Edward B. Tyler defined culture as “that complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and any other capacity acquired by man as a member of society”. The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines development as “the gradual growth of something so that it becomes more advanced and stronger.” There is a connection between culture and development. This is one way or the other; they depend on each other. However, there are some aspects of culture that try to hinder and arrest development and these aspects of culture are called cultural barriers. They hinder the development of a country, but this does not inevitably mean that countries with such defects cannot develop. There has been a series of research that has dealt with this topic to bring to light countries with these negative cultural aspects but which have been able to develop. The main reason for this work is therefore to raise awareness of these cultural barriers and how they can be overcome to ensure progressive development. First of all, ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is a belief or assumption of superiority of the social and cultural groups to which an individual belongs. The phenomenon is quite predominant in many African countries where they are made up of different ethnic groups. This takes the form of nepotism and favoritism where tribe members in influential positions favor their fellow tribesmen to fill vacant positions who in one way or another may not be qualified. This causes inefficiency as square pegs are inserted into round holes. This issue of long-term ethnocentrism and tribalism hinders development. It can also lead to conflict as the oppressed, dominated, governed and lesser groups will rebel against the dominant... middle of paper... y other social problems. But this may not always be the case as countries like Ghana and Togo with smaller populations than China and India are less developed. China and India, with high population growth, can boast a better economy than Ghana and Togo. Countries with higher population growth will always have the opportunity to choose from a very wide range of qualified individuals for a particular job. Also, due to high population growth, it will always attract many investors who will come and invest in countries that will ensure development. In summary, it is quite clear that cultural barriers may exist, but this should not be the main factor that should seal a country's opportunities. destiny. We must also understand that development is multidimensional and not one-dimensional and culture alone cannot determine the destiny of a country in development..