Then write two details from each section that support the heading. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The plateau’s surface is higher in the southeast and tilts downward toward the northeast. However, just like we don't like it when foreigners have a simplistic view of America, we ought to update our view of Africa. The continent, composed largely of a vast rigid block of ancient rocks, has geologically young mountains at its extremities in the highlands of the Atlas Mountains in the northwest and the Cape ranges in the south. As Africa urbanizes rapidly the presence of Chinese construction teams have become virtually ubiquitous. Africa is a huge continent. Probably white Zimbabweans will be able to answer it more objectively. Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. From desert nomads traveling in the north to gold miners working in the south—welcome to the continent of Africa. Updates? Visit the continent of Africa. Africa, like every other continent that has grown through the process of time, is known around the world for many reasons. According to the AfDB, it is possible that Africa’s overall economic growth could decline by around 3% every year, due to the effect of climate change on farming. Africa is a huge continent with a wide variety of landscapes and climates, from the dry, hot desert climate found in the northern countries in the Sahara desert to the tropical rainforests toward the center of the continent and the subarctic climates found in mountainous regions in southern Africa. History Reference: Ancient History & World HistoryThe Eastern Hemisphere - Africa, Copyright © 2021 Web Solutions LLC. Enslavement in Africa . Later, some two million years ago, the first creatures to be classed as part of the human species evolve in Africa. Africa is a huge continent. ... and no country has answered Africa’s call quite like China. Africa’s total land area is approximately 11,724,000 square miles (30,365,000 square km), and the continent measures about 5,000 miles (8,000 km) from north to south and about 4,600 miles (7,400 km) from east to west. Its northern extremity is Al-Ghīrān Point, near Al-Abyaḍ Point (Cape Blanc), Tunisia; its southern extremity is Cape Agulhas, South Africa; its farthest point east is Xaafuun (Hafun) Point, near Cape Gwardafuy (Guardafui), Somalia; and its western extremity is Almadi Point (Pointe des Almadies), on Cape Verde (Cap Vert), Senegal. This richness is matched by a great diversity of biological resources that includes the intensely lush equatorial rainforests of Central Africa and the world-famous populations of wildlife of the eastern and southern portions of the continent. Africa’s climate is just as variable, ranging from desert to jungle, subtropical coastal bushlandto mountains. There are many groups of people, each having their own cultures and traditions. Africa is a Desert While there are a few deserts in Africa (like the Sahara Desert in the North and the Namib Desert in the Southwest of Africa), large parts of Africa, especially central Africa, are tropical rainforests. It covers one-fifth of the earth's land. Is the northernmost point of Africa farther north than the southernmost point of Europe? The country’s coast, on the Bight of Bonny, is part of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Terms of Use. All Rights Reserved Namibia's climate is that of a hot desert: Not surprisingly, it's dry, sunny, and warm almost … Victoria … I will also comment sincerely on my personal accounts. Although agriculture (primarily subsistence) still dominates the economies of many African countries, the exploitation of these resources became the most significant economic activity in Africa in the 20th century. The name Africa, however, was chiefly applied to the northern coast of the continent, which was, in effect, regarded as a southern extension of Europe. Living in Africa Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up in Africa? The Islamic religion, which the Arabs carried with them, spread from North Africa into many areas south of the Sahara, so that many western African peoples are now largely Islamized. - What Is the Climate Like? The vast continent of Africa is so rich and diverse in it's culture with it not only changing from one country to another but within an individual country many different cultures can be found. However, just like we don't like it when foreigners have a simplistic view of America, we ought to update our view of Africa. I believe the theory that humanity originated in Africa, so I feel that visiting there could help me return to my authentic self. It is divided in half almost equally by the Equator. Africa is the setting for the long dawn of human history. There isn't a lot of "converting" going on any more. It is a continent of over 700 languages. I remember Lagos city nights, getting oranges … Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Victoria Falls, on border between Zambia and ZimbabweNairobi, the capital city of KenyaA busy street in Ghana. At about 30.3 million km (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area. However, invasive species like the water hyacinth and papyrus have begun to take over entire shorelines, endangering animals and plants. Climate is nice, everything is available, amazing vacation options. The whole of Africa can be considered as a vast plateau rising steeply from narrow coastal strips and consisting of ancient crystalline rocks. While some areas appear to have been inhabited more or less continuously since the dawn of humanity, enormous regions—notably the desert areas of northern and southwestern Africa—have been largely unoccupied for prolonged periods of time. Africa, the second-largest and second most-populous continent, is also home to the youngest population in the world. