LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Africa: Saharan Africa
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Despite the wide variety of cultures in West Africa, from Nigeria through to Senegal, there are apparent similarities in dress, cuisine, musical genres and wealth. Islam is the predominant religion of the West African interior and the far west coast of the continent; Christianity is the predominant religion in coastal regions of Nigeria, Ghana, and Cote d'Ivoire; and elements of indigenous religions are practised throughout. Before the decline of the Mali and Songhai Empires there was a sizable group of Jewish communities in areas like Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, and Nigeria. Today there are Jewish populations in Ghana, Nigeria and Mali. Along with historic migrations, these religions have culturally linked the peoples of West Africa more than those in other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
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The music of Africa is one of its most dynamic art forms. Egypt has long been a cultural focus of the Arab world, while remembrance of the rhythms of sub-Saharan Africa, in particular west Africa, was transmitted through the Atlantic slave trade to modern samba, blues, jazz, reggae, rap, and rock and roll. Modern music of the continent includes the highly complex choral singing of southern Africa and the dance rhythms of soukous, dominated by the music of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A recent development of the 21st century is the emergence of African hip hop. In particular, a form from Senegal is blended with traditional mbalax. Recently in South Africa, a form of music related to house music known under the name Kwaito has developed, although the country has been home to its own form of South African jazz for some time, while Afrikaans music is completely distinct and composed mostly of traditional Boere musiek, and forms of folk and rock music.
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Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of HIV and AIDS infection on Earth. A 2005 UN Report says over 25 million infected, over 7% of adults, for the continent as a whole. Be extremely cautious about any sexual activity in Africa. Especially note that the rates of HIV infection among sex workers is phenomenally high.
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The problems in sub-Saharan Africa involving conflict and poor government have begun to receive greater attention. In 2005, the G8 countries agreed to forgive unsustainable debt of the poorest countries... freeing up needed funds for development. The horrific consequences of AIDS and the failure to supply drugs to address the situation is gaining more recognition. Several African economies have been enhanced by the discovery of oil, but corruption and poor government continue to plague virtually all sub-Saharan countries although there have been some recent positive indications in some counties.
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Sub-Saharan Africa has approximately 625 million people, most of whom are dependent on rain-fed agriculture. On average, 25% of the region's gross domestic product derives from agriculture, 70% of its work force is in the rural sector, which accounts for most of the region's exports. The dependence on rain-fed agriculture makes African economies particularly susceptible to climate variability. The majority of African poor remain in rural areas, where households have limited assets to withstand climatic related shocks. The impact that climate variability can have on such agrarian economies is well reflected in the case of Ethiopia, where economic growth and food imports closely track variations in rainfall.
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Africa's colonial period ended abruptly in the 1960's when the European powers determined that the economic rewards of colonialism did not justify the costs of repelling an increasing number of revolutionary movements throughout the continent. But the aftermath of colonialism has been disastrous just about everywhere. Most countries have endured regimes controlled by military strongmen who have little interest in economic development or the public good. Instead, for the most part they are most interested in enriching themselves, their families and tribal associates. Although many very corrupt African countries were not evaluated, Africa still dominates Transparency International's list of the most corrupt countries; five of the top ten are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Saharan Africa