The map shows that most people in the northern part of Africa are Muslims while most people in the southern part of Africa are Christians. Which of the following best explains this?

Question

A.
conquest of the north by Arab Muslims and colonization of the south by European Christians
B.
colonization of the north by Chinese Uyghurs and missionary work in the south by Irish Catholics
C.
colonization of the north by Seljuk Muslims and conquest of the south by Greek Christians
D.
missionary work in the north by Spanish Moors and conquest of the south by German Lutherans

Answer 1

The option that best explains the religious demographics in northern and southern Africa is:

A. conquest of the north by Arab Muslims and colonization of the south by European Christians.

This choice reflects the historical context where Arab Muslim conquests significantly impacted the religious landscape in North Africa, establishing Islam as the predominant faith in that region. Conversely, the colonization efforts by European powers in sub-Saharan Africa often included missionary work that spread Christianity, making it more prevalent in the southern parts of the continent.