Cults and religions of Africa 19th century. Traditional religions of Africa. Africa - a collection of cultures

some ideas of traditional religions. They are often called "separatist", "prophetic", "independent", "messianic", etc. The first of these trends, apparently, can be considered “Antonianism” in the Congo at the beginning of the 18th century. The features of later sects were already clearly visible in it: Christian dogma, faith in the Messiah, rejection of the priesthood, local rituals, etc.

All of them arose on the basis of Christian trends. Unlike Christianity itself, they unite only Africans and, as a rule, people of the same tribe or small nationality. Their dogma and mythology consists of biblical tales reworked in a local manner. In cult and everyday rituals, these directions combine elements of both Christianity and local traditional religions with the predominance of the latter. Cult practice is characterized by the widespread use of collective dancing, drums, and singing, but the main rite for almost everyone remains baptism (most often of adults) with immersion in water. Finally, a very characteristic feature for all is the presence of a strict hierarchy of clergy. They are led by “prophets”, revered as “black messiahs”. In addition to preaching and promoting their new teachings, their functions also include establishing the commandments necessary for the establishment of the “kingdom of God” in Africa according to the covenant of the “black Christ”, exorcism of “evil spirits”, protection from witchcraft, etc.

Afro-Christian churches have received significant development in Angola, South Africa (Namibia and South Africa), in Central Africa (DRC, Congo), on the Guinea coast (in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Togo, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire). They also exist in Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi.The first of them arose at the end of the 19th and in the first half of the 20th century, and their appearance was associated with the resistance of the local population to the activities of Christian missions, which were perceived as the first assistants of the colonialists.

It was with them that the first steps of resistance were associated in Namibia (in the 80s of the 19th century among the Hottentots), in South Africa (especially in the 1920s - the Israeli sect), in the DRC and the Congo (the Kimbanguist and Matswanist movements). Adherents of these sects called for disobedience to the colonial authorities, opposed racial discrimination, and defended their full rights, including in the sphere of religion.

The nature of sects and their role in the life of African countries changed dramatically after independence. Some of them gave up the fight and were officially registered by governments (the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth, founded by Simon Kimbangu in the Belgian Congo; Nazareth Baptist and Zion Christian churches in South Africa, etc.). Others, who continue to resist the actions of any government and maintain ethnic isolation, act as a conservative force and cause concern to many governments of independent states.

Christianity and Islam in Africa. Trends in the development of religions

Today on the continent there is approximately an equal proportion of adherents of traditional religions, Christianity and Islam. This picture is the result of a long and complex interaction of different belief systems that form part of a general cultural context.

Christianity appeared on the African continent three times. Early Christianity established itself in northern Africa in the states of Nubia and Aksum (IV-VI centuries AD). However, only in Ethiopia has it survived (in the form of monophysitism 1) to the present day.

Secondary Christianization began with the appearance of Europeans on the continent at the end of the 15th century. Then the rulers of Benin (modern Nigeria), Monomotapa (in Zimbabwe) and Congo (in lands included in modern Congo, DRC, Angola) were baptized. But only in the Congo did Christianity take hold for a long time,

1 Monophysics and tvo is a religious and theological doctrine in Christianity that arose in the 5th century. AD and recognized that Christ had only one divine nature, rejecting the idea of ​​Christ as a man.

even becoming the state religion. However, with the collapse of the state at the turn of the 17th - 18th centuries. it disappeared from these regions, leaving almost no memory.

The third stage - the second half of the 19th century - is associated with active missionary

activities. Christianization was not easy, since many provisions of Christian teaching came into conflict with the norms of traditional societies. The situation was aggravated by the fact that Christianity was perceived as the religion of the oppressors. No wonder the Kikuyu people in Kenya have a saying: “When the whites came, they had the Bible, and we had the land. Now we have the Bible, and they have the land.”

It was necessary to adapt to each other such different cultures, ideological and ideological systems. It went, as a rule, in two ways. One is the emergence, primarily among the peasantry and urban marginal population, which retained a “community” mentality, of unique Afro-Christian sects or churches (see above).

Another way is the process of Africanization within Christian denominations. Africanization occurs, for example, at the highest theological level (definition of the concepts of exodus, sin, retribution, etc.). However, it does not affect the mass of ordinary believers. For them, the external, conspicuous and everyday manifestations of this process are more important. First of all, this is the creation of a clergy from local natives. Nowadays, in many Christian areas, all or almost all the clergy are local, there are also Africans - Catholic bishops, two cardinals. Another manifestation of this movement is the use of local languages ​​in worship, the publication of the Bible and other religious literature in these languages. It seems very important to introduce certain features of local rituals into worship (the use of traditional musical instruments, singing and dancing, services in open areas, the introduction of elements of traditional clothing into the vestments of priests, etc.). In many areas of Africa there is also an idea (expressed in iconography) about the nature of Christ the man as black, just like the Virgin Mary and the first apostles.

True, these features are more noticeable in Catholicism. Protestants (Lutherans, Adventists, Mennonites, etc.) have their social base mainly in the middle strata, as once did the European founders of these Christian movements, starting with Luther. There is no need to adapt to the mentality of the traditionalist peasant.

Islam, according to estimates, is professed by about a third of the continent's population, half of them in Tropical Africa. This religion began to penetrate here from the 7th century, but mainly from the 10th-12th centuries. with merchant caravans (to Western and Eastern

exact Africa). Islam in Africa has noticeable features of interaction with pre-Islamic ideas. Of course, it influenced the most diverse aspects of the life of the local population: social structure, legislation, politics, life cycle rituals, economics, beliefs, material culture, folk art, crafts, etc. In turn, local norms of life were absorbed by him.

The main local feature of Islam is the perception of elements of traditional pre-Islamic cults. The cult of nature is preserved in the cult of trees and rain. The cult of ancestors and heroes, merged with the cult of saints, is still popular.

Amulets take the form of silver cylinders on a chain, inside of which a piece of paper is placed containing sayings from the Koran. The “buna-kala” ceremony - chewing coffee beans, associated with the cult of fertility, begins with the recitation of Allah's blessing. These examples could be continued endlessly.

One can also notice the difference between “urban” Islam, bookish, more orthodox, and “rural” Islam, which has absorbed local traditions.

IN Koranic schools are concentrated in cities; legal systems based on Islamic law developed there back in the Middle Ages; a local elite was formed; a new calendar based on the Hijri was spreading; Hausa, Kanuri, Swahili and other Islamized peoples had their own book culture.

IN In contrast to urban, “rural” Islam is oral in nature. It is to these forms that the conventional concept of “black Islam” is more applicable: in the villages the syncretic character of African Islam is most visible; here, to a greater extent than in cities, it is imbued with traditional ideas.

Both Islam and Christianity have not replaced traditional beliefs. Often they coexist, and one can often hear the usual confession from both Muslim and Christian: “Everyone has the same

Culturology: History of world culture: Textbook. manual / G. S. Knabe, I. V. Kondakov, T. F. Kuznetsova and others; Ed. T. F. Kuznetsova. - M.: Publishing center "Academy", 2003. - 607 p.

"AFRICA".

Cults and religions of Africa.

Section of Africa.

Liberia.

Ethiopia.

South Africa.

European colonization.

1. Africa is inhabited by peoples with different levels of development - from the primitive system to feudal monarchies (Ethiopia, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan, Madagascar). Many peoples have a developed farming culture (coffee, peanuts, cocoa beans). Many knew writing and had their own literature.

There are many religions in Africa - totemism, animism, the cult of ancestors, the cult of nature and the elements, witchcraft, magic, the deification of rulers and priests.

2. At the end of the 15th century, colonial conquests began - trade relations were destroyed, local production was destroyed, the slave trade, and the death of states.

The largest slave trading bases of the Portuguese colonies were Angola and Mozambique.

By 1900, all of Africa was divided between European states into colonies. Liberia and Ethiopia retained their independence, BUT!!! were within the sphere of influence.

3. LIBERIA (“free”) - a state created by slave migrants from the United States. The state is built on the advanced principles of Europe and America. According to the constitution, the country proclaims the equality of all people and their rights - the right to life and freedom, security and happiness. The principles of the supreme power of the people, freedom of religion, assembly, trial by jury, freedom of the press, etc. were established. Liberia defended its sovereignty, using the contradictions between England and France. Politically free, economically dependent.

4. Ethiopia in the 19th century consists of several provinces (feudal principalities). England and France tried to take advantage of feudal fragmentation.

In the 50s of the 19th century, Kassa appeared in Ethiopia, who was able to unite the country and declared himself emperor. ACTIVITIES: created a large and disciplined army; the tax system was reorganized: taxes from peasants were reduced, incomes were consolidated in their own hands; banned the slave trade; weakened the power of the church; developed trade; invited foreign specialists to the country. England tried to conquer Ethiopia, then Italy, BUT!!! she managed to defend her independence.

5. 17th century - the beginning of the colonization of South Africa. The colony expands through the seizure of land from local tribes - the Hottentots and Bushmen. The settlers called themselves Boers (peasant, peasant). The Boers created two republics - NATAL and TRANSVAAL. England first recognized the republics. BUT!!! Diamonds and gold were found on their territory. In 1899-1902, England defeated the republics, and then united all the lands of South Africa into a self-governing colony (dominion) - the Union of South Africa (SAA).

6. At the beginning of the 20th century, the influx of capital into the colonies increased. THE GOAL is the predatory exploitation of the natural and human resources of the continent (robbery). At the beginning of the 20th century, the Belgians and French created a system of forced labor in the Congo Basin. Colonial oppression provoked resistance from Africans.

In 1904-07, the uprising of HERERO and HOTTENTOTS began.

After the defeat of the uprising, colonial authorities confiscated much land and sold it to German settlers, forcing the indigenous people onto reservations. The lands of the Herero and Hottentots were declared the property of Germany, and the entire territory of South-West Africa became a German colony.

