They don't share a common language but there is certain interaction with Swahili and Makhuwa. More than 30% of men can speak it. Portuguese can also be spoken by 30 to 40% of the male and children's population that have been in school.They have similar background, with little differences, with neighboring tribes.

Their subsistence activities are agriculture, trading and fishing.

Almost all of them are Muslims. Some also practice their traditional, animistic religion. Even though they have Islam as their formal religion, in their daily lives when facing problems they go to the traditional healers or witchdoctors.

There is little willingness in reaching out to Muslim areas and the number of missionaries is very small. It is likely that mission organizations will be more willing to reach them out than nationals at the moment. Their physical needs are in the areas of health, education/sports and social development.

* Scripture Prayers for the Ngoni, Malawi in Malawi.