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Of all foreign settlements in Africa, that of the Arabs has made the greatest impact. Like you need a good reason to go on safari in Africa for your next holiday! You might have to break a few immigration rules. You'll meet the people who live on the continent and explore the geography and culture. Africans have their Detroit and Hurricane Katrina too. With 1.3 billion people as of 2018, it accounts for about 16% of the world's human population. The Romans, who for a time ruled the North African coast, are also said to have called the area south of their settlements Afriga, or the Land of the Afrigs—the name of a Berber community south of Carthage. Africa is that quiet bird with the voice of thunder. South Africans are friendly and they love arts, dance, music etc. Look at the map on page 119. In which I explain what it's like to live in Malawi, Africa. According to "National Geographic," the continent of Africa consists of desert regions, highlands, green plains and rain forests. Geography of Africa. It is blessed by God. In Africa, painting was an attribute of the applied arts or a means to decorate surfaces on sculpture, pottery, or architecture, such as on the walls of South African Ndebele homesteads. I struggle with things like lack of air conditioning and lots of insects. The continent of Africa is known primarily for its natural attractions, including its diverse geography and an abundance of wildlife. Much of Africa's cultural activity centers on the family and the ethnic group. Popular for the ancient Egyptian Pyramids and its huge cultural heritage, the continent is also known to be the origin of civilization and written language dating back to more than 4000 years. And yes, there are some fantastic safaris and pyramids tourists can enjoy, just like our Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty are worth seeing too. Author of. I absolutely love this continent. See if your geographic knowledge points north or south in this journey through Africa. The vast continent of Africa is so rich and diverse in it's culture with it not only changing from one country to another but within an individual country many different … The steppe and savanna regions are characterised by large open areas of tall grass like that shown in the picture (right). Africa is a continent and does not have a single government. Africa, the second-largest continent, is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. The northwestern part, which includes the Sahara (desert) and that part of North Africa known as the Maghrib, has two mountainous regions—the Atlas Mountains in northwestern Africa, which are believed to be part of a system that extends into southern Europe, and the Ahaggar (Hoggar) Mountains in the Sahara. Despite Africa being the second-largest continent in the world, it has the shortest coastline. There are not many mountain ranges in Africa. Because of the location of the equator, most of Africa has a tropical climate. These young men and women are the future of Africa, but their future is also uncertain. From about four million years ago ape-like creatures walk upright on two feet in this continent. The annual fall in economic growth due to lower agricultural output will be about 6% in Southern Africa, 4% in North Africa, and 2% in East Africa. Africa is that mighty bird with the wings of gold and … The price of a coffee in Cape Town is equal to the average daily income for a third of the South … In this unit, you will discover Africa. The continent is cut almost equally in two by the Equator, so that most of Africa lies within the tropical region, bounded on the north by the Tropic of Cancer and on the south by the Tropic of Capricorn. Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. There have been times that … Perhaps you'll want to travel by jeep on a safari (suh-fah-ree)—a trip to Africa to see wild animals. And yes, there are some fantastic safaris and pyramids tourists can enjoy, just like our Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty are worth seeing too. Notice that the equator runs through the middle of the continent. Climatic and other factors have exerted considerable influence on the patterns of human settlement in Africa. The southeastern part of the plateau includes the Ethiopian Plateau, the East African Plateau, and—in eastern South Africa, where the plateau edge falls downward in a scarp—the Drakensberg range. As you read the chapters, write the heading for each section. This is a worrying