The African continent is diverse and multifaceted in all respects, therefore the culture and religion of African countries are just as different. Each territory, each tribe is distinguished by its traditions and way of life, there are various beliefs and all kinds of customs, which gives this part of the world a special flavor and mystery.

It is believed that Africa is the cradle of life on the entire Earth, from here humanity settled across the planet. On the mainland, all cultures, languages ​​and religions received their inclinations, and all kinds of economic activities were formed here.

In addition, some peoples moved back to these lands over time. So

Densely populated by Arabs, who eventually reached the center of the mainland. Europeans took a fancy to it by settling there in the 17th century. In the same areas you can also meet Indians. In this regard, the culture of African countries is collective, because it includes elements of the cultures of many peoples who lived for a long time on these lands.

Numerous nationalities and ethnic groups mixed, uniting their traditions. The indigenous African population often fell under the yoke of conquerors, which naturally affected their culture. Somewhere Europeans, and somewhere Arabs brought their own nuances to the lives of African people. Nevertheless, other regions have retained the basis of their existence, which has always been family values.

The culture of East Africa and other parts is unthinkable without family customs, since this is what all relationships are built on. Such rituals are still taken seriously, strictly following all the instructions of elders.

For example, even modern grooms must pay their future father-in-law damages from the loss of their daughter. Previously, a young husband would bring in livestock for this purpose, but now just money will do. Such actions of a man indicate his seriousness and wealth, which means that the father gives his daughter in marriage with a light heart. In addition, this promotes family unity and mutual respect.

Africans learn from childhood the most important knowledge passed on in their settlement. Among them:

• tribal values;
• the importance of family;
• responsibilities of each member of the clan;
• holy traditions.

Even as children, they realize the importance and necessity of creating a family and maintaining it. All its members perform prescribed duties, so even children have the opportunity to serve their clan.

Culture and religion of Tropical Africa

Tropical Africa begins below the Sahara Desert, it occupies vast lands, but it is mainly inhabited by less developed countries. The diversity of this region begins with its diverse nature:

• equatorial permanent rain forests;
• tropical uninhabited deserts;
• wide and high-water rivers.

In such extreme conditions, as in some, only wild tribes that have preserved their primitive culture can coexist. They mainly engage in fishing in local rivers and gathering in impenetrable thickets.

The modern population in this part of Africa belongs to the Negroid race, with different subraces found here:

• Sudanese;
• Guinean;
• Congolese.

Since there are many peoples in Tropical Africa, there are also a large number of languages, among which a significant part are Bantu, on which the culture of South Africa is also based.

Even not so long ago, the population of this subregion was characterized by a primitive communal form of organization, only in some places an early class stage was observed in socio-economic development. In accordance with this, the main thing for them was the tribal organization and autochthonous religions. Local peoples provided themselves with primitive agriculture, cattle breeding and, in some places, hunting. And now some tribes live the same way.

It should be noted that the life of the region and its culture are strongly influenced by Islam. In addition, writing was most likely brought to these lands by the Arabs.

All indigenous peoples revere their ancestors; such a cult is the basis of their traditional religion. Such beliefs were found among both farmers and pastoralists; the same knowledge lies at the basis of which spread from Africa to other continents.

In accordance with their ideas, the souls of the dead do not leave their family, they constantly help and accompany living family members, only you need to honor the other world, constantly feeding them with treats and appeasing them.

These same ideas are now found everywhere in Africa to one degree or another, as are the remnants of totemism. Another form of religion is the cult of the tribal leader.

North African culture

North Africa is characterized by the fact that populated areas are only lands near water bodies, and most of the region is allocated to the hot Sahara Desert.

The Mediterranean coast was constantly visited by foreigners - Europeans and Arabs, so their influence on the local culture is very significant. In this regard, the local population now speaks Arabic, and the architecture is designed in the same spirit.

In ancient years, Christianity was preached in Egypt, the ancients wrote there, and today Christian pilgrims come to Abu Mena. However, the Arabs brought with them Islam, which is still practiced today. At the same time, temples of other religions, which were the greatest buildings, were destroyed.

The peoples living in the desert preserved their beliefs to a greater extent. Among them there are many tribes with their own languages ​​and traditions. Often, for convenience, they officially use some European language, and communicate among themselves in the local dialect.

The Northern region of Africa is distinguished by a huge number of cultural monuments that belong to the World Heritage:

• ruins of Memphis - an ancient city (Egypt);
• mysterious pyramids in Giza (Egypt);
• monuments (Egypt);
• the city of Fes with medieval quarters (Morocco);
• Tassilien-Ajjer - plateau (Algeria);
• The ruins of Carthage are a majestic state in one city (Tunisia).

January 5, 2017

Africa is one of the six parts of the world. This is a huge continent that is washed by two seas (Mediterranean and Red) and two oceans (Atlantic and Indian). On its territory there are fifty-five states, where more than a billion people live.

The peoples of this part of the world are original and unique, with their own beliefs and traditions. What is the most common religion in Africa? And why is it so popular on the continent? What other African religions do we know? What are their features?

Let's start with some interesting information about one of the hottest places in the world.

The first remains of the most ancient people were found here. Scientists have proven that humanity originated in this part of the world.

Along with the most famous world religions, such as Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, in some parts of the continent there are also exotic religions of the peoples of Africa: fetishism, ancient cults and sacrifices. Among the most unusual of these is the worship of the star Sirius, which is common among the Dogon tribe, one of the many tribes of the western part of the continent. And in Tunisia, for example, Islam is considered the state religion. It is professed by the majority of the population.

It is interesting that in one of the most exotic countries in Africa - Ethiopia - it is not customary to express violent emotions. On the streets and in public places you should refrain from any manifestation of feelings.

One of the most widespread religions is Islam

In the mid-7th century, North Africa was conquered by the Arabs. The invaders brought Islam with them. Applying various measures of persuasion to the indigenous population - exemption from taxes, obtaining certain rights, etc. - the Arabs introduced a new religion. Islam spread very quickly across the continent and in some places competed with Christianity.

Religion in Africa in the 19th century

The first European colonies appeared here in the 15th century. From this time on, Christianity began to spread in Africa. One of the key ideas of this religion - the existence of a beautiful, carefree other world - is reflected in local customs and cults. The result of this was the widespread development of Christianity. Schools were built on the continent for African children, in which they not only taught how to read and write, but also introduced them to a new religion. By the 19th century, Christianity had already spread widely in Africa.

Common cults and religions of Africa

But perceiving the postulates of well-known religious beliefs, the African population continues to adhere to ancient cults:

• Cult of the leader. It is common in many African tribes in various manifestations. The leader is treated as a sorcerer or priest, and in some places in Africa touching him is even punishable by death. The head of the tribe must be able to do what an ordinary person cannot: cause rain, communicate with the spirits of the dead. If he fails to cope with his duties, he may even be killed.
• Voodoo cult. One of the most mystical religions that originated in West Africa. It allows a person to communicate directly with spirits, but for this it is necessary to sacrifice an animal. Priests heal the sick and remove curses. But there are also cases when the voodoo religion is used for black magic.
• Cult of ancestors, or spirits. It occupies an important place among the traditional religions of Africa. Especially developed in agricultural and pastoral tribes. It is based on the belief that the human soul continues to exist after death and can move into a tree, plant or animal. The spirit of ancestors helps in everyday life and protects from troubles.
• Cult of animals, or zoolatry. It is based on human fear of wild predators. Leopards and snakes are especially revered.
• The cult of things and objects is fetishism. One of the most widespread religions in Africa. The object of worship can be any thing that has struck a person: a tree, a stone, a statue, etc. If an item helps a person get what he asks for, then various offerings are brought to him; if not, then they are replaced with something else.
• Iboga is the most unusual religion in Central Africa. It got its name from a narcotic plant, the use of which causes hallucinations. Local residents believe that after using this remedy, the soul leaves the human body and he has the opportunity to communicate with the spirits of animals and plants.

Features of the religions of the African people

It is interesting to list the distinctive features of the religions of the peoples of Africa:

• Respect for the dead. Carrying out special rituals with the help of which they turn to spirits for help. The dead have a great influence on the existence of the living.
• There is no belief in heaven and hell, but Africans have an idea of ​​the afterlife.
• Unquestioning adherence to the instructions of elders. In general, African cultures and religions are based on the tradition of passing on the main concepts of life and society through oral stories from elder to younger.
• Many African tribes have a strong belief in a supreme being who created the world and guides all life on earth. It can only be used in exceptional cases: drought, flood, threat to the life of society.
• Belief in the mystical transformations of man. With the help of special cults, a person can strengthen his physical and mental abilities.
• Worship of objects endowed with mystical properties.
• Any person can make sacrifices to the gods.
• A large number of different rituals associated with different periods in a person’s life: growing up, wedding, birth of children, death.
• Closeness to nature and love of the earth.

The most popular traditions and customs of Africa

No other country in the world attracts such close attention from tourists. One of the reasons is the large number of interesting customs. The most interesting of them are related to wedding rituals and family life. Here are just a few of them:

• The bride walks to the groom's house and carries her dowry herself.
• Women gather at the house of the future husband and shout at the girl. It is believed that these actions help newlyweds find happiness.
• After the wedding, the husband and wife should not go outside for several days.
• The Hamer tribe lives in Ethiopia, in which the more scars on a woman’s body, the happier she is considered. Weekly beatings serve as proof of the husband's love.

Tourist Information

Africa is an amazing and exotic world that attracts a huge number of travelers from all over the world. A holiday here brings new unique knowledge and a lot of positive emotions, but to prevent your stay from ending in tears, use the following tips:

• Do not speak negatively about the customs and traditions of local residents.
• Many African religions prohibit women from walking on the streets with their arms and legs exposed.
• To make residents feel more welcoming to you, you need to learn a few words or phrases in the local dialect.
• Be careful with hugs and kisses; in African countries it is not customary to publicly express your feelings.
• Don't give money to beggars, otherwise you will be attacked by a whole crowd.
• Open clothes are best left for the beach.
• To photograph a place or attraction you like, you must ask the accompanying person for permission; in many cases, photography is prohibited.

