Understanding Africa: The Second Largest Continent
Although Africa is the second largest continent and home to one of the ancient civilizations, it is full of mysteries. Revealed to the outside world only in the latter half of the nineteenth century, many things are yet unknown about this continent.
Why Was Africa Called the Dark Continent?
The Europeans coined the term Dark Continent for Africa because very little was known about the continent till the middle of the nineteenth century.
The famous explorers David Livingstone, Henry Morton Stanley and Mungo Park have been responsible for opening Africa to the outside world.
Reasons for Late Discovery of Africa by Explorers
Travellers and traders did not venture into Africa due to various reasons. The hot and humid climate and the dense forests and marshes teeming with wild animals and dangerous insects discouraged the explorers from entering the interior of the continent.
Plateaus rising steeply from the coasts and lack of natural harbours made it difficult for ships to land and thus hampered accessibility. Even if explorers managed to land on the continent, they could not travel to the interior as the rivers were not navigable. These big, swift rivers dropped down the steep slopes of the plateaus, forming huge waterfalls. The vast Sahara Desert in the northern part of the continent was another obstacle for any traveller. Fear of diseases like malaria and sleeping sickness further discouraged explorers from venturing into the interior of this vast continent.
Africa’s Size and Location: Key Geographical Facts
Size
Africa is the second largest continent after Asia and occupies more than one-fifth of the earth’s land area. Look at the world map and compare its size with the other continents.
Location
Africa is surrounded by water on almost all sides. Refer to the map of Africa and name the seas and oceans surrounding the continent.
Africa almost touches Europe in the north-west at the Strait of Gibraltar and Asia in the east at the Strait of Babel-Mandeb. The Isthmus of Suez in the north-east used to join Africa and Asia but now the Suez Canal cuts through it and joins the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, thus separating the two continents. It has shortened the route from Europe to India by more than 10,000 km.
The continent of Africa stretches from $37^\circ\text{ N}$ to $35^\circ\text{ S}$ latitude and from $20^\circ\text{ W}$ to $52^\circ\text{ E}$ longitude. The Equator passes almost through the middle of the continent. What does this indicate? The Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn and the Prime Meridian also pass through it. The southernmost tip of Africa is called the Cape of Good Hope.
Political Divisions of Africa: 54 Independent Nations
Many parts of Africa had been under the rule of European countries. In the latter half of the twentieth century these colonies won their freedom and are now independent nations. At present there are 54 independent countries in Africa.
Physical Features of Africa: Mountains, Plateaus, and Deserts
Mountains in Africa: From Atlas to Kilimanjaro
The Atlas Mountains lie in the north-west region of Africa, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. These are fold mountains consisting of several parallel ranges.
There are a number of volcanic mountains in the eastern part of the continent, of which Mt Kilimanjaro ($5,895\text{ m}$) and Mt Kenya ($5,199\text{ m}$) are some of the highest.
Along the south-eastern coast of the continent, the Drakensberg Mountains form the steep edge of the plateau. They are young fold mountains.
Plateaus of Africa: The Ethiopian Highlands and Beyond
The entire continent of Africa appears to be a huge plateau. Actually, Africa consists of a number of plateaus of varying heights. They are higher in the eastern and southern regions, with the Ethiopian Highlands in the east forming the highest part. These plateaus are of volcanic origin and have steep edges and uneven surfaces. They rise abruptly from the coastal plains.
The South African plateau is bound by highlands in the east, west and south. These highlands drop down steeply to the coast. A large part of the plateau is occupied by the barren Kalahari Desert. Towards the north-east, the South African plateau is connected with the East African plateau.
The East African plateau also rises steeply from the east. A characteristic feature of this plateau is the existence of two rift valleys. These are great lines of depression formed by the sinking of blocks of the earth’s crust.
Plains of Africa: Coastal Regions and the Congo Basin
In Africa the plains are found only in the northern and western regions, along the coast. The coastal plains are very narrow. This is because the plateaus drop down to the sea abruptly. The Congo or Zaire basin in the central part is a lowland region.
Rift Valleys: The Great Rift Valley of Africa
The most prominent physical feature of Africa is its rift valleys. These are found in the eastern part of the continent and are collectively known as the Great Rift Valley. It is an elongated narrow valley, with steep walls.
