo and the Volta Region of Ghana. They account for 13.9% of the Ghanaian population and speak the Ewe language. The Ewe people first occupied the regions of the Akanland and the Yorubaland but they are neither related to the Akan nor the Yoruba ethnic groups despite the mutual influence. The Ewe people are still organized into villages and elect their chiefs by consensus with the advice of the elders. The chief is not to be seen drinking and is expected to cover his head in public. The religion of the Ewe people is centered on the creator called Mawu and Lisa. They also believe in other secondary gods. Music through drumming and dancing are part of their festivals and feasting events.

Other Ethnic Groups Of Ghana

Other ethnic groups in Ghana include the Ga-Dangme who occupy the coastal region, the Gurma living in the Northern Volta, Guang, and Grusi. Due to immigration, a significant population of Chinese, Indian, and European nationals live in the country.

Ethnic Groups And Tribes In Ghana

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Ghanaian Population

1 Ashanti-Akan 47.5%
2 Mole-Dagbon 16.6%
3 Ewe 13.9%
4 Ga-Dangme 7.4%
5 Gurma 5.7%
6 Guang 3.7%
7 Grusi 2.5%
8 Mande 1.1%
Other Groups 1.4%

By John Misachi

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Ethnic Groups of The Gambia

There are 9 main ethnic groups in Gambia living side by side with a minimum of inter-tribal friction, each preserving its own language, music, cultural traditions and even cast systems though there is an increasing amount of cultural interaction and fusion. The tribes are Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, Serehulae, Serreher, Akus, Lebanese and Mauritanians. While there is growth in multi-ethnic expressions, the search by groups to reaffirm their identities remains. As a whole they represent a snap-shot of Senegambia society.

However, classifying people by blood or ethnic traits is increasingly difficult as there has been extensive migrations and inter-marriages over the centuries. There were migrations of people into the Gambia before the 19th century but such movement of people greatly increased after the establishment of Bathurst (Banjul) in 1816. They came from Casamance, Futa Toro, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea Bissau and other West African countries.

The single largest ethnic group in Gambia is the Mandinka, an agricultural people with a hereditary nobility. Before they migrated to the Gambia valley they lived in the northern slopes of Futa Jallon Plateau. 

The country of the Manding is in the Niger Valley. The Wolofs are very prominent in the capital city of Banjul and are prominent in the Senegambia region. Their language is the lingua franca for Gambia . The Fulanis or Pol Futa a they are sometimes known are mainly engaged in herding of cattle and running their small corner shops. They are generally of lighter skin than most of the population . Jola people are predominantly organized around the cultivation of rice and are mainly based in the Foni district of the Western Division. The Serahule people are involved mainly in farming, trade and property development. They can be found in their largest numbers in the Basse region and speak in a number of dialects .The Akus are Christians who are descendants of freed slaves who first came to The Gambia in 1787 from Sierra Leone and who rank among the bureaucratic elite as well as being prominent in the private professional classes.

•culled from www.gambia.com

Gabon - Ethnic Groups

There are at least 40 distinct tribal groups in Gabon. The Pygmies are said to be the original inhabitants. Only about 3,000 of them remain, scattered in small groups in the heart of the forest. The largest tribal group, the Fang (about 30% of the population), came from the north in the 18th century and settled in northern Gabon. In the Woleu-Ntem part of Gabon, their direct descendants may be found almost unmixed with other Bantu ethnic strains. The Nzebi, Obamba, Eshira, Bapounou, and Batéké are other major groups. Smaller groups include the Omyènè, a linguistic group that includes the Mpongwe, Galoa, Nkomi, Orungu, and Enenga; these peoples live along the lower Ogooué, from Lambaréné to Port-Gentil. The Kota, or Bakota, are located mainly in the northeast, but several tribes have spread southward; they are well known for their carved wooden figures. Other groups include Vili and the Séké. These other African groups and Europeans number about 154,000, including 6,000 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality.

•culled from www.nationsencyclopedia.com

Gabon — History and Culture

Gabon's history is similar to that of other former French colonies in Africa. The culture is highly influenced, not only by its ethnic background and proximity to other West African nations, but also by French control. Dance, song, myths, and poetry are important elements of Gabonese life. Art is a strong pillar of the community and can be seen in the traditional creations of masks, sculptures and musical instruments.

