The influence of Islam is growing rapidly in Mozambique. The North of Mozambique is strongly influenced by Islam with the Angoche district as one of the pinnacles of their work. Much of the population practice animism. Rituals such as travel to ancestors' graves to say special prayers for rain are common.

Half of the population in Mauritius is Hindu and approximately a fifth is Muslim. Both religions are descendants of laborers that were brought during colonization to work in the sugar cane fields. Many Christians and ministries can be found in Mauritius.

Life in Malawi is hard. The average life expectancy is around 40 years and there is little hope for most Malawians for a better future. The people are very family oriented and there are various customs for how a person treats members of his own family.

Most of the people of Madagascar (the Malagasy) originally came from the islands of Indonesia. However some of the Malagasy have different origins. Centuries ago, Arabs began to develop trade in the Indian Ocean.