The Great Rift Valley of Africa stretches for a distance of about 8,000 km from River Zambezi in the south to the Red Sea in the north and then further into Asia, up to the Dead Sea. Many deep and elongated lakes are found in the rift valleys. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, lies between the two arms of the Great Rift Valley.
Deserts in Africa: Sahara, Namib, and Kalahari
A large portion of the African continent is covered by deserts. The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, it covers almost entire northern Africa. There are a few highlands here, like the Tibesti Range and the Ahaggar Plateau. Sahara is dotted with several oases where water is available. In the southern part of Africa, lie the Namib Desert and the Kalahari Desert.
Drainage System of Africa: Major Rivers and Waterfalls
Africa has many great rivers. Most of the rivers rise from the plateaus in the central equatorial region. This region receives very heavy rainfall and hence the rivers always carry a great volume of water.
The Nile River: Longest River in the World
The Nile is the most important river in Africa. It is the longest river in the world ($6,650\text{ km}$). It originates from Lake Victoria and flows northwards, draining into the Mediterranean Sea. At Khartoum, the two rivers, White Nile and Blue Nile, join to form the Nile River. Although most of its path is across the Sahara Desert, the Nile is never dry as its source lies in the rainy equatorial region.
Other Major African Rivers: Zaire, Niger, and Zambezi
The Zaire (also known as Congo) is another important river which flows through central Africa and drains into the Atlantic Ocean. It carries the largest volume of water and drains a very large area.
The Niger and Zambezi flow through the western region. Orange and Limpopo in the southern region are the other important rivers of Africa.
African Waterfalls: Victoria Falls and Stanley Falls
Except the Nile, most of the rivers in the continent are unsuitable for navigation. This is because they drop down from the steep edges of the plateaus and form numerous rapids and waterfalls. The Victoria Falls on the Zambezi is higher and wider than the Niagara Falls in North America. The Stanley Falls, which are formed by the Zaire River, are the other breathtaking waterfalls of Africa.
Lake Chad is a shallow lake situated on the southern fringe of the Sahara. This is an area of inland drainage as rivers draining this region enter the Lake Chad, instead of reaching the sea.
Climate, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of Africa
The Equator passes almost through the middle of Africa. Thus, a major part of the continent lies in the tropical or Torrid Zone.
Fact
On 13 September 1992, Al-Aziziya in Libya recorded the highest temperature ever on the surface of the earth, which was $57.7^\circ\text{C}$.
Since the Torrid Zone receives the direct rays of the sun all through the year, most of Africa has a hot climate. The high mountains and plateaus, however, have mild temperatures. The moderating influence of the sea is felt along the coastal areas. The distribution of rainfall varies greatly from place to place. The prevailing winds like Trade Winds and Westerlies also influence the temperature and rainfall of certain places in Africa.
Three important ocean currents flow along the coasts of Africa. They are the cold Canaries Current along the north-west coast, the cold Benguela Current along the south-west coast and the warm Mozambique Current along the south-east coast. The cold currents lower the temperature of the coastal regions along which they flow, while warm currents raise the temperature.
A variety of climatic types are found in Africa. Let us read about these climatic regions, which have their own characteristic natural vegetation and wildlife.
Equatorial Climate in Africa: Rainforests and 4 O’Clock Rain
Areas: This type of climate is experienced on both sides of the Equator, mainly in the Zaire Basin and along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.
Climate: It is a typically hot and wet climate. There is high temperature and heavy rainfall (more than $250\text{ cm}$) throughout the year. There are no seasons. Rainfall occurs in the afternoon almost every day and is called 4 o’ clock rain.
Natural vegetation: Evergreen forests called equatorial rainforests are found here. These forests are very dense, with a variety of trees, creepers and thick undergrowth. The trees are tall and have broad leaves. Their spreading branches form a canopy at the top, preventing sunlight from entering the forests. As a result, the forests are always dark and damp. The equatorial rainforests are also known as Selvas.
Due to abundant rainfall, there is no particular time of the year when all the trees shed their leaves together. Hence, they are called evergreen trees. They yield hardwood which is used for making furniture.
Savanna Climate in Africa: Tropical Grasslands and Baobab Trees
Areas: It is found to the north and south of the equatorial region.
Climate: The summers are hot and winters are mild. Rainfall is far lower than in the equatorial region and most of it occurs during summer.
