In a detailed paragrapg, describe the cultures of Western Africa and how they thrived. Write in your own words please. NO PLAGARISM!!

West Africa forms the westernmost region of the African continent. People have occupied the area for thousands of years, and its population is ethnically diverse though culturally relatively similar. The beliefs of native cultures include Islam, Christianity and various traditional African religions. Starting in the fifth century, a number of kingdoms and empires began to appear in what is now known as West Africa. The basis for these empires was trade links with the North via the Sahara, large well-maintained armies and a system for taxation within the kingdom. Early cultures include that of the kingdom of Ghana, first noted by an eighth-century Arab scholar, and the kingdom of Kanem that appeared northeast of Lake Chad two centuries later. Marriage traditionally has been perceived in terms of its value as an alliance between two kinship groups. A girl may be considered marriageable at the time of puberty. Polygamy is practiced by most West African ethnic groups, regardless of their religion. The Arabs had an early influence on West African cuisine and were responsible for introducing cinnamon, mint, cloves and cilantro into the various cultures' diets. A typical West African meal traditionally is cooked using a single pot and contains a lot of starch and fat but little meat.

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