History

The oldest prehistoric artifacts discovered in Gabon are Stone Age tools, such as rock spearheads. This suggests the presence of life from as early as the 7000 BC. However, very little is known about the country's ancient inhabitants. If you want to see examples of these age-old tools and learn more about Gabon's culture and history, head to Libreville's National Museum in the heart of the capital.
The Myene people arrived in Gabon in the 13th century, mainly establishing a fishing community near the coast. They were followed by the Bantu, which is one of the three main ethnic groups in Gabon today. The prevalent Fangs did not arrive until the 16th century (Loango Empire). The groups were separated from each other by dense forests.

The arrival of the Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch, French, and the English) settlers at the end of the 15th century brought about widespread slavery, which continued for almost 350 years. The slave trade eventually ceased in the mid-19th century, but not soon enough to save the tribal inter-relationships of the indigenous groups.
It was not until 1839 that the French established the first long-term European settlement in the territory and Gabon became part of French Equatorial Africa, together with Cameroon, DRC, Central African Republic, and Chad. Gabon remained a French Overseas Territory until it declared independence in 1960.

Culture

The Gabonese are very spiritual people. In fact, their traditions are mostly centered araound worship and the afterlife. Art for the sake of art was a foreign concept to African culture until the arrival of the Westerners. Before colonization, the Gabonese considered music, instruments, masks, sculptures, and tribal dances as rites and acts of worship.

Traditional instruments like the balafon, harp, mouth bow, drums, rattles, and bells are believed to call on different spirits and each corresponds to a certain rite. The mouth bow, or mougongo , is for Bwiti Misoko, the harp is for Bwiti Dissoumba, while the balafon is mostly used by the Fangs to perform religious rituals.

Masks and sculptures were mainly used for therapeutic procedures, consulting, as well as initiation rites. Each of the Gabonese ethnic groups has its own specific traditions involving masks, sculptures, music, songs, and dances, or a combination of these elements.
Culture in Gabon is also expressed through paintings, sculptures and even fashion, all of which are widely available for purchase in craft markets throughout the country. The African Craft Market in Libreville has some exceptional M'bigou stone statuettes. 

Gabonese masks are very popular collectors' items, especially
n'goltang or Fang masks, and Kota figures. In addition to being used in traditional rites, these masks are also used in ceremonies for weddings, funerals and births. They are often made with precious materials and rare local woods.

Original dresses made by Gabon designers are well recognized in the world of African fashion. Some great examples are Beitch Faro's The Queen of Scales dress, and Angéle Epouta's internationally reputed designs, which have graced the runways of both Gabon and Paris.

A majority of Gabonese people adhere to Christian beliefs (Protestantism and Roman Catholicism), but other indigenous religions are also practiced along with Islam. Many people combine Christianity with some form of traditional beliefs. The Babongo, the forest people of Gabon who dominate the west coast, are the originators of the indigenous Bwiti religion, based on the use of the iboga plant, an intoxicating hallucinogenic. Followers live highly ritualized lives after an initiation ceremony, filled with dancing, music and gatherings associated with natural forces and jungle animals.

Up to 40 indigenous languages are spoken in Gabon, but French, being the official language, is used by all and taught in schools, in addition to the mother tongue, Fang. A majority of Gabon's indigenous languages come from Bantu origins, and are estimated to have arrived more than 2,000 years ago. These are mostly only spoken, although transcriptions for some of the languages have been developed using the Latin alphabet. The three largest are Mbere, Sira and Fang.

•culled from www.iexplore.com

Music In Greece

Music in Greece is of unbelievable diversity due to the creative Greek assimilation of different influences of the Eastern and Western cultures of Asia and Europe. Music is an important aspect of the daily Greek culture. It has a long history dating from the Antiquity, during which poetry, dancing and music were inseparable and played an important part in the ancient Greek's everyday life. The Greek tragedy used music as one of its component elements.
Then, with the fall of Ancient Greece and the evolution of the Byzantine Empire, Greece music got a more ecclesiastical approach. In the 400 years of Ottoman domination, it was influenced by the eastern sounds. It got reborn only in the 19th century with the opera compositions of Nikolaos Mantzaros (1795-1872) and Spyros Samaras (1861-1917).

From that moment on, Greece produced many talented artists, including great composers to fabulous interprets. Music in Greece became an expression and a testimony of the slavery years, a weapon of opposition against the colonel authority and a way to express love, death, human fears, that accompanied the Greeks in their everyday life.

Read also: After reading about the music, get also informed about the traditions in Greece.

