SUMMARY

The Efik ethnicity is often described in the same terms as their ethnic kin, the Ibibio. This is due to the fact that they speak the same language, and inhabit the same areas.

The Efik people do however differ from the Ibibio, since they speak a dialect of the Ibibio language which is different from what the Ibibio people speak, and they, in contrast to the Ibibio farmers, make their living as fishermen.

Given their location, the southern coastal regions of Nigeria Efik were used as middle-men for many European traders who in return paid taxes to the Efik people. This deal meant that the Efik were exposed to western culture, and they were subsequently Christianized in the middle of the 19th century. In addition to the religion, many of the native Efik were well acquainted with European culture, fashion and ideologies by the end of the 19th century.

The Efiks have a long-standing tradition of being ruled by a king, an instalment known as Obong of Calabar. The ruler is today still considered a potent political figure representing the Efik population.

Efik has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.