Finally

Africa's religions are diverse. The most important thing is that every resident has the right to choose the one he likes. Of course, there are still places on the continent where various cults are worshiped and rituals are performed that are not acceptable for tourists, but in general, the religions of Africa are aimed at preserving peace and human well-being.

Section: Religions of the world.
Basic information about religions and religious teachings.
This section introduces a wide range of issues that are relevant for understanding the doctrine, cult and moral principles of the main religious movements, the features of modern theology, as well as a brief outline of the history of atheism, etc.
Based on materials: “An Atheist’s Handbook” / S. F. Anisimov, N. A. Ashirov, M. S. Belenkiy, etc.;
Under general ed. Academician S. D. Skazkin. - 9th ed., rev. and additional - M.. Politizdat, 1987. - 431 p., ill.
9th page of the section

Religion in the modern world
Africa

Currently, several groups of religions are common among the peoples of the African continent: local traditional cults and religions, Islam, Christianity, to a lesser extent Hinduism, Judaism and some others. A special place is occupied by syncretic Christian-African churches and sects.

Local traditional cults and religions are autochthonous beliefs, cults, and rituals that developed among the peoples of Africa in the process of historical development before the appearance of Arabs and Europeans on this continent. Distributed among most of the local population of tropical countries, South Africa and the island of Madagascar. Many foreign researchers mistakenly view the local traditional cults and religions of Tropical and Southern Africa as a “single African religion.”

Although the constituent components of the religious beliefs of most Africans are fetishism (veneration of material objects), animism (belief in numerous “souls” and “spirits”), magic (witchcraft, superstition), mana (faceless “supernatural” force), the term “local “traditional cults and religions” is very conventional, since it is used to refer to various religious ideas, cults, beliefs and rituals of many African peoples located at certain socio-economic levels of development. These cults and religions can be divided into two large groups: tribal and national-state.

The cult of ancestors occupies a significant place in the life of African peoples. Some Western authors even consider ancestor worship to be the most characteristic religion of Tropical and Southern Africa. The object of veneration, as a rule, are the progenitors of a family, clan, tribe, etc., who are credited with supernatural abilities to do both good and evil. Cults of the forces of nature and the elements (in the form of “spirits” of nature) are also common in Africa. These cults are characteristic of those African peoples who retain various forms of tribal structures (for example, the Hottentots, Herero, etc.). Peoples with developed or emerging statehood (for example, the Yoruba, Akan, Baluba, Zulus, etc.) are characterized by polytheistic state religions with a developed pantheon of gods. In the autochthonous traditional religions of Africa, a large place is occupied by rituals, ceremonies, ceremonies, etc., which are usually associated with various stages of human life. These are, for example, funeral rites, rites of naming, dedication, initiation, marriage, etc. Secret societies or unions continue to play a significant role in the social life of the peoples of Tropical and Southern Africa, and especially among the peoples of the Guinea coast (for example, the Poro men's union , female Sande, etc.). In total, over a third (about 130 million) of African residents adhere to local traditional religions. Almost all of them live in sub-Saharan Africa, making up about 42% of the total population of this part of the continent. More than half are concentrated in West Africa, with about a fifth of adherents of traditional religions living in Nigeria. In South African countries, over half of the local population adheres to autochthonous religions. As for individual states, followers of local traditional religions make up 80% of the population of the Central African Republic; over 70% - in Mozambique, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Togo; more than 60% in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Angola and Swaziland.

Islam is a religion brought to Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. In the middle of the 7th century. North Africa was conquered by the Arabs. The newcomers spread Islam with the help of administrative and economic measures: those who converted to Islam were freed from the heavy poll tax, received the same rights enjoyed by Muslim Arabs, etc. Complete Islamization of the Maghreb (the general name for the countries of North Africa from Libya to Morocco) ends by the 12th century. During the 1X-1X centuries. Islam also spreads among the peoples of Western Sudan. The Muslim religion began to penetrate into Eastern Sudan in the 9th century. The Negroid peoples of South Sudan maintained traditional cults and religions until the second half of the 19th century, but then they also gradually began to convert to Islam. Islam was brought to East Africa by Muslim merchants, traders, and settlers from Asia (mainly from the Arabian Peninsula and Hindustan). By the 18th century Islamization of the peoples of the eastern coast of Africa and the northwestern part of the island of Madagascar occurs. Somewhat later, the influence of Islam spread throughout Tropical Africa, where Islam began to successfully compete with Christianity.

Among the Muslim population of modern Africa, Sunni Islam is mainly widespread. Sunnism is represented by all four madhhabs (or religious and legal schools): Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali and Hanafi. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in North and West African countries adhere to the Maliki madhhab; in Egypt and East African states - Shafi'i, in the Republic of South Africa, people from the Hindustan Peninsula are supporters of the Hanifi and Cape Malays - Shafi'i madhhabs. Sufi orders (or brotherhoods), of which there are several dozen in Africa, play a significant role among African Muslims. The most significant and numerous orders are the Tija-niyya, Qadiriyya, Shadiliyya, Khatmiya, Senusiyya, etc. The spiritual heads of some of these brotherhoods have a great influence on political life in a number of African countries. Thus, in Senegal, the leader of the Murid brotherhood enjoys great influence, in Nigeria - the head of the Tijaniites, etc. There are less than a quarter of a million representatives of the second direction in Islam - Shiism - in Africa. For the most part, these are foreigners - immigrants from the Hindustan Peninsula, belonging to various branches of Ismailism (Bohras, Khojas), Imamis, etc., and to a lesser extent the local population. In addition, there are about 150 thousand Ibadis in Africa (representatives of the third direction in Islam - Kharijism). Of these, the vast majority live in the countries of North Africa - Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and small groups - in the countries of East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. In the listed states of North Africa, as well as in Egypt, Mauritania and Somalia, Islam is the state religion.

Islam is practiced by over 41% of Africa's population (approx. 150 million people). About half of Islam's adherents (47.2%) are concentrated in North African countries, with more than a fifth of African Muslims living in Egypt. In West Africa, Muslims make up over 33% of the population, half of them in Nigeria. Less than a fifth of the Muslim population is concentrated in East Africa, where they make up about 31% of the population. As for individual

states, then followers of Islam predominate, making up over 90% of the population, in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, the Republic of Djibouti, Somalia and the Comoros Islands. More than half of the inhabitants are Muslim in Guinea, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Western Sahara. In addition, there are also large numbers of Muslim adherents in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya.

The spread of Christianity in Africa began in the 2nd century. n. e. It initially spread to Egypt and Ethiopia, and then along the coast of North Africa. At the beginning of the 4th century. A movement arose among Christians in Africa to create an African church independent of Rome. In the 5th century A Monophysite church was formed, uniting Christians from Egypt and Ethiopia. From the 7th century In North Africa, Christianity is gradually being replaced by Islam. Currently, original Christianity has been preserved only among part of the local population of Egypt (Copts, Orthodox), the majority of the population of Ethiopia and a small group in Sudan.

In the 15th century, with the arrival of the Portuguese conquerors, the second period of the spread of Christianity began in Africa, but in a Western direction. Catholic missionaries appear along with the conquistadors. The first attempts to Christianize Africans were made on the Guinea coast, but they were ineffective. The activities of missionaries in the Congo were more successful, but here too Christianity spread mainly among the tribal aristocracy. During the XVI-XVIII centuries. Christian missionaries made repeated attempts to spread their influence to the peoples of Africa, but to no avail.

The third stage in the spread of Christianity in Africa begins in the mid-19th century. This was a period of colonial expansion, when Western European countries began to seize vast territories on the African continent. At this time, missionary activity sharply intensifies. The Roman Catholic Church creates special orders and missionary societies ("White Fathers1", "African Mission Society", etc.).

After the Second World War, the fourth period in the history of the Christianization of Africa begins. This period takes place in conditions of a general crisis of the colonial system and the achievement of independence by many African countries. Representatives of Western Christianity began to pursue a policy of adaptation to new conditions (especially the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church). Local African clergy appeared, instead of missionary societies, self-governing (or independent) churches and other organizations were created.

Of the Protestant organizations of churches and sects, the Dutch Reformed were the earliest to begin missionary activity in Africa - from the middle of the 17th century. in the south of the continent, Anglicans and Methodists - from the beginning of the 19th century. From the middle of the 19th century. German (Lutheran) and American missionaries began proselytizing work. Numerous Protestant missionary societies began to be created. After World War II, American missionary societies (primarily the Episcopal Church, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, etc.) especially intensified their activities.

Christianity is currently professed by 85 million people. About 8 million of them are immigrants from Europe or their descendants. Adherents of certain directions in Christianity are distributed as follows: Catholics - over 38% (33 million), Protestants - about 37% (31 million), Monophysites - more than 24% (20 million), the rest - Orthodox and Uniates. Christians are most concentrated in the countries of East Africa - over a third (35% of the population), the same number in West Africa. In South Africa, Christians make up a quarter of the region's population, and there are about three times fewer Catholics than Protestants. In the eastern region, more than half of the Christians are Monophysites, and almost all of them live in Ethiopia. In most countries, Catholics predominate over Protestants. A fifth of all African Catholics live in Zaire. There are more than 2 million each in Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi. Of the remaining states, the most Catholic are the Cape Verde Islands, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Lesotho, Reunion Island and the Seychelles.

Half of all African Protestants come from two countries - South Africa (27%) and Nigeria (22%). More than one million Protestants each live in Ghana, Zaire, Uganda, Tanzania and the island of Madagascar. Monophysites are represented by adherents from the Ethiopian Church (16.7 million), the Coptic Church in Egypt (3.5 million) and a small number of Armenian Gregorians in Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. There are less than a quarter of a million Orthodox people, with half belonging to the Alexandrian Orthodox Church, more than a third to the African Orthodox Churches of East Africa (85 thousand). A quarter of a million adherents belong to various Uniate churches, the overwhelming majority to the Coptic Catholic and Ethiopian Catholic.