Music types and famous Greek artists
Information about Greece Music types (Dimotiko, Kantada, Nisiotika, Rebetiko) and information about some of the world-famous artists (Kalomiris, Miropoulos, Callas, Xenakis, Theodorakis and more)

Music Types

Folk Songs (Dimotiko Tragoudi)
Greek folk song sees its origins coming from the time of ancient Greek poetry and music. It can be divided into two musical movements: the akritic and the klephtic. The akritic style dates from the 9th century AD and it was created to express the life and struggles of the frontier guards of the Byzantine Empire, the "akrites".

The klephtic style was born between the end of the Byzantine period and the beginning of the Greek Revolution that led to the Greek Independence in 1821. This style was created by the "kleftes", the heroes who left to live in the mountains, leading a revolutionary action against the Ottoman tyranny. The klephtic musical style is monophonic, with second voices repeating a given rhythmical formula, without any harmonic accompaniment. It is composed by love songs, wedding songs, songs of exile, songs of freedom, death and sorrows. It expresses an important, bloody part of the history and the life of the Greeks.

Musical instruments used in Greek folk songs are the lira and laouto (lute), the tambouras and gaida (bagpipe), the zournas (shawm), the daouli (drum), the dachares (tambourine), the ziyia (paired groups) and the violi (violin).

Kantada

Originated from Kefalonia island and created at the beginning of the 19th century, it is a style of romantic serenade music, sung with three male voices in chorus, accompanied by guitar or mandolin. This style had been influenced by the Italian music and soon gained all the Ionian Islands and the rest of Greece. In Athens , the cantadha is a little different, accompanied with a compania composed of violin, clarinet and laouto.

Nisiotika

This kind of popular songs was born in the Greek islands. Every island has its own nissiotiko style and its own way of dancing it. Violin, lira, clarinet and guitar accompany the high-pitched women voices or the low voice of a single man. Nissiotika are still easy to listen in every festival on any Greek island, during which a huge group of musicians play life music during the whole night.

Rebetiko

This particular and famous style of music in Greece was born in the hashish dens and the tekedes, the Turkish style underground cafes of the district of Piraeus and the city of Thessaloniki . Rembetiko music was spread by the two million Greek refugees coming from Asia Minor in 1922, after the destruction of Smyrne by the Turks. Homesick and rejected by the Greek population, those Greeks who had never lived in Greece and who had lost everything, sang about their surroundings, poverty, pain, hunger, prison, police oppression, drug addiction, betrayal and hashish. Rembetiko was the forbidden music of the outcast, the Greek urban blues.
The rembetiko slowly in the 1950s came out of the underground world and started to be played in the nightclubs of Athens, were it became very popular, even if it was despised by the Greek people because they saw it as an outcast music. The principal instruments of the rembetiko are the bouzouki, an eight string oval-shape instrument, the baglama, which looks like a miniature bouzouki, and the guitar as well as, for accompaniment, the ziyia and the ntefi, a leather small tambourine with little metallic plates circling it.

Some of the greatest and most famous players and singers are Vassilis Tsitsanis, Markos Vamvakaris, Marika Ninou and Sotiria Bellou. During the 1960s, the rembetiko became unpopular again. Young people preferred the new rock music coming from the West and the oldest one started listening again to the candhades of the 1920s. But this music styles is back in the trends and many taverns propose rebetika music bands during week-ends.

Late 20th century music

In the 1980s, modern artists like Dionyssis Savopoulos, Georgios Ntalaras, Nikos Papazoglou, Stavros Xarhakos and Pavlos Sidiropoulos rehabilitated the rembetiko music and mixed it with rock music, bringing to life a new, passionate and interesting kind of music. Their lyrics were about personal or political freedom (Savopoulos, Ntallaras and Sidiropoulos), or about aspects of everyday life, pain and sorrow (Papazoglou), and drugged generation (Sidiropoulos).

World-famous Greek music artists

Manolis Kalomiris (1883-1962):
He is one of the most famous Greek classical composers and representative of the Greek National School. He used, for inspiration, Greek folk tradition and works of great Greek poets like Palamas, Mavilis, Sikelianos and others. He founded the Greek Conservatorium and the National Conservatorium of Greece.

Dimitris Mitropoulos (1896-1960):
The most important contemporary Greek composer, maestro and pianist often identified as being the new Mahler.

