Africa's religious landscape is dominated by Christianity and Islam, which are distributed geographically with Christianity prevalent in the south and Islam in the north. A significant portion of the population also adheres to African traditional religions (also called Indigenous religions), which are diverse and deeply intertwined with daily life, though often blended with the introduced monotheistic faiths. These traditional religions typically involve the worship of a distant creator god, ancestors, and spirits, often conveyed through oral traditions and rituals. 

Christianity

• Prevalence:
• Christianity is the largest religion on the continent, with a majority of Africans identifying as Christian, particularly in the south. 
• History:
• Christianity has a long history in Africa, with early established churches like the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, dating back to the 4th century. 

Islam

• Prevalence:
• Islam is the second-largest religion, concentrated in the northern regions of Africa. 
• History:
• The introduction of Islam began in the 7th century, spreading through trade networks. 

African Traditional Religions

• Diversity:
• These religions are highly varied and specific to different ethnic groups and regions, yet share common characteristics. 
• Key Characteristics:
• Creator God: Often involves worship of a distant, single creator god (e.g., Engai, Nyame, Olorun). 
• Ancestors and Spirits: Belief in and reverence for ancestral spirits and lesser deities or demigods is common. 
• Oral Tradition: Knowledge and practices are passed down through generations via oral traditions rather than written scriptures. 
• Rites and Rituals: Divination, healing, and rites of passage are central to connecting with the spiritual realm and maintaining community bonds. 
• Syncretism:
• Many Africans blend traditional beliefs with Christianity or Islam, creating unique forms of spiritual practice. 

Religious Demographics & Trends 

• Dominance:
• Around 95% of people in sub-Saharan Africa identify with a religion, with Christianity and Islam being the most prominent.
• Growth:
• Both Christianity and Islam have seen substantial growth in the number of followers.
• Social Conservatism:
• Africans are generally a socially conservative people, regardless of their religious affiliation.