Exploring Our World: People, Places, and Cultures

Chapter 20: History and Cultures of Africa South of the Sahara

Student Web Activity

"Swahili Culture"

Introduction
In this chapter, you learned about the history and cultures of Africa south of the Sahara. One of the cultures is the Swahili. The Swahili people are descendants of the Bantu-speaking people who settled along the coast of East Africa. In this activity, you will learn more about the Swahili and their religion, culture, and trade.

Destination Title: Wonders of the African World

Directions
Start on the opening page of Wonders of the African World and click on the Swahili Coast.

After reading the information, answer the following questions:

1
Which two African nations comprise most of the area known as the Swahili Coast?
2
The Swahili culture is a blend of influences from what two continents?
3
What religion dominates the Swahili culture?
4
Coastal cities such as Mombasa and Mogadishu flourished because of trade in what kinds of goods?
5
Who was the Portuguese explorer who brought European influence to the area in the fifteenth century?
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