Maria Callas (1923-1977):
Born in New York from Greek parents, Callas was the most celebrated soprano in opera. She was particularly famous for her unique presence on stage and for her turbulent relationship with Aristotelis Onasis.

Yannis Xenakis (1922-2001):

Because he was condemned to death by the Germans for participating to the Resistance, Xenakis was forced to leave Greece and go to Paris. The originality of his music, led him to become a composer with international recognition. His musical work consists of acoustic, electro acoustic and multimedia creations. He was a pioneer of the development of digital synthesis.

Mikis Theodorakis (1925-):

He is the most famous Greek composer who wrote songs against German occupation and was an active member of the largest Greek resistance organization (EAM). He was very active during the Civil War and the years of the Greek Junta. In 1954, he went to Paris where he wrote ballet and music for films. Since he was writing about freedom and equality, he became an international symbol of Greece.

Manos Hatzidakis (1925-1994):
He is one of the most important Greek composers, who wrote music for many ancient tragedies as well as things for the modern repertory, light and folk songs which provoked a revival of the folk music. He also created music for theatre, ballet and cinema.

•culled from www.greeka.com

Ethnic Groups Of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is home to a number of ethnic groups.
Ethiopia is a Sub-Saharan country found in the Horn of Africa. According to a 2013 World Bank report, Ethiopia had a population of roughly 94.1 million people. The country enjoys diverse cultures such as world famous cuisines, woven cotton costume (Gabbi), the Rastafarian movement, and Ethiopian Orthodox church among others. These can be attributed to numerous ethnic groups in the Country. Oromo is the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. It takes up 35% of the Ethiopian population. Amhara ranks the second largest ethnic group and takes up 27% of the Ethiopian population. Oromo and Amharic people make up more than half of the Ethiopian population. The other ethnic groups include Somali, Tigray, Sidama, Gurage Wolaytta, Afar, Hadiya, and Gamo.

Oromo

The Oromo people mainly occupy Oromia, the central region of Ethiopia, and they number 34,216,242 people. It is believed that Oromia is their original homeland, and they speak the Oromo language. They practice subsistence farming and lead a nomadic pastoralist life. Oromos have their calendar that is based on astronomical observations. The Oromos' system of governance famously known as Gaada- is based on age grades with older people generations ranking higher in the system. They view aging as advancement in wisdom. Elders are consulted in times of disputes and at weddings.

Amhara

The Amhara are among the second largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, and they speak Amharic, the official language of the Republic of Ethiopia. Their population is approximately 26,855,771 people. It is believed they are descendants of Shem the eldest son of Noah in the biblical story. Amharas use proverbs, myths, and parables to teach moral lessons to their children. They are known for their spicy cuisines which consist of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, and fenugreek. Amharas are ranked among the highest coffee consumers. An interesting aspect of the Amharas is that they do not wear shoes. They have a patriarchal system of governance where the males have authority over the females in the community.

Tigray

Tigrayans constitute approximately 6.1% of the Ethiopian population, and their numbers total approximately 6,047,522 people in the country. Most Tigrayans live in the northern region of Ethiopia. They use folktales, riddles, and poetry for entertainment. The naming ceremony is an important rite of passage for the Tigyayans as it marks a child's membership into the community. A child who dies before the naming ceremony is not granted a funeral.

Somali

Somalis rank closely with the Tigrayans at 6.1% of the Ethiopian population, and their numbers are approximately 6,186,774 people. They are spread across Ethiopia, Djibouti , Kenya , and Somalia. Somalis are divided into social units known as clans. These clans are a core part of their culture. Islam is the predominant religion among Somalis. Therefore, they borrow a great deal of their social norms from Islam. Men and women do not touch while greeting each other. In Somali culture, the right hand is seen as the clean and polite hand. Left-handedness is a taboo among these ethnic groups.

Inter-Ethnic Relations

Other ethnic groups in Ethiopia, and their population sizes therein, include the Sidana (3,978,633), the Gurage (2,306,539), the Welyata (2,257,874), the Afar (1,720,759), the Hadiya (1,710,812), and the Gamo (1,482,041), while other groups have 12,532,693 residents in the country collectively. Although Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic country, there has always been a conflict between the two largest ethnic groups the Oromo and the Amhara. The conflict has largely been over the control of land, although it is believed it could be politically incited as well. These conflicts have led to the loss of lives and property destruction.