Natural vegetation: Tropical rainforests of the equatorial region give way to woodlands and grasslands. The vast tropical grasslands are called Savanna. The small amount of rain is not enough for big trees to survive and one can find smaller trees scattered throughout the region. This type of vegetation is also known as Parkland Vegetation. A good example is the baobab tree. The trunk of the baobab tree looks like a bottle. It is hollow inside and can store water. It is therefore able to survive without rainfall for long periods.
Tropical Deserts in Africa: Climate and Adaptations
Areas: These are found on both sides of the savanna region. In the north lies the vast Sahara Desert and in the south are the Namib and the Kalahari deserts.
Climate: Here summers are extremely hot and winters are cool. There is a great difference between day and night temperatures. Rainfall is very scanty. Strong winds are common during the day.
Natural vegetation: Since the climate is hot and dry, desert vegetation consists of very few trees. Shrubs and thorny bushes are found here. They have natural adaptations like long roots, waxy stems and spiny leaves to survive in such conditions.
Mediterranean Climate in Africa: Coast and Cape Region
Areas: It is found along the Mediterranean coast in the north and around the Cape of Good Hope in the south.
Climate: In these regions, the summers are warm and dry. The winters are cool. Rainfall is moderate. It is caused by the Westerlies and occurs in winter.
Natural vegetation: The vegetation of the Mediterranean region consists of short evergreen trees. The trees have special features like long roots, thick barks and waxy leaves which help them survive the hot and dry summers. Most of the original forest cover has been cleared to make land available for agriculture.
Temperate Grasslands of Africa: The Velds
Areas: These are found in the south-eastern part of the plateau, particularly in South Africa. They are known as the Velds or Veldts.
Geo Connect
Temperate grasslands are found in other continents too. They are called Prairies in North America, Pampas in Argentina in South America, Pusztas in Hungary in Europe, Steppes in Eurasia and Downs in Australia.
Caption for Image 1: Sahara is the largest desert of the world
Caption for Image 2: The Savanna grasslands are a good grazing ground for wild animals like zebras, deer, giraffes and elephants
for trees to grow. The grass is shorter and softer than the Savanna grass. These grasslands provide excellent pastures that support a number of livestock.
Monsoon Climate in Eastern Africa
Areas: It is found along the eastern coast of Africa and in the Madagascar Island.
Climate: The summers are hot and the monsoon winds coming from the Indian Ocean cause rain during summer. Winters are cool and dry.
Natural vegetation: Tropical deciduous trees are found in the monsoon regions. They are tall and shed their leaves just before the dry season begins.
China Type Climate in Southeastern Africa
Areas: It is found along the south-eastern coast of Africa.
Climate: Here, the summers are hot and the winters are cool. Rainfall is heavy and most of it occurs during summer.
Natural vegetation: The vegetation consists of temperate deciduous trees.
Highland Climate in Ethiopia and Eastern Plateaus
Areas: This is found in the Ethiopian highlands and parts of the eastern and southern plateaus.
Climate: In these regions the temperatures are low and rainfall is scanty, occurring mostly during summer.
Natural vegetation: The natural vegetation in the highlands changes with altitude. A variety of coniferous trees and grasses are found here.
Water Resources and Hydroelectric Power in Africa
Many regions in Africa, particularly those around the Equator, receive abundant rainfall. The continent is drained by large rivers like Nile, Niger, Zaire and Zambezi which have water throughout the year. River water is largely used for irrigation.
Most of the African rivers are not suitable for navigation as they rise in the highlands and drop down the steep edges of the plateaus, forming waterfalls before draining into the sea. The Stanley Falls on the Congo River and Victoria Falls on Zambezi River are important examples. The rivers as well as the waterfalls have been utilised to produce hydroelectricity. The Aswan Dam on the Nile, the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi, the Kainji Dam on the Niger and the Volta River Project in Ghana are some important hydroelectric power stations of Africa. These dams are also useful for irrigation and for storing water.
Soil Types and Agriculture in Africa
Only about 10% of the soil in Africa is suitable for cultivation. Can you say why?