Christian-African churches and sects are organizations that broke away from Western churches and sects and created their own dogma, their own rituals, ceremonies, etc., combining traditional elements of beliefs and cults with elements of Christianity. In Western literature they are called differently - syncretic, independent, indigenous, prophetic, messianic, separatist churches or sects. As a rule, these churches and sects include only Africans, the vast majority coming from one tribe or people. Christian African churches and sects are common in all regions of Tropical and Southern Africa. These organizations were initially anti-colonial in nature and were a unique form of protest against enslavement. Over time, these movements moved onto purely religious grounds. Currently, all of them are only religious organizations and are often in opposition to the governments of their countries. According to some estimates, there are 9 million adherents of Christian African churches and sects throughout Tropical Africa, which is 3% of the population of this region. About half of them are concentrated in South Africa, in Western Africa - more than 400, in Eastern Africa - less than a tenth. In South Africa there is a third of all adherents of Christian-African churches and sects, in Zaire and Nigeria - over a million adherents each. In total, these three countries account for 60% of adherents of syncretic organizations. Of the remaining countries that have a significant number of adherents (several hundred thousand each) of these religious organizations, Kenya, Ghana, Benin, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Zambia and the island of Madagascar should be mentioned. Some syncretic churches and sects are quite influential and numerous (with several hundred thousand adherents). For example, “cherubim and seraphim”, the Lumpa church, the sects of the Kimbanguists, Matsuaists, Harrisists, Kitawala (the latter is greatly influenced by the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect). Christian African churches and sects are spread in 27 tropical countries, South Africa and the island of Madagascar.

Hinduism in Africa is practiced by people from the Hindustan Peninsula and their descendants, who currently number over 1.1 million - about 0.3% of the population of Tropical and Southern Africa. They are unevenly distributed. On the island of Mauritius, where Hindus make up over half of the population, more than 2/5 of their total population is concentrated, in South Africa - more than a third, and in Kenya - a tenth. There are small Hindu communities in East Africa and other Indian Ocean islands. Other South and East Asian religions popular among Indians and partly Chinese include Sikhism - 25 thousand adherents, Jainism - 12 thousand, Buddhism and Confucianism - 25 thousand people.

Judaism is professed by about 270 thousand inhabitants of Africa, Mistra - Jews of North Africa (over 100 thousand), Ashkenazi - immigrants from European countries living mainly in South Africa (over 120 thousand), and Falasha - representatives of one of the aboriginal peoples of Ethiopia (about 30 thousand).

Let us consider the religious composition of the population of individual African countries.

Egypt

The state religion of the Arab Republic of Egypt is Islam. About 90% of the residents are Muslim. Islam of the Sunni branch of the Shafi'i madhhab is widespread in Egypt. In addition, there are a small number of adherents of other madhhabs (Hanifis, Malikis, Hanbalites). Among Egyptian Muslims there are supporters of Sufi orders. The most common of them are Qadiriyya, Rifaya, Idrisiyya, Bedawiyya, Shadiliyya, etc. In the area of ​​​​the Siwa oases, the Senusites are found. Christians, living mainly in cities, make up more than 10% of the country's population (about 4 million). The overwhelming majority, supporters of the Monophysite trend, belong to two churches - Coptic (about 3.5 million) and Armenian-Gregorian (about 50 thousand). There are up to 100 thousand Orthodox Christians, mainly supporters of the Alexandrian Orthodox Church. The Uniates are represented by six churches: Coptic Catholic (up to 120 thousand people), Greek Catholic (up to 30 thousand), Maronite (more than 8 thousand), Armenian Catholic (3 thousand), Syro-Catholic (3 thousand). ) and Chaldean (1 thousand). There are about 6 thousand supporters of the Roman Catholic Church. There are about 170 thousand Protestants. The vast majority are Copts (over 125 thousand), adherents of the Presbyterian Church. In addition, in Egypt there are Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists, Pentecostals, etc. Among the small Jewish population (about 10 thousand) you can find supporters of Judaism.

Libya

In the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Islam is also the state religion. Muslims make up more than 97% of the population and adhere to the Sunni school.

The vast majority (80-90%) are Malikis, Hanifites are about 6%. Among Libyans in the east of the country, the teachings of the Senusiya order became widespread (Senusites make up about 30% of Cyrenaiki Muslims). In addition, there are supporters of the Sufi orders of Isawiya, Salamiyya, Qadiriyya, etc. In the north-west, in the mountainous region of Jebel Nefus, there are Ibadis - supporters of the Kharijite trend in Islam, there are 30-40 thousand of them. Less than 40 thousand Christians (2% of the population ). Of these, the majority are Catholics (about 25 thousand), their nationalities are Italian, French, and partly Greek. Several thousand are Protestants and Orthodox. Among the Jews (about 5 thousand) there are adherents of Judaism.

Tunisia

In the Republic of Tunisia, Islam is the state religion. Muslims make up more than 98% of the country's population, the vast majority of them adhere to the Maliki school, but there are several tens of thousands of Hanifis. Among some Tunisian Muslims (3%), the Sufi orders of Rahmaniyya, Qadiriyya, Isawiya, etc. are common (about 20 in total). The Berbers of the island of Djerba and the oases are members of the Ibadi sect (30 thousand people). There are about 25 thousand Christians in Tunisia. These are mainly Catholics (over 18 thousand people), the rest are Protestants and partly Armenian-Gregorians. More than 50 thousand Jewish Jews live in the capital and on the island of Djerba.

Algeria

In the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Islam is the state religion. More than 99% of the country's population are supporters of the Sunni branch of the Maliki religious and legal school. There are groups of Hanifis, Shafi'is and Hanbalis. Among some Algerian Muslims, Sufi orders have become widespread, especially Rahmaniyya, Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya, Taibiya, Sheikhiyya, Isawiyya, Derkaoua, etc. In addition, there is a small number of Senusites. Among the Berbers of the Mzaba oases (in the areas of the cities of Ouargla and Ghardaia) there are supporters of the Ibadite sect, known here as Mozabites (about 50 thousand). There are less than 70 thousand Christians, all of them Europeans. Of these, more than 60 thousand are Catholics (French and Italians). There are several thousand Protestants - Methodists, Reformed and Seventh-day Adventists. About 4 thousand Jews live in the cities of Algeria, among whom there are many supporters of Judaism.

Morocco

In the Kingdom of Morocco, as in other North African countries, Islam is the state religion. Over 98% of the country's population adheres to Sunni Islam of the Maliki madhhab. Among Moroccan Muslims there are Sufi orders Shadiliyya, Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya, Taibiya, Derkaoua, Kattaniya, etc. (about 15 in total). Some of the Berbers living in the areas of Casablanca and Oujda are Ibadis (about 25 thousand). There are about 80 thousand Christians, all of them are foreigners. The vast majority are Catholics (about 70 thousand are Spaniards, French, Italians, etc.). There are several thousand Orthodox and Protestants each. There are several thousand Jewish Judaizers left.

Ceuta and Melilla

In the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, which belong to Spain, the majority of the population (about 135 thousand) professes Catholicism. These are the Spaniards and other Europeans. Protestants - about 5 thousand. Arab Muslims who adhere to Sunni Islam of the Maliki madhhab, there are 15 thousand. Jewish Jews - about 5 thousand.

West Sahara

In Western Sahara, the majority of the local population professes Sunni Islam of the Maliki religious and legal school. Among Muslims, the Qadiriyya Sufi order is influential. There are more than 16 thousand Catholics - Spaniards and French. There are groups of Protestants and Jewish Judaists.

Mauritania

In the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Islam is the state religion. More than 99% of the population are Muslims. Islam of the Sunni direction of the Maliki madhhab is widespread among the Moors (a population of mixed origin speaking Arabic), Berbers, Ful Be, Soninke, etc. Among Mauritanian Muslims, Sufi orders have a great influence: in the north - Tijaniyya, Shadiliyya, in the south - Tijaniyya, Kadiriyya and others. Christianity in Mauritania is represented by the Roman Catholic Church (more than 5 thousand people, all of them French).

Senegal

In the Republic of Senegal, the majority (about 4/5) of the population is Muslim by religion. Islam of the Sunni direction of the Maliki madhhab is widespread among the peoples of the Wolof, Malinke, Sarakol, Fulbe, Tukuler, Serer, Diola, Moors, Susu, etc. Sufi orders are very influential: Tijaniyya in the west and south of the country; Kadiriyya - in the north and east, in the east - Hamaliyya, each of them has several tens of thousands of adherents. Among the Wolof peoples, partly Serer, Fulbe and others in the central regions of Senegal, the brotherhood of murids (up to a quarter of the country's Muslims) is widespread. There is a group of the Ahmadiyya sect. Tribal cults are followed by 15% of the population living in the south (Serer, Diola, Fulbe, Mandingo, Balante, etc.). Christians make up 4% of the population (about 200 thousand). There are over 190 thousand Catholics, a quarter of them are French. Protestants - Baptists, Pentecostals and Seventh-day Adventists - about 8 thousand.

Gambia

About 80% of the population of the Republic of the Gambia - the Wolof, Fulbe, Diola, Soninke and others - adhere to Sunni Islam of the Maliki madhhab. A significant part of Gambian Muslims are supporters of the Tijaniyya Sufi order, the rest are adherents of the Qadiriya and Muri-Diya. There are supporters of the Ahmadiyya sect in the capital. Local traditional beliefs are adhered to by a minority (17%) of Gambians - partly Malinke, Diola, Serer, Basari, etc. Christians make up about 4.5% of the population. Of these, 11.5 thousand are supporters of Catholicism, the rest are Protestants (Methodists, Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists - over 10 thousand in total).

Cape Verde

In the Republic of Cape Verde, the vast majority of the population (over 95%) professes Christianity. These are Catholics (more than 281 thousand). Protestants - 10 thousand, the majority are members of the Nazarene Church, the rest are Seventh-day Adventists, Anglicans, Methodists. In addition, there is a group of Muslims.