Ethnic Groups Of Ethiopia

Rank Ethnic Groups Estimated Population Living in Ethiopia Today
1 Oromo 34,216,242
2 Amhara 26,855,771
3 Somali 6,186,774
4 Tigrayan 6,047,522
5 Sidama 3,978,633
6 Gurage 2,506,539
7 Welayta 2,257,874
8 Afar 1,720,759
9 Hadiya 1,710,812
10 Gamo 1,482,041
Other Groups 12,532,693

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Major Ethnic Groups Of Eritrea

The Biher-Tigrinya people are the largest ethnic group in Eritrea today, followed by the related Tigre people.
The Biher-Tigrinya people are the largest ethnic group in Eritrea today, followed by the related Tigre people. These ethnic groups make up the majority of the population in the country, and the other seven tribes constitute 12% of the remaining total population.

Both Italy and Britain colonized Eritrea . In 1952, the United Nations federated
Ethiopia and Eritrea, but Ethiopia overruled the federal arrangement and annexed Eritrea as its province. This annexation led to years of liberation wars by Eritreans. During this time all the tribes in Eritrea came together to form a formidable front that would liberate the country from the ever fighting Ethiopian ethnic groups.

Biher-Tigrinya

The Biher-Tigrinya ethnic group is the largest community in Eritrea, constituting 57% of the total population. It occupies the southern, northern, and central highlands of Maakel and Debub and practices farming. The community practices Christianity primarily the
Coptic , Catholic, and Protestant branches. A small proportion of the group practices the Islam religion. They speak Tigrinya language.

Tigre

The Tigre ethnic group is the second largest population in Eritrea constituting 28% of the total population. They occupy the vast areas from the western lowlands, northern mountains, to the coastal plains of Eritrea. They are similar to the Tigrinya community sharing both Islamic and Christianity.

Saho

The ethnic minority group of Saho makes up 4% of the total population in Eritrea. The group occupies the southeastern slopes of the highlands to the coastal plains of Foro and the hinterland south of Massawa. Like their counterparts, the Tigrinya and Tiger, they also practice Islamic and Christianity and are small scale farmers with much emphasis on bee-keeping. Their culture is embodied in the community work where a village has around 200 homes that are well built and have a clean environment.

Kunama

This ethnic group forms the third largest population in Eritrea with a 3% stake. They occupy the territories between Gash River and Barentu. The ethnic group constitutes two religions, Islamic and Christianity but traditional believers are present. They live a Nilotic life with a diverse dancing lifestyle. They speak the Kunama language.

Bilen

These traditional farmers occupy the regions of Keren and its environs making up a 2% of the whole Eritrea population. They practice Christianity and Islamic religion, and their culture revolves around kinships social stratification. They have close ties with their relatives, Tigrinya.

Rashida

This Islamic ethnic group came to Eritrea from the Arabian Peninsula. They lead a nomadic life along the Northern Red Sea coast. Today they make up for just a 2% of the total population.

The Social Cohesion In Eritrea

The Tigrinya group is dominant numerically, economically and politically. Christianity is the dominant religion with the Jerbeti Muslims taking on the minority. The other minorities with an exception of the Tigre group, are small and do not form any homogeneous or influential political and cultural blocks.

Major Ethnic Groups Of Eritrea

Rank Ethnic Group Share of Eritrean Population
1 Biher-Tigrinya 57%
2 Tigre 28%
3 Saho 4%
4 Afar 3%
5 Kunama 3%
6 Bilen 2%
7 Rashaida 2%

By Benjamin Elisha Sawe

•culled from www.worldatlas.com

Equatorial Guinea Villages And Cultures

Ethnic Groups, Cultures And Languages 

Nearly the entire population, with the exception of the pygmies, belongs to the Bantus. More than seventy million individuals belong to this denomination that extends throughout Central, Eastern and Southern Africa.

Despite the great ethnic and cultural variety that share the territory and contrary to what unfortunately occurs in other countries of Africa, nowadays in Equatorial Guinea, the cultural differences coexist with each other in complete peace, with no ethnic problems or confrontations.

Ethnic groups and cultures

Fangs: They form the most numerous ethnic group in population. Traditionally, they are structured in relatively autonomous families, clans and tribes. Descendancy is transmitted by the men, hence the importance of the father, of the uncle and of the first born son. Their wooden sculptures, their masks and the Fang ritual statues are appreciated the world over.