Owing to the varied physical and climatic conditions, different regions of Africa have different types of soil. In the river valleys, particularly in the Nile Valley, alluvial soil is found. This soil is very fertile and a large variety of crops can be grown. Soil formed from volcanic rocks is found in the Eastern Highlands. This is also a fertile soil and suitable for growing crops. The soil in the Savanna region is good for growing grasses for cattle. The desert soils can be used to grow crops with the help of irrigation.
Forests and Forest Products in Africa
Forests cover about one-fifth of the total land area of Africa. The equatorial rainforests are the predominant form of vegetation. These dense forests have remained under-exploited due to adverse climatic conditions as well as difficulties in transportation.
A host of valuable products are obtained from these forests. They have hardwood trees like ebony, mahogany, rosewood and kapok, which yield valuable timber. Rubber trees are also found in these forests.
Several varieties of palm trees grow in the African forests. The important ones among them are oil palm, coconut palm and date palm. Date palm is not only an important food item but is of great economic value to the desert dwellers and also in the river valleys. It is generally grown in oases.
Cacao and kola trees grow in plenty in the West African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Cacao seeds yield cocoa, which is a popular drink and is also used for making chocolate. Kola nuts are used for making cola drinks and chewing gum.
Wildlife and National Parks in Africa
Africa is famous for its rich and varied wildlife. The dense equatorial forests are home to different species of monkeys, apes, okapis, elephants, rhinoceroses and pythons. One can find hippopotamuses and crocodiles in the swamps. Birds with beautiful plumage and bright-coloured insects are also found in these forests.
The Savanna grasslands and woodlands are home to herbivores like deer, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and elephants, and carnivores like lions and leopards.
Camels are found in the Sahara Desert and the large flightless bird ostrich is common in the Kalahari Desert.
Since early times, wild animals and birds have been hunted in large numbers in Africa. Elephants were killed for their tusks which yield ivory, deer for their skin, rhinos for their horns, ostrich for their feathers and other animals for meat, hides, bones, etc. This has resulted in a rapid decline in the numbers of these animals.
In order to protect the endangered animals, the governments of many African countries have enacted laws to prevent illegal hunting. Many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks have been set up. These are protected forest areas where animals can live freely in their natural habitat. These national parks are also called safari parks and they attract tourists from all over the world.
Africa has a number of national parks, sanctuaries and game reserves. Some of them are:
- Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
- Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and Ruaha National Park in Tanzania
- Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
- Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe
- Etosha National Park in Namibia
- Okavango Delta in Botswana
- Kruger National Park and St Lucia Wetland Park in South Africa
Agriculture and Farming in Africa
Africa has a very small percentage of its land under cultivation as vast areas are covered by forests, highlands or deserts. Agriculture is limited to the river valleys, the coastal plains, the Mediterranean region in the north-west and parts of the Savanna grasslands.
Most of the farming methods are simple and primitive. A variety of crops are grown in Africa. They can be divided into two groups—food crops and cash crops.
Food Crops of Africa: Yams, Cassava, and Maize
Root crops like yam and cassava are the chief food crops of Africa. They are grown mainly in the west and central African countries. Among the cereals, maize is the most important, particularly in the Savanna. Wheat, millets and rice are grown in small quantities in the Nile Valley, Savanna and Mediterranean regions.
Several varieties of fruits are also grown in Africa. Banana, jackfruit, pineapple, papaya and mango are common fruits found in the tropical region. Citrus fruits like orange, lime and lemon are grown in the Mediterranean region. Olives, figs and grapes also grow here.
Cash Crops of Africa: Cocoa, Coffee, and Cotton
The cash crops of Africa are mostly exported with the sole purpose of earning more revenue.
The world’s best quality cotton (long staple) is grown in the Nile Valley in Egypt. Africa is also the largest producer of cocoa. It is grown in the west African countries of Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Coffee is produced in Congo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Uganda. Tea grows mainly in eastern Africa and sugar cane grows in the Nile Valley. Groundnuts are grown in west Africa and cashewnuts in east Africa.
Sisal is a fibre crop. Its leaves yield a hard fibre which is used for making ropes and sacks. Africa is a leading producer and exporter of sisal. Most of it comes from Tanzania. The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba are the largest producers of cloves in the world. Some countries of Africa have rubber plantations and natural rubber is exported in large quantities.