Guinea-Bissau

In the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, approximately half of the inhabitants adhere to local traditional cults and religions. Ethnically, these are the peoples of Balante, Mandjak, Pepel, Biafada, etc. Muslims, who make up about 45% of the country's population, are residents of the northern and eastern regions. Islam of the Sunni branch of the Maliki madhhab is widespread among the Fulbe, Malinke, Wolof, Tukuler, etc. The Qadiriyya Sufi order is influential among part of the Malinke, Tijaniyya - among part of the Wolof and Tukuler. Christians make up over 6% of the population. The majority are Catholics (more than 41 thousand), living on the coast and in cities. Evangelical Protestants - 2 thousand people.

Guinea

In the People's Revolutionary Republic of Guinea, approximately 75% of the population professes Islam. Islam of the Sunni direction of the Maliki madhhab is widespread among the Malinki, Fulani, Bambara, Baga, etc. Sufi orders are very influential: Qadiriyya, Barkiyya - among the Fulani, Tijaniyya - among the Fulani, Susu, Mandingo, etc., Shadiliyya - among the Fulani Futa-Jallon. Traditional religions are followed in Guinea by about a quarter of the country's population. These are Loma, Mano, Banda, Tenda, Kisi, Kpelle, etc., living in the south and east. Christians make up over 1.4% of the population. The majority are Catholics (43 thousand). There are about 10 thousand Protestants - Anglicans, Evangelicals, Plymouth Brethren.

Mali

In the Republic of Mali, Muslims make up about 2/3 of the population. Islam of the Sunni branch of the Maliki madhhab is professed by the peoples of the Songhai, Tuareg, Bambara, Hausa, Wolof, Malinke, Diula, Arabs, etc. The Hamaliyya order is widespread in the west of Mali, the Tijaniyya in the southern regions, and the Qadiriyya in the north. There are several thousand Senusites living on the border with Niger; The Ahmadiyya sect operates in Bamako. Autochthonous religions are common in the south among the Senufo, Moi, Dogon, Malinke and others. They are professed by about a third of the population. There are less than 70 thousand Christians (1.5% of the population). These are mainly residents of the southeastern and southern regions of Mali. Catholics - 47 thousand. Protestants - Presbyterians, Anglicans, Evangelicals, Seventh-day Adventists and Baptists - 20-25 thousand.

Sierra Leone

Traditional cults and religions in the Republic of Sierra Leone are followed by approximately 60% of the population. They are common among the Mende, Temne, Bulom, Kisi, Gola, Bakwe, Koranko. Secret unions still enjoy great influence (for example, among the Temne people, the Poro male union). In the north and east of the country, Islam of the Sunni direction of the Maliki madhhab is professed by the Vai, Fulani, Dialonke, Mende, Limba, and others, who make up up to a third of the country's population. Among some Muslims, Sufi orders are widespread - Tijaniyya, Shadiliyya, Qadiriyya. There are several thousand members of the Ahmadiyya sect in the cities along the coast. There are about 160 thousand Christians (about 6% of the population). Protestants make up the majority (about 100 thousand). The largest churches are Anglican, Methodist, and Evangelical. There are small communities of Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. There are 58 thousand adherents of the Roman Catholic Church in Sierra Leone. In addition, the country has several thousand adherents of Christian-African churches and sects - Harris, Aladura (Church of God ) and etc.

Liberia

In the Republic of Liberia, the majority of the population (about 74%) adheres to autochthonous beliefs - the peoples of Grebo, Krahn, Gere, Kpelle, Mano, Loma, Kru, Mande, etc. Secret unions play a significant place in public life (for example, among the Kpelle - the Poro male union and female Sande). The Muslim population, about 15%, lives in the north on the border with Guinea. Islam of the Sunni branch of the Maliki madhhab, partly Hanafi, is widespread. Among some Muslims, the Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya orders are influential. There are several thousand supporters of the Ahmadiyya sect in coastal cities. There are about 160 thousand Christians (12% of the population). The majority are Protestants (130 thousand), half of them are Methodists, the rest are Lutherans, Pentecostals, Anglicans, Baptists and Seventh-day Adventists. American missionaries are quite active in the country. There are about 26 thousand adherents of the Roman Catholic Church. There are supporters of Christian African churches and sects, approximately 1% of the population. These are mainly adherents of the Harris sect, the Church of God (Aladura).

Ivory Coast

In this republic, the majority of residents adhere to traditional beliefs (about two thirds). Secret alliances play a big role. Over a fifth of the local population professes Islam. Muslims living in the north, northwest (Malinka, Bambara, Diula, etc.) and in the coastal cities of the country are supporters of Sunni Islam of the Maliki madh-ba. Sufi orders are widespread, especially the Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya and Shadiliyya. Christians - these are residents of the south, the coast, and large cities - make up more than 11% of the population. There are about 617 thousand adherents of the Roman Catholic Church. Protestants (over 100 thousand) are represented by Methodists, Plymouth Brethren, Seventh-day Adventists, evangelists, Pentecostals, etc. Christian-African churches and sects are widespread, whose supporters make up over 5% of the population (a quarter of a million people). The most influential of them are the Harris sect, the churches of Deima (or Maria Lapu), the Adaists, Tetekpan, etc.

Burkina Faso

Three quarters of Burkina Faso's population adhere to traditional religions. These are the peoples of Moi, Grusi, Lobi, Gurma, Sanu, Busa, Senufo, etc. There are more than a million Muslims (or up to 18% of the population). Islam of the Sunni branch of the Maliki madhhab is widespread among the peoples of the northern regions of the country - the Fulbe, Sarakol, Soninka, Songhai, Diula, Tuareg, etc. The Sufi orders of Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya, and Hamaliyya are influential among Muslims. In some cities there are supporters of the Ahmadiyya sect and the Senusite order. Christians make up about 8% of the population. There are more than 400 thousand Catholics living in the south and in large cities. There are a little more than 30 thousand Protestants. These are Pentecostals, Plymouth Brethren, small groups of Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses. There are a small number of supporters of Christian-African syncretic sects.

Ghana

Currently, in the Republic of Ghana, two-thirds of the population (63%) adhere to autochthonous religions, mainly the peoples of Ashanti, Fanti, Ewe, Moi, Grusi, Gurma, Lobi, etc. Christianity has spread its influence in the south of the country, along the coast, as well as in some central areas and cities. Christians make up approximately 23% of the population. Of these, over 1.3 million are Protestants. The largest organizations, numbering hundreds of thousands of adherents, are Presbyterians, Evangelicals, Methodists, Anglicans; Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, the Salvation Army, Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. each have several tens of thousands of supporters. There are about 1.2 million Catholics, more than half of them live on the coast. In the south of the country there are supporters of Christian-African churches and sects - 350-400 thousand (4% of the population). The most influential and large: “Church of the Lord God”, “African Universal Church”, “Church of the 12 Apostles”, “Society of the Prophet Vovenu” (one of many), “Church of the Savior”, etc. Islam is professed by a tenth of the country’s inhabitants. Muslims live predominantly in the north of Ghana. These are the peoples of Dagomba, Fulbe, Gurma, Hausa, Arabs, Lobi, Busa, etc. Among them, Sunni Islam of the Maliki madhhab is widespread, but there is a group of Shafiites. The Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya Sufi orders are influential. There are about 30 thousand members of the Ahmadiyya sect in coastal cities.

Togo

In the Republic of Togo, local traditional cults and religions are common among most of the Ewe, Tem, Gourma, Somba, Kabre, etc. peoples (71% of the inhabitants). Christianity is practiced by about 27% of the population (620 thousand people), mainly in the southern and coastal regions and cities. There are over 456 thousand adherents of the Roman Catholic Church (20%). Protestants - 165 thousand (7%). The most numerous, numbering several tens of thousands of people each, are the communities of evangelists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Pentecostals. There are a small number of Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses. There are small groups (about 10 thousand) of adherents of Christian-African churches and sects: “Society of the Prophet Vovenu”, “Mission of the Assemblies of God”, etc. Islam is professed by 100 thousand people. These are mainly residents of the northern regions - Fulbe, Hausa, etc. Islam of the Sunni branch of the Maliki religious and legal school is widespread among them. The Tijaniyya Sufi order is influential.

Benin

In the People's Republic of Benin, more than 60% of the population are adherents of traditional cults and religions. These are the Ewe, Fon, Somba, Barba and others. Christians make up 16% of the population (about 500 thousand), these are mainly residents of the southern and coastal regions of the country. About 444 thousand people adhere to Catholicism. There are about 50 thousand Protestants. They are mainly Methodists, evangelists and Pentecostals. Syncretic Christian-African sects and churches have become widespread in the coastal regions of Benin, whose supporters make up a tenth of the population (about 300 thousand). Particularly influential are the sects of Harris, the Temple of Fish Sellers, Heavenly Christianity, the Church of the Oracles, the United Native African Church, and others. More than 400 thousand people (14% of the population) adhere to Sunni Islam of the Maliki madhhab. These are mainly residents of the northern regions of the country - Fulbe, Songhai, Jerma, Busa, Hausa and others. Among Muslims, the Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya orders are influential.

