The manifestations of their culture are as multifid as their languages. Some tribes in the highlands only started to have regular contact with white civilisation some 60 years ago. The cultures are very self sufficient on a low level. The term stone age culture which is used often does not recognise the complex social network which has been established among the tribes people for centuries. Life in the rural areas is very basic and simple.
Subsistence agriculture forms the material basis.
Western goods like 4WD cars, TV and fridges, however, are now an integral part of village life as well. The transformation to life in the 20th century, however, does not happen without considerable friction. Many young people have lost their traditional cultural roots without finding new firm bearings in modern society. As a result many of them are turning to criminal gangs and make life in the cities unpleasant. Criminality, however, is not affecting travellers any differently from other places in the world.