Palm trees are also grown in plantations in many countries. Oil palm trees are found in western Africa. Nigeria is the leading exporter of palm oil. Coconut palm, commonly found in the tropical islands of Zanzibar and Pemba and along the eastern coast, yields coconut oil. Date palms grow mainly in oases in the deserts. Dates are consumed by the local people and also exported. Egypt is the leading producer of dates.
Important Crops of Africa
Food crops Cash crops
yam cotton
cassava cocoa
maize coffee
wheat tea
rice sugar cane
millets sisal
fruits oil palm
vegetables date palm
Animal Rearing and Livestock in Africa
Rearing of animals: Cattle are reared for beef and milk products in the Savanna grasslands but they are not of good quality. As a result, milk production is not high. The tsetse fly and other insects cause diseases in animals and men.
For the past few years, many African countries have been facing shortage of food. This is because agriculture is practised in only 10% of the total land area of Africa, which is not sufficient to feed such a huge continent. Failure of rains for many years has resulted in droughts. Moreover, these countries have increased their production of cash crops at the cost of food crops with the hope of earning more revenue.
Sheep rearing on a commercial scale is practised in the Velds of South Africa. They yield excellent wool. Sheep are also reared in the East African highlands and in the Mediterranean region.
Camels are reared in the Sahara desert, where they are the most important beasts of burden.
Fishing Industry in Africa
Fishing: Marine fishing is practised in the ocean waters surrounding Africa while inland fishing is done in the lakes and rivers. Mackerel, cod, sardine and tuna are the main varieties.
and coal are not found in large quantities. This has hampered industrial development in the continent.
The mineral resources of Africa have not been properly utilised due to the lack of power resources and modern technology. The European countries which had set up colonies in Africa had exploited the minerals recklessly to meet their needs. This resulted in the closing down of many large mines. Today the independent African nations are making efforts to develop their mineral resources wisely for their economic growth.
Industries and Manufacturing in Africa
Since most African countries do not produce adequate coal, petroleum and iron ore, industrial development in the continent is poor. They also lack finance, skilled labour and the technology required to set up industries. Therefore, most of Africa’s agricultural and mineral raw materials are exported.
Industries have developed in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria. Consumer goods industries such as food processing, textiles, leather goods and domestic appliances are the most important industries in Africa. Chemicals, petrochemicals, metal manufacturing and electrical industries are found in some places. Africa has to depend on imports to meet her requirement of manufactured products. Tourism is a fast growing industry of Africa today. Major tourist spots are Cairo, Cape Town, Lagos and Durban.
Minerals and Mining in Africa
Africa has vast reserves of many valuable minerals like diamond, gold, platinum, chromium, uranium, cobalt, copper, bauxite, manganese and tin. Iron ore and coal are not found in large quantities.
Important Minerals of Africa
Minerals Uses Countries
Diamond jewellery, industrial use South Africa, Zaire, Botswana
Gold jewellery South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zaire
Platinum surgical instruments, jewellery West Africa
Chromium alloys South Africa, Zimbabwe
Uranium atomic energy South Africa, Zaire
Cobalt cutting tools Zaire
Copper electrical wires Zaire, Zambia
Bauxite provides aluminium Zaire, South Africa
Coal fuel, thermal energy South Africa
Transport and Communication in Africa
Land Transport in Africa
It is very difficult to develop continuous lines of land transport in Africa since a major portion of the continent is under dense forests, swamps, deserts and rugged plateaus. Most of the roads and railways were built by the colonial rulers as they had to send the minerals and agricultural products to Europe. Thus, the roads and railway lines link mainly the mining and farming areas with the ports.
Air Transport in Africa
The unfavourable terrain of Africa makes airways an important mode of transport, not only for international travel but also for travelling within the countries. Cape Town, Durban, Cairo, Botswana, Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya have international airports.
Waterways in Africa: Rivers, Lakes, and Sea Routes
Inland waterways in Africa suffer from serious drawbacks. People and goods are transported across the rivers and lakes by boats, but the presence of waterfalls and rapids makes navigation very difficult.
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However, seaways are well developed in the continent. The Suez Canal Route links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, while the Cape Route passes around the Cape of Good Hope, linking the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.
Trade and Economy of Africa
Most of Africa’s raw materials are exported while it has to depend on imports of manufactured products.
The important export items include agricultural products like cocoa, coffee, rubber, cotton, fruits, animal skins, forest products like timber and minerals like gold, diamonds, metals and petroleum.