Nigeria

In the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adherents of Islam account for 40 to 45% of the population. Muslims predominate in the north of the country, where they make up over two-thirds of the region's population; in the west, up to a third, and a small number live in eastern Nigeria. Sunni Islam, predominantly of the Maliki madhhab, is widespread. The majority of Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Songhai, partly Yoruba, Shoa Arabs, etc. are Muslims. Many adherents of the Tijaniyya Sufi order can be found among the Hausa; in the north of the country the Qadiriyya order is widespread; in Lagos and in the cities of the north you can find supporters of the Ahmadiyya sect, numbering a total of about 20 thousand people. Local traditional religions in modern Nigeria are followed by 35-40% of the population. These are mainly the peoples of the central and southern regions of the country; in the north they make up up to a quarter of the inhabitants, in the west - a third, in the east - half. Some peoples still maintain secret alliances (for example, the Yoruba - Egungun, Oro, Ogboni, etc.). The Christian population is 15-18% (10 to 11 million people). In the east of the country, Christians make up half of the local population, in the west - more than a third, in the north - only 3%. Protestants, whose total number is estimated at 6 to 8 million, predominate over Catholics. The largest churches are the Anglican (over 1.5 million adherents), the Society of Churches of Christ (more than 0.5 million people). The rest number from several hundred to several tens of thousands each - Methodists (300 thousand), Baptists (350 thousand), Evangelicals (400 thousand), Pentecostals (100 thousand), Presbyterians (100 thousand), Kwa Ibo Church ( 100 thousand), Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. In total, there are about 40 Protestant organizations in Nigeria. There are over 4.1 million adherents of the Roman Catholic Church. The strongest position of Catholicism is among the Ibo peoples, partly Yoruba, Bini, Ijaw, etc. Supporters of syncretic Christian-African churches and sects unite in 150 communities and make up about 2% of the Nigerian population (up to 1 .5 million adherents). They live mainly in coastal areas. The most influential and numerous sect of “cherubim and seraphim” (approx. 0.5 million), of the rest, the most widespread are the sect of the “Holy Spirit”, “Church of the Holy Ethiopian Community”, “National Church of Nigeria”, “Apostopic Church of Christ” (approx. . 100 thousand), “Church of God” (Aladura), etc.

Niger

In the Niger Republic, Muslims make up up to 85% of the population. Islam of the Sunni direction of the Mapiki religious and legal school is widespread among the peoples of the Hausa, Songhai, Djerma, Dendi, Fulbe, Kanuri, Tuareg, Arabs, Tubu, etc. The Sufi order Tid-Jayiya is influential in the southern regions, and the Qadiriyya in the central regions. In the areas of Agadez, Bilma and on the border with Chad there are small numbers of Senusites. In the southwest of the country there are a small number of supporters of the Hamaliyya order. Autochthonous beliefs in Niger are adhered to by approximately 14% of the population, these are mainly residents of the southern and southwestern regions of the country. Christians - about 15 thousand. Almost all of them are Catholics, residents of Niamey. Protestants - evangelists, Baptists, Methodists - a thousand people.

Chad

In the Republic of Chad, the predominant religion is Islam (about 3/5 of the population) of the Sunni branch of the Maliki madhhab; among the Arabs there are also supporters of the Shafi'i one. In the north of the country, the influence of the Qadiriyya Sufi order is widespread, in the south - the Tijaniyya, and in the regions of Kanem, Wadai, Tibesti and Ennedi there are Senusites. In addition, there are groups of supporters of the Khat Miya and Mahdiyya orders. Traditional religions are adhered to by residents of the southern regions of Chad (over a third of the population) - the Bagirmi, Mboum, Masa, etc. peoples. Christians, also living in the south, make up more than 9% of the country's population. There are over 210 thousand Catholics. Protestants, numbering 100 thousand, are represented by Lutherans, Evangelicals, Baptists, etc.

Cameroon

Slightly less than half of the population of the United Republic of Cameroon adheres to traditional cults and religions. The bulk of them are concentrated in the southern and central regions of the country - Fang, Duala, Maka, Bamileke, Tikar, Tiv, etc. Christians make up over a third of the inhabitants. This is mainly the population of the southern, coastal regions and cities of the country. There are over 1.6 million supporters of the Roman Catholic Church. Protestants, of whom there are about 0.8 million, are concentrated mainly in the west and coastal regions of Cameroon. The largest and most influential communities are Presbyterians, Evangelicals (each of them has several hundred thousand adherents), Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Lutherans (several tens of thousands each), Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. There are about 100 thousand adherents of Christian-African churches and sects Among them, the United Native Church is especially influential. Sunni Islam of the Maliki madhhab is widespread among the peoples of the northern regions of Cameroon - Hausa, Mandara, Fulbe, Tikar, Bamum, Arabs, Kanuri, etc. (17% of the population). Here they make up up to half the population. Among Muslims, the Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya orders are widespread. In the far north there are Senusites.

Central African Republic

In the CAR, a significant number of residents adhere to traditional beliefs (about 75%). the peoples of Banda, Gbaya, Azande, Sere-Mundu and others. There are about 445 thousand Christians (a fifth of the population). Most of them are members of the Roman Catholic Church (about 295 thousand people). There are about 150 thousand Protestants. These are mainly Baptists and evangelists. In the far north of the country, Islam of the Sunni branch of the Maliki madhhab is widespread. There are up to 100 thousand Muslims (5% of the population) among the Hausa, Arabs, Bagirmi and others. The Tijaniyya Sufi order is influential. In addition, in the south of the country there are about 10 thousand supporters of Christian African churches and sects, the Boymanja Society, the Central African Church, etc.

Gabon

In the Gabonese Republic, more than two-thirds of the population professes Christianity. There are over 388 thousand adherents of the Roman Catholic Church. There are about 85 thousand Protestants. The vast majority of them belong to the Evangelical Church. There are several thousand adherents of the Protestant organization "Plymouth Brethren". About 30% of the population adheres to autochthonous religions: Fang, Bakota, Maka, etc. Sunni Muslims - several thousand people (less than 1% of the population). They are all city dwellers. Of the Christian-African communities, the largest is the “Banza Church” (over 10 thousand).

Equatorial Guinea

In this republic, about 83% of the inhabitants are Christians. The Roman Catholic Church has 240 thousand supporters. This is almost the entire population of the islands of Bioko and Pagalu, the rest are in the province of Rio Muni. Protestants -8.5 thousand: the majority are Presbyterians (7 thousand), Methodists, etc. A little more than 17% of the population adheres to traditional beliefs, mainly residents of the hinterlands of Rio Muni. Muslims - a thousand people (Hausa foreigners). There is a group of supporters of syncretic organizations in the country: “Banza Church”, “Assembly of Brethren”, etc.

Sao Tome and Principe

In the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, the vast majority of the population adheres to Christianity of the Catholic faith (60 thousand people). Protestants (Seventh-day Adventists) number several thousand. There are groups of Muslims and supporters of traditional beliefs.

Congo

In the People's Republic of the Congo, less than half of the inhabitants are supporters of traditional cults and religions (about 48%). These are the peoples of the central and northern regions of the country: Bakongo, Bavili, Bakota, Gbaya, etc. Christianity is widespread among residents of the southern provinces and large cities (47% of the population). The majority are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church (475 thousand). Protestants - 150 thousand. They are represented by evangelists, partly Lutherans, Baptists, members of the Salvation Army, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. Supporters of syncretic Christian-African churches and sects number several tens of thousands of people (4% of the population). These are mainly members of the Matsua Church of Kinzonzi, partly of the Kimbangist sects, the Black Mission (or Khaki Movement), Tonzi and others. There are about 10 thousand Sunni Muslims (1% of the population). They live in cities.

Zaire

In the Republic of Zaire, about 2/5 of the population adheres to traditional beliefs. Christianity became widespread (more than half of the population). There are especially many adherents of the Roman Catholic Church (42%, or 10.2 million people), with a third of their number concentrated in the western provinces of Kinshasa, Lower Zaire, Bandundu; the sixth part is in the provinces of Eastern and Western Kasai. In all these provinces Catholics make up half the population. There are about 2.5 million Protestants, which is more than 10% of the population of Zaire. The bulk of them are concentrated in the east - in the provinces of Kivu and Upper Zaire and in the south - in the province of Shaba. The most numerous, numbering several hundred thousand people each, are the communities of Lutherans, Evangelists, Baptists, the Church of Christ, Seventh-day Adventists, Presbyterians, and Methodists. The rest include members of the Salvation Army, Pentecostals, Anglicans, Mennonites, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. There are numerous Western European and North American missionary organizations. Several thousand Orthodox and Uniates live in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Christian-African syncretic churches and sects have spread their influence to part of the country's population - more than 1.5 million people (5% of the population). The most numerous and influential organization in the country is the Kimbanguists ("The Church of Jesus Christ, founded on earth by Simon Kimbangu"), numbering over 200 thousand adherents and widespread in the west of Zaire. In the province of Shaba there is a Kitawala sect (100 thousand), which is strongly influenced by Jehovahism. The Muvungi, Matsuaists, the “Holy Spirit”, the Apostolic Church, and the Lumpa Church also have their adherents. “Black Churches”, “Churches of God”, Dieudonne, Nzambi wa Malemwe, etc. Islam is followed by about 3% of the population of Zaire (over 0.6 million people). They live mainly in the east of the country. Sunni Islam is widespread among Muslims. The Shafi'i madhhab has the largest number of supporters, the rest adhere to the Maliki madhhab. There are about 2 thousand Jewish Jews in Lubumbashi

Angola

In the People's Republic of Angola, about 45% of the population is adherents of autochthonous cults and religions. More than half of the inhabitants (over 3.2 million) profess Christianity. Of these, about 2.8 million are supporters of the Roman Catholic Church, and about two-thirds of them are concentrated in the west of the country. There are more than 450 thousand Protestants, mostly residents of the eastern and southern regions of Angola. The largest community is evangelicals, numbering over 200 thousand people. The communities of the Angolan African Church, Congregationalists, Methodists, and Baptists each have several tens of thousands of adherents. The rest are Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.

Adherents of Christian-African churches and sects make up up to 2% of the population (120 thousand). The most active sects are Toko, Tongzi, Kimban-Gist, Mpadi (or “Black Mission”), “Izambi ya Bongi”, “Olosanto”, “Bapostolo”, etc.