trend for experts, especially when twinned with rapid population growth. Military coups have been fairly common in Africa. I absolutely love this continent. CBBC Newsround is investigating just what life is like for kids living on the vast and varied continent. In antiquity the Greeks are said to have called the continent Libya and the Romans to have called it Africa, perhaps from the Latin aprica (“sunny”) or the Greek aphrike (“without cold”). The Sahara is the largest desert in Africa, and the largest hot desert in the world – with summer temperatures reaching 122 °F (50 °C) – and stretching across 12 North African countries. In general the plateau may be divided into a southeastern portion and a northwestern portion. It’s that “hakuna matata” world Disney painted for me and those iconic pictures of the one tree in the distance with giraffes in silhouette. What Is the Geography of Africa? In 2018, I've had the pleasure of visiting 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Not to mention that something like 80% of Kenyans attend church. Off the coasts of Africa a number of islands are associated with the continent. Africa is comprised of desert, tropical, savanna grasslands, jungle and even subarctic climates. Here’s a little secret. Africa is rich in cultural heritage and diversity, a wealth of natural resources, offers breathtaking tourist attractions, and contains some of the most intricate political systems. Despite a wide range of natural resources, Africa … Beaded crown (ade ileke), Yoruba, 19th century, Nigeria. Africa, the second largest continent (after Asia ), covering about one-fifth of the total land surface of Earth. Africa is located south of Europe and Southwest Asia. The Republic of Cameroon is a west African country bordered by Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south, and Nigeria to the west. Paradoxically, the coastline of Africa—18,950 miles (30,500 km) in length—is shorter than that of Europe, because there are few inlets and few large bays or gulfs. There are 54 countries in Africa, plus Western Sahara who's status is under dispute. The forms of government in these countries range from democracies to monarchies and dictatorships. For discussion of individual countries of the continent, see such articles as Egypt, Madagascar, and Sudan. Africa contains an enormous wealth of mineral resources, including some of the world’s largest reserves of fossil fuels, metallic ores, and gems and precious metals. I am fascinated by Africa and I speak Spanish. Egyptian Pyramids. Southern Africa The region of Southern Africa is dominated by the Kaapvaal craton, a shelf of bedrock that is more than 2.6 billion years old. Omissions? The desert was created around 7 million years ago, as remnants of a vast sea called Tethys closed up.. Africa is a wonderland. I think most missionaries go there because it is a pretty damn comfortable lifestyle. One of the most remarkable features in the geologic structure of Africa is the East African Rift System, which lies between 30° and 40° E. The rift itself begins northeast of the continent’s limits and extends southward from the Ethiopian Red Sea coast to the Zambezi River basin. Get ready for many fascinating adventures. Click through this guide for a taster of what African children must contend with on a daily basis. In case, here are 11. Countries like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia - which will be Africa’s largest nations and share over half a billion people by 2050 - will have to improve and diversify their economies to lift their people out of poverty. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Some of the largest animals in the world graze throughout the continent, as well. The continent is bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the east by the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, and on the south by the mingling waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Africas physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately. It is home to some of the worlds most creative and kind and talented people. Africa is an amazing continent that is distinctly unique among theseven continents. Other, smaller islands include the Seychelles, Socotra, and other islands to the east; the Comoros, Mauritius, Réunion, and other islands to the southeast; Ascension, St. Helena, and Tristan da Cunha to the southwest; Cape Verde, the Bijagós Islands, Bioko, and São Tomé and Príncipe to the west; and the Azores and the Madeira and Canary islands to the northwest. It is notable that they were also the last European country to abolish the institution—although, like France, it still continued to force formerly enslaved people to work as contract laborers, which they called libertos or engagés à temps. In Africa, Egypt is the most attractive country for tourism and part of what drives … It is a continent of over 700 languages. Look at the map on page 119. I'm from the US and I have traveled to South America and Europe. There you will find many people that have different foods, customs, and traditions. Of these Madagascar, one of the largest islands in the world, is the most significant. Africa