Bubis: They are found on the island of Bioko and are Bantus belonging to the "civilization of the ñame". Their society is structured in the form of a kingdom that was maintained until the end of the colonial period. Their original religion was monotheist and music, dance and their traditional singing was inspired by religious ceremonies that are still deeply rooted.

Pygmies: In Equatorial Guinea they are called Beyeles and Bokuigns. They live in small groups and are dedicated to hunting and to the collection of roots and wild berries.

Ndowes. They are a minority, formed by numerous ethnic groups: the Kombe, the Bujeba, the Bapuka, the Balenke, the Enviko and the Benga. Their social organization is through a hierarchy of families, villages, lineages and clans.

Bisios: Originally from Cameroon, they are not very numerous and emigrated in the 19th century towards the regions near the coast of the Continental Region, down the river Ntem.

Fernandinos and creoles. The middle class of land owners and merchants, who lived a long time in the capital and were mixed descendants of workers that settled throughout the centuries on the plantations of the island of Bioko.

Annobonese: They live on the island of Annobon and are a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish and African descendants of slaves. They are traditionally fishermen, since agriculture is scarce on the island due to its volcanic soil. They use canoes known as cayucos or dugouts, made of ceiba wood. Most of them speak the Fá d'Ambó dialect, which is Portuguese Creole mixed with Spanish.

Languages And Dialects

Spanish is the official administrative language and that of education. French is the second official languages and nearly all the ethnic groups speak the languages referred to as Bantu.

•culled from www.guineaecuatorialpress.com

Major Ethnic Groups in Egypt

Ethnic Egyptians constitute the highest percentage of the Egyptian population.
Egypt is a country in North African with a population of 93 million people. The country's history is very rich. It has some of the oldest civilizations in the world and the most iconic sites on earth such as the pyramids.

Ethnic Groups in Egypt

The larger population in Egypt is the Egyptians. Egyptians make 95% of Egypt's population. Egyptians speak the modern Egyptian Arabic. On the other hand, there are the minorities such as the Berbers of Siwa oasis, Nubian of southern Nile, Bedouins, and Copts who make 5% of the entire population. The Nubians speak Nubian language while Copts speak Coptic language mainly in church during prayers and hymns.

Bedouins

This tribe lives across North Africa. Bedouins are ancient people who originated from the people of Arabian Peninsula. Bedouins tribe is composed of different tribes from many regions of Egypt. Few Bedouin are nomadic as they live in tents which makes it easier to migrate. Women in Bedouins culture have the responsibility to demolish and assemble the tents whenever they migrate. However, the majority of Bedouin are not nomads as they have permanent homes. Modern culture has changed the lifestyle of Bedouins. Although the children wear modern clothing, the women still dress traditionally. Bedouins began to adopt modern culture in the mid-20 th century when they settled in the cities.

Berbers

Berbers are also a tribe living across North Africa belonging to a minority group. In Egypt, they are very few compared to other northern countries. Berbers were named by conquerors but later they changed to Amazighen. Berbers are Muslims and speak the Berber language which is a family of different languages with closely related dialects. Originally, Berbers were not Muslims but converted to Islam after settling in Egypt.

Population Density

Egypt is a highly populated country among Arab countries. It is the third most populated country in Africa after Ethiopia and Nigeria. Of its population of 93 million people, about 95% stay along river Nile banks and the Nile delta. The residents also inhibit the Suez Canal and north of Cairo. These areas are the most highly populated in the world having an average of over 3,820 people per square mile.

The government in Egypt has put in efforts with limited success, encouraging migration to new areas reclaimed from the desert. Despite these efforts, the population in the countryside keeps on decreasing as most people migrate to big towns looking for employment and better living standards. However, small populations are scattered in the desert regions and some clustered around transportation routes and historic trading areas. According to Peterson Institute for International Economics, the main problems leading to migration is the high number of graduates and unemployment.

Religion

Almost all Egyptians are Muslims. Statistics by the CIA World Fact Book indicate that 90% of the population is Muslim while Christians are 10% involving Copts of Coptic Orthodox Church Alexandria among others.

Languages

Arabic is the official language spoken in Egypt. The majority of the population in Egypt speaks Egyptian Arabic. However, Sa'idi Arabic is widely spoken in the upper Nile, Siwa language is common among the Berbers, and Nubian language among the Nubians. Furthermore, French and English are also common among some residents. Coptic language is popular during church masses, meditations, and prayers.

By Samuel Kinuthia

•culled from www.worldatlas.com