Sudan

In the Democratic Republic of Sudan, the predominant religion is Islam (70% of the population). Muslims are predominantly residents of the central and northern provinces. Among supporters of Islam, the Sunni school of thought is widespread. The majority adheres to the Maliki madhhab, there are Shafiites and Hanifites. There are numerous Sufi orders or brotherhoods of the Ansar, Qadiriyya, Khat-miya, Bedawiyya, Samaniya, Shchadiliyya, Idrisiyya, Ismailiyya, Tijaniyya, Senu-Siya, Rashidiyya, Jaafariyya, etc. Traditional cults are preserved among the peoples of the southern provinces. Their adherents make up about a quarter of the population (over 5 million - Dinka, Nu-Er, Shilluk, Azande, Moru-Mangbetu, etc.) Christian religions are widespread mainly among residents of the southern regions, and partly among the townspeople of the north. The Roman Catholic Church (more than 600 thousand adherents) enjoys a certain influence in the south. There are over 200 thousand Protestants. These are mainly Anglicans, Evangelicals, Presbyterians, etc. In addition, there are about 35 thousand representatives of Eastern Christianity - Orthodox, Copts, Melkites, Syriac Catholics and Maronites. All of them are residents of large cities in the north. Khartoum has small Hindu and Jewish communities.

Ethiopia

Before the revolution, Ethiopia was the only African country where Christianity was enshrined in the constitution as the state religion. After the overthrow of the monarchy in Socialist Ethiopia, the church was separated from the state. Christians make up about two-thirds of the population. The predominant religion among them is Monophysitism, represented by the Ethiopian Church (16-18 million people) and a small community of several thousand people of the Armenian Gregorian Church. The remaining Christian communities, totaling up to 2% of the population, number 450 thousand people. Of these, the Uniates are Ethiopian Catholics (about 100 thousand), Catholics (about 100 thousand), several thousand Orthodox and about a quarter of a million Protestants. The latter are represented mainly by Lutherans, Evangelicals, then Presbyterians, Anglicans and Seventh-day Adventists. Muslims here make up more than a quarter of the population. Sunni Islam is widespread: in the north - Maliki and Hanifi madhhabs, in the east and southeast - Shafi'i. Among some Muslims there are Sufi orders: Tijaniyya, Sammaniyya, Shadiliyya, Salihiyya, Mir-Ganiyya, Qadiriyya. In addition, there are Zaydi, Ismaili and Wahhabi groups. Traditional cults and religions are adhered to by the population of southern and southeastern Ethiopia (about 7% of the population, or over 1.8 million people). A special group consists of adherents of Christianized traditional beliefs. These are small peoples of the south of the country with a total number of about 100 thousand people (for example, Kemant, etc.). Judaism is widespread among the Falasha, who live north of Lake Tana (30 thousand).

Djibouti

In the Republic of Djibouti, Muslims make up over 90% of the population. Sunni Islam of the Shafi'i madhhab is widespread. Among some Muslims, the orders of Qadiriyya, Idrisiyya, Salihiyya, and Rifayya are influential. In addition, there are supporters of the Ah-Madiyeh, Ismaili and Zaydi sects. Christians, making up about 11% of the population, are all foreigners: Catholics (about 6 thousand), Protestants (a thousand Evangelicals and Reformed), Orthodox (less than a thousand) and several hundred supporters of the Ethiopian Church. In addition, there are small communities of Hindus and Jews.

Somalia

In the Somali Democratic Republic, the vast majority of the population professes Sunni Islam (over 98% of the inhabitants). Islam is the state religion here. The Shafi'i religious and legal school predominates. The Sufi orders of Qadiriyya, Idrisiyya, Salihiyya, Rifayya, Dandarawiyya, etc. have a significant influence. There are groups of Senusites, Wahhabis, Zaydis, Ibadis. Among the immigrants from the Hindustan Peninsula there are Ismaili Shiites. In southwestern Somalia, traditional beliefs are still preserved among the Wagosha and Waboni peoples (about 1% of the population). Christians - approximately 3-4 thousand people. Of these, there are up to 2.5 thousand Catholics, about a thousand Protestants (Anglicans and Mennonites) and small groups of adherents of the Ethiopian, Orthodox and Armenian Gregorian churches. Some people from Hindustan are Hindus.

Uganda

In the Republic of Uganda, more than 2/5 of the inhabitants still adhere to traditional beliefs and religions. Christians make up half the population. The Roman Catholic Church has 3.6 million adherents. There are over 1.6 million Protestants. The most impressive, the Anglican Church, has up to one and a half million supporters. Of the rest, there are Seventh-day Adventists, members of the Salvation Army, Baptists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, etc. Supporters of Christian African churches and sects number up to 100 thousand people. The largest and most influential are the “Society of One God” (up to 55 thousand), the “African Orthodox Church” (up to 35 thousand), the sects “praisers”, “chosen ones”, etc. Muslims in this country make up 5% of the population (about 0.6 million). Sunni Islam is widespread, mostly from the Shafi'i madhhab, but there are supporters of the Maliki and Hanafi madhhabs. Among some Muslims there are supporters of the Shchadiliyya and Qadiriyya orders. In addition, there are small communities of Shia Ismaili and Ahmadiyya sects. Large cities are home to several thousand Hindus, Sikhs, and small groups of Parsis and Buddhists.

Kenya

Traditional beliefs in the Republic of Kenya are adhered to by approximately 3/5 of the population (60%). Less than a quarter of the population (23%) professes Christianity. There are about 2.3 million (16%) supporters of the Roman Catholic Church. They are concentrated mainly in the western and central regions of the country. Protestants - a million (or 7%). The largest, numbering several hundred thousand members, are the Anglican Church, Pentecostal sects, Lutherans, the Salvation Army, Quakers; Presbyterians, Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, etc. each have several tens of thousands. Numerous English, American and Scandinavian missionary organizations and societies operate in Kenya. Islam is practiced by about 1.5 million people (11%), mainly in the coastal and northern regions. Among Muslims, Sunni Islam of the Shafi'i madhhab is widespread. The Sufi orders of Qadiriyya, Idrisiyya, and Shadiliyya are influential. Representatives of the second direction in Islam - Shiite - number up to 70 thousand. These are mostly foreigners - Indians, Pakistanis, partly Arabs, etc., supporters of the Ismaili, Imami and Ahmadi sects. There are up to 0.7 million adherents of Christian African churches and sects (about 5% of the population). The largest and most influential communities are the Legion of Mary (Maria Legia - about 100 thousand), the Church of Christ (80 thousand), the Church of Christ in Africa (80 thousand), the African Church of Nineveh (60 thousand), Nomya Luo (55 thousand). ), African Orthodox Church (30 thousand), etc. There are over 120 thousand Hindus in Kenya, all of them are Indians, urban residents. In addition, there are about 15 thousand Sikhs, about 8 thousand Jains and several hundred Parsis. Among the Jews (a thousand people) there are Judaists.

Tanzania

Less than half of the people in the United Republic of Tanzania adhere to traditional beliefs (45-48%). Over a quarter of the population professes Islam. Moreover, almost all residents of the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Tumbatu are Muslims. Islam of the Sunni branch of the Shafi'i madhhab is widespread in the coastal, central and western parts of continental Tanzania; There are also Hanifites. Among some Muslims there are Sufi orders of Qadiriyya, Shadiliyya, and in Zanzibar, in addition, Alawiyya and Rifayya. Shiite Islam is less widespread. His followers number just over 70 thousand. Most of them are foreigners, supporters of the Ismaili (Khoja and Bohra), Imami and Ahmadi sects. In addition, over 10 thousand Ibadis (Arabs from Oman) live in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Christians make up about 30% of Tanzania's population. They are concentrated in the northern, western and southwestern regions of the country, as well as in large cities. There are about 2.5 million supporters of the Roman Catholic Church (more than 19% of the population). More than 1.4 million Protestants (more than 10%) unite around 40 churches, sects and missions. The most numerous, numbering over 100 thousand each, are the communities of Lutherans and Evangelicals (0.5 million), Anglicans (0.35 million). The Moravian Church, Pentecostals, the Salvation Army, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, etc. each have several tens of thousands of adherents. Scandinavian, English and American missionaries are very active in the country. Adherents of Christian African churches and sects make up less than 1% of the country's population. Up to 25-30 thousand supporters of the African Orthodox Church live in the Lake Provinces; supporters of the sects Maria Legia, the Lumpa Church, Roho Musanda, Nomya Luo, the Church of Chief Muvuta and others. Hindus - less than 1% of the population. There are small groups of Sikhs and Jains.

Rwanda

In the Republic of Rwanda, the population following traditional religions is about 60%. Christianity is professed by more than 39% of the population (about 2 million people). The vast majority are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, there are 1,775 thousand of them. Protestants - 200 thousand (4%). These are mainly Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists; several thousand each of Presbyterians, Methodists, Pentecostals, Baptists, etc. There are about 10 thousand Muslims in Rwanda: these are Swahili who adhere to the Sunnism of the Shafi'i madhhab; Indians are Shia Ismailis and Sunni Hanifis. There are supporters of Hinduism among Indians.

Burundi

In the Republic of Burundi, unlike its northern neighbor, the majority of the population is adherents of Christianity (over 60%). There are 2.2 million Catholics (54%) Protestants make up approximately 7% of the population (250 thousand). These are mainly Anglicans, Pentecostals, Methodists, Evangelicals, Baptists, and Seventh-day Adventists. There is an Orthodox community in Bujumbura (about 2 thousand people). Less than a third of the local population adheres to autochthonous beliefs (32%). Christian African churches and sects have about 25 thousand supporters, mainly the Church of God in Burundi. About 10 thousand people adhere to Islam. These are Sunni-Shafiites - Arabs, Swahili, and Indians. There is a group of Shia Ismailis. In addition, a small group of Hindus live in the capital.

Mozambique

In the People's Republic of Mozambique, over 70% of the population adheres to traditional religions. Christianity is professed by more than 18% of the inhabitants. Their third part is concentrated in the south of the country, the rest - mainly along the coast. Catholics - over 1.4 million (18%). Protestants - less than a quarter of a million (2%). The most numerous are Methodists, Anglicans Nazarenes, then Seventh-day Adventists, Pentecostals, Presbyterian Baptists, Congregationalists, Evangelists, etc. Adherents of Christian-African sects (mainly among residents of the south of the country) number about 60 thousand, united in 80 communities (for example , African Church, Luz Episcopal Church, etc.). Islam is practiced by more than 10% of the population (0.8 million people). The Sunni direction of the Shafi'i madhhab predominates; among foreigners there are Hanifites. Muslims are concentrated in the north of the country - from the coast to the border with Malawi. Among some Indians there are Ismaili Shiites. There are about 10 thousand Hindus, all of them come from the Hindustan Peninsula.

