The earlier civilizations in Eastern Africa were well developed. Later on, Islam and Christianity influences life in East Africa. The arrival of Europeans, trade, ethnic conflict, and independence also influenced life in East Africa. About AD 300, Christianity was first introduced to Ethiopia. Around AD 700, Islam was the major religion Egypt, and spread to northern Sudan. Eastern Africa was a big part in slave trade. By the late 1700's, Zanzibar, an East African island, became an international slave-trade center. After slavery was ended, the British gained control over most of East Africa. In the early 1960's, most east African countries gained independence from European rule.
The European rule has played a major role in East Africa. French is the official language in Rwanda, Burundi, and Djibouti. English is the main language in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. African languages are also spoken in Eastern Africa. Swahili is spoken in Tanzania and Kenya, as well as English. Somalians speak Somali, and Ethiopians speak Amharic.
Religions in East Africa vary greatly. A lot of East Africans follow animist religions, which means they believe the natural world contains spirits. Some religions are combined with animist worship, such as Christianity. Islam is also practiced.