is that quiet but mighty bird. On high mountains, like Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, are subarctic conditions. The continent is bounded on the west by the Atlantic … Mount Cameroon is the highest point. Africa is crossed from north to south by the prime meridian (0° longitude), which passes a short distance to the east of Accra, Ghana. Related topics are discussed in the articles literature, African; literature, South African; architecture, African; art, African; dance, African; music, African; theatre, African; art and architecture, Egyptian; Islam; arts, Islamic; and Islamic world. Douala… Simplified climatic map of Africa: sub-Saharan Africa consists of the Sahel and the Horn of Africa in the north (yellow), the tropical savannas (light green) and the tropical rainforests (dark green) of Equatorial Africa, and the arid Kalahari Basin (yellow) and the "Mediterranean" south … Source: My parents were there for 35 years. Laugh all you want but I think a lot of us have a certain preconceived idea of what Africa is like and what the savannah is like. and its Licensors Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The greater part of the continent has long been inhabited by Black peoples, but in historic times there also have occurred major immigrations from both Asia and Europe. Intermediate between apes and men, they have been named Australopithecus. On high mountains, like Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, are subarctic conditions. Although there are countries in Africa that are usually hot all year round … Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Africa, the second largest continent (after Asia), covering about one-fifth of the total land surface of Earth. Because of the bulge formed by western Africa, the greater part of Africa’s territory lies north of the Equator. For discussion of major cities of the continent, see such articles as Alexandria, Cairo, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kinshasa. This article treats the physical and human geography of Africa, followed by discussion of geographic features of special interest. It covers one-fifth of the earth's land. Would you like to hike up a snowcapped mountain near the equator? This is … Corrections? Africa is that bird. Animal Life. Due to major limitations in education and other mitigating factors, the students of Africa fight an uphill battle to obtain their education. History Reference: Ancient History & World History. E-mail this page to a friend Africans have their Detroit and Hurricane Katrina too. Africa's population is the youngest amongst all the continents; the medianage in 2012 was 19.7, when the worldwide median age was 30.4. Where can you experience all these adventures? Due to its geological and cultural diversity, it is called “Africa in miniature.” Cameroon has beaches, deserts, mountains, savannas, and rainforests. From desert nomads traveling in the north to gold miners working in the south—welcome to the continent of Africa. Mt. The physiography of Africa is essentially a reflection of the geologic history and geology that is described in the previous section. In the northeast, Africa was joined to Asia by the Sinai Peninsula until the construction of the Suez Canal. African regions are treated under the titles Central Africa, eastern Africa, North Africa, Southern Africa, and western Africa; these articles also contain the principal treatment of African historical and cultural development. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Namibia. Okay I don't know about the social system of any other country besides South Africa because I have not been abroad. While there are a few deserts in Africa (like the Sahara Desert in the North and the Namib Desert in the Southwest of Africa), large parts of Africa, especially central Africa, are tropical rainforests. The climate of Northern Africa is dominated by the Sahara desert, which is noted for extreme temperature changes from hot days to near-freezing nights. During peace time, and with good rainfall, most communities are able to feed themselves … Africa is a very fertile continent with a huge variety of food crop and fauna. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, Thorn woodland, grassland, and semidesert vegetation, Africa - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Africa - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). In 2018, I've had the pleasure of visiting 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. What about a bumpy camel ride across the largest sand desert in the world? The rainforest areas are jungles of dense, wet forests. Thus, although Africa is the second largest continent, it contains only about 10 percent of the world’s population and can be said to be underpopulated. It's Always Hot in Africa. But I would like to air out my observations. Africa is located south of Europe and Southwest Asia. White people are viewed as elite class citizens by most blacks. From the jeep, you might see lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Or maybe you'll sail down the Nile River to see ancient pyramids. 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