Zambia

In the Republic of Zambia, adherents of traditional religions make up more than 3/5 of the population. Christians (34%) predominate in the Copper Belt and large cities, Catholics in particular in the north of the country. There are about a million people (19%) of supporters of the Roman Catholic Church; about 800 thousand (15%) of Protestants. Their largest evangelical communities are over a quarter of a million people; Reformed Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Seventh-day Adventists each have several tens of thousands of adherents , Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. Adherents of Christian-African churches and sects in Zambia make up 3% of the population (up to 160 thousand people). These are mainly supporters of the Kitawala sects, the Lumpa Church, etc. They are widespread in the central and northern regions of the country among the Bemba and other peoples.Muslims live in large cities, numbering about 10 thousand - Sunnis (Hanifis, Shafiites) and Ismailis. There are Hindus (9 thousand) and Judaists (less than a thousand).

Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, 63% of residents adhere to local traditional beliefs. Christians make up about a quarter of the population (1.5 million people). They live mainly in central regions and large cities. Of these, about a quarter of a million are Europeans. There are less than a million Protestants (15%). The largest communities, numbering over 100 thousand people each, are Methodists, Anglicans and two Reformed ones. Presbyterians, the Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventists, Evangelists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses and others have several tens of thousands of adherents each. Supporters of the Roman Catholic Church - 600 thousand (10%). Less than 10 thousand Orthodox Christians live in the cities of Salisbury and Bulawayo. Christian African churches and sects have approximately 0.7 million adherents (11%). Among them, the “Nazareth Baptist Church”, Kitawala, various “Ethiopian”, “Apostolic”, “Zion” sects are active. In addition, in Bulawayo and Salisbury there are Sunni Muslims - Hanifites and Shafi'ites, Ismailis (10 thousand), Hindus (about 5 thousand). Among the Jews (about 10 thousand) there are Judaists.

Botswana

In the Republic of Botswana, most of the local population adheres to tribal religions (over 78%). Over 170 thousand people (a quarter of the population) profess Christianity, most of them are adherents of Protestantism (more than 145 thousand, or 22%). The most numerous, numbering several tens of thousands of supporters, are the Congregational, Lutheran and Reformed churches. Small communities include Presbyterians, Anglicans, Methodists, and Seventh-day Adventists. There are about 25 thousand Catholics (3%). Some Christian African sects have spread their influence from Zimbabwe and South Africa, whose adherents in Botswana number up to 15 thousand (2.5%).

Lesotho

In the Kingdom of Lesotho, Christianity is professed by about 70% of the local population. Of these, the majority are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church - 470 thousand (45%). Protestants -250 thousand (24%). Over half are evangelicals, the rest are Reformed, Anglicans, Seventh-day Adventists, Methodists, etc. More than a quarter of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs. Christian African churches and sects have spread their influence from South Africa. The number of their supporters is about 60 thousand, or 5% (for example, “Kereke sa Mo-shoeshoe”, etc.). There are several thousand Indians - Muslims and Hindus.

Swaziland

In the Kingdom of Swaziland, more than two-thirds of local residents adhere to their traditional religions. Christianity is common among a minority of the population (23%). Protestants - 67 thousand (14%). These are Methodists, Lutherans, Anglicans, Reformed, Nazarenes, Seventh-day Adventists and other Catholics - over 42 thousand (about 9%). There are about a dozen Christian African churches and sects, with a total number of supporters of about 50 thousand (11%). There are small communities of Muslims (Sunni - Hanifis and Shafi'is), Hindus and Jews.

Namibia

In Namibia, illegally occupied by South Africa, more than half the population is Christian (56%). They are concentrated mainly in the central and southern regions. Of these, a sixth are Europeans and their descendants. Protestants - 400 thousand (about 50%). The largest (over 270 thousand supporters) are two Lutheran churches. Several tens of thousands each in the Reformed Church and the Seventh-day Adventist sect. Of the rest, there are communities of Methodists, Congregationalists, etc. Adherents of the Roman Catholic Church make up 16% of the population (over 132 thousand). Some Christian African churches and sects, whose adherents number about 30 thousand (4%), spread their influence from South Africa. For example, the Herero Church and others. About 40% of the local population adheres to traditional beliefs.

South Africa

More than 47% of the population adheres to the Christian faith (over 12 million people). Of these, 4.3 million Europeans, 2.3 million “colored” (more than 90% of their total number), up to 50 thousand Asians (7% of their number), 5.3 million Africans (or 29% of their numbers). Over 40% of the population, or about 10.5 million people, are Protestants. The most numerous, numbering several million people, are the Reformed organizations (2.5 million), united in six churches, Methodists (2.3 million), united in four churches, and the Anglican Church (1.9 million). There are up to one million Lutherans and Evangelicals. Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Pentecostals, and Baptists number several hundred thousand each. Several tens of thousands are Seventh-day Adventists. Jehovah's Witnesses, Moravian Brothers, etc. Supporters of the Roman Catholic Church - 1.78 million (about 7% of the population). Of these, more than half live in Nahal, a third in the Transvaal. There is a small Orthodox community (about 10 thousand people). About two-thirds of whites are Reformed, Anglican, or Catholic. Numerous North American and Western European missionary societies are active in South Africa. More than a third of the population (about 37%), or more than half of Africans (up to 10 million), adhere to traditional beliefs. There are over 2 thousand Christian African churches and sects in South Africa, with only 80 officially registered. The total number of their adherents reaches 3.5 million (13%). About half of them are in the Transvaal, a quarter live in Natal, and a fifth live in the Cape Province. The most influential and numerous are the “Nazareth Baptist Church”, “Iban Church of the Face of the Cross”, “Ethiopian”, “Zion” and a number of others. About 0.5 million people (2% of the population) adhere to Hinduism. The bulk of them are concentrated in the Natal region, especially in the city of Durban. Sunni Islam is professed by 0.4 million people (1.5%). Of this number, two thirds are Indians, adherents of the Hanafi madhhab, the rest are “Cape Malays” - Shafiites from the city of Cape Town. Among Indian Muslims there are several thousand Shia Ismailis. Among the Jewish population, numbering over 120 thousand people (0.5%), there are supporters of Judaism. More than half of them live in Johannesburg.

Madagascar

Currently, in the Democratic Republic of Madagascar, approximately half of the population adheres to traditional religions (over 44%). Over 3 million people profess Christianity, which is 42% of the population. More than half of them are Protestants - 1.8 million (22%). The church organizations of Evangelicals, Congregationalists and Lutherans each number several hundred thousand adherents. The communities of Quakers, Anglicans, Pentecostals and Seventh-day Adventists each have several tens of thousands of members. Numerous Norwegian, French, English and American missionary societies operate in this republic. Supporters of the Roman Catholic Church make up a fifth of the population, or 1.76 million people, with two-thirds of their number concentrated in the central regions. In the interior of the island there are adherents of syncretic religions, who make up 3-4% of the population (about a quarter of a million people). The largest: Malagasy Church, Independent Reformed Church of Madagascar, Church of the Followers of God, Church of the Spiritual Awakening of the Malagasy. About a tenth of the population (800 thousand people) adheres to Islam. The bulk of them live in the north-west, the rest - mainly in the south of the country, partly in the west. Sunni Islam, predominantly of the Shafi'i madhhab, is widespread among the Sakalava, Antankarava, Tsimikheti, and others. Among Indian Muslims there is a group of Ismailis. Part of the Muslim population is supporters of Sufi orders - Ismailiyya (in Antananarivo), Shadiliyya, Qadiriyya, Naqshbandiyya, as well as the Ahmadiyya sect. The island's cities are home to groups of Hindus, Buddhists and Confucians.

Mauritius

In this state, which includes the islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues and some smaller ones, half of the population professes Hinduism (about 460 thousand people, or 51%). All of them come from the Hindustan Peninsula. Less than a third of the population adheres to Christianity (31%, or 280 thousand). There are 270 thousand adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, mainly French-Mauritians and French. Protestants - about 15 thousand - Anglicans, Presbyterians and Seventh-day Adventists. There are Muslims among the Indo-Mauritians (150 thousand, or 17% of the population) and a small group of Arabs. Islam is widespread among them, predominantly of the Sunni branch of the Hanafi madhhab, partly Shafi'i. In addition, there are a small number of Ismaili Shia (Bohras and Khojas) and members of the Ahmadiyya sect. The island is home to a small number of Buddhists (most are supporters of the Mahayana movement, others are Hinayana) and Confucians (10 thousand, or 1% of the population). On Rodrigues Island, 90% of the population is Catholic, the rest are Confucian, Buddhist, Hindu and Sunni Muslim.

Reunion

In the French possession of Reunion Island, more than 92% of the population are Catholic Christians. There is a small group of Protestants. Islam is professed by 15 thousand people, which is 3% of the population. Muslims who adhere to the Sunnism of the Shafi'i madhhab are Arabs and Swahili; Indian Muslims are supporters of the Hanafi madhhab. In addition, there is a group of Ismaili Indians. Hinduism is common among some Indians (1%, or several thousand people). There is a group of Buddhists and Confucians (about 3 thousand).

Comoros

Almost the entire population of the Federal Islamic Republic of Comoros professes Islam of the Sunni branch of the Shafi'i madhhab. Among them, the Shadiliyya, Qadiriyya and Naqshban-Diya Sufi orders are influential. There are small groups of Shiites among the Indians (Ismailis) and Yemenis (Zaydis), Christian Catholics - a thousand people (the French and a group of Comorians).

Seychelles

In the Republic of Seychelles, 91% of the population adheres to Christianity - the Roman Catholic religion (54 thousand). There are about 5 thousand Protestants. All of them are Anglicans. Muslims - about a thousand people. There is a group of Hindus and Confucians.

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