Three Countries:

The three countries I chose to research are Mali, Nigeria, and Liberia. I chose these countries because I am very interested in Africa and this continent interests me a lot. I also have several African friends that would be able to help me out on the interview process.

Mali:

The first country in Africa I chose was Mali. Mali is located in West Africa. It is similar to the size of Texas and California combined and inhabits 14.1 million people. Most of its population is Islam and the official language is French, but nearly 80% of its people speak Bambara. Mali’s population is made up of sub-Saharan ethnic groups, sharing similar traditions, beliefs, and history. When reading up on Mali’s history, it seemed to really interesting to me and I would love to learn more about it and talk to someone from Mali to gain a greater perspective. (1)

Nigeria:

The second country I chose is Nigeria. Nigeria is also in West Africa, and is the size of California, Nevada, and Arizona combined. Nigeria has a huge population of nearly 160 million people.  Nigeria inhabits nearly 250 different ethnic groups, the largest being Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba, and Kanuri, and the main religions are Muslim and Christian.  I found it extremely interesting that Nigeria accounts for over half of West Africa’s population. It is the most populous country in Africa.  (2)

Liberia:

Liberia is also in West Africa, and is slightly larger than Ohio. It inhabits a little under 4 million people and the main religion is Christian. English is their official language, but they have 16 indigenous languages. There are 16 ethnic groups that make up Liberia's indigenous population. The Kpelle in central and western Liberia is the largest ethnic group. Americo-Liberians who are descendants of freed slaves that arrived in Liberia after 1820 make up less than 5% of the population. (3)

I think that all the three West African countries I chose would be interesting to research. They are all different in the people they inhabit, the religions, the languages, and even their histories. But all are fascinating to me.

1. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2828.htm , October 8, 2012 

2.http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2836.htm, October 8, 2012  

3.http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/6618.htm, October 8, 2012