Food grains, iron and steel, textiles, machinery, chemicals, automobiles and locomotives are some of the major items that Africa imports.
People, Population, and Tribes of Africa
With a total population of about 800 million, Africa is a thinly populated continent. The population density is 27 persons per sq. km. The country that has the maximum population is Nigeria, while the tiny island of Mauritius is the most densely populated place in Africa.
The population is, however, not uniformly distributed. This is mainly due to the presence of dense forests, highlands and deserts. The densely populated regions are the Nile Valley, the coastal areas along the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Guinea, the south-eastern part and the mining centres. On the other hand, the Sahara and the Kalahari deserts, the tropical rainforests and the rugged plateaus are very thinly populated.
Races and Tribes of Africa
The original inhabitants of Africa are the Negroes, who have dark skin, frizzy hair, flat nose and thick lips. They are grouped in many different tribes who have their own characteristic ways of living. The Pygmies of Congo, the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, the Tutsis of central Africa and the Masais of east Africa are some of the important African tribes.
The Pygmies are traditionally forest dwellers who live by hunting animals such as antelopes, pigs and monkeys, fishing and gathering honey, wild yams and roots. Their music is famous for its stirring rhythm.
The Bushmen of Kalahari Desert are hunter-gatherers. The women gather forest resources while the men hunt, using poison-tipped arrows and spears. The men make weapons while the women make bags made of skin which they use to collect fruits and nuts. Their society is based on equality and there is no formal leader. They exchange gifts instead of practising trade. They are also known as San people.
The Tutsis of central Africa are known for their epic songs and poetry chronicling the achievements of the ruling dynasties. Unfortunately 77% of Tutsi population was wiped out in the Rwandan Genocide of 1994.
The Masais live along the Great Rift Valley in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are a warrior clan. Their most important asset is their cattle and their life and society revolve around its maintenance. The women build and maintain homes, look after the household and do excellent beadwork. Bright and colourful bead jewellery made by Masai women is popular all over the world.
The Moors, Bedouins and Tuaregs are nomadic tribes who cross the vast Sahara Desert on camels. However, their way of life is changing fast as most of them are settling down to practise agriculture or work in industries.
The tribes of Africa are famous for their crafts. African jewellery, fabrics, sculptures, masks and baskets have great demand all over the world.
Today about 30% Africans live in cities. Widespread migration to cities has led to the development of numerous shanty towns where people live without proper sanitation and lack the basic amenities of life.
Apart from the natives, there are a large number of people in Africa who are of foreign origin. The Arabs have settled mainly in the northern part. The Europeans first came to Africa in 1652 and settled in South Africa. Later, they set up colonies in many parts of the continent, particularly in the southern and eastern parts and the Mediterranean region. People of Indian origin are mostly found in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa.
Languages Spoken in Africa
Different tribes of Africa speak different languages. Communication among them is difficult. Therefore, most African people learn an additional language other than their local dialect. Swahili is an African language which is commonly spoken in eastern Africa. Arabic is spoken by most people in the north. Afrikaans, English and French are also important languages in Africa.
Religion in Africa
Christianity and Islam are the major religions followed in Africa. Christianity was introduced by the Europeans and is common in the southern part. The Arabs introduced Islam and most people in northern Africa are Muslims. Many tribes of Africa practise animism which involves love and respect for nature and worshipping it as God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Africa
Q1: Why is Africa called the Dark Continent?
A: Africa was called the Dark Continent by Europeans because very little was known about the continent and its interior regions until the middle of the nineteenth century. The term was coined due to the lack of exploration and the mysterious nature of its vast landscapes, dense forests, and deserts that remained unexplored for centuries.
Q2: What is the largest desert in Africa?
A: The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in Africa and also the largest hot desert in the world. It covers almost the entire northern region of Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.
Q3: Which is the longest river in Africa?
A: The Nile River is the longest river in Africa and the longest in the world, measuring approximately 6,650 km. It originates from Lake Victoria and flows northward to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.
Q4: What are the major climate zones found in Africa?
A: Africa has several climate zones including equatorial, savanna, tropical desert, Mediterranean, temperate grasslands, monsoon, China type, and highland climates. The equatorial region receives heavy rainfall year-round while desert areas experience extreme temperatures and little precipitation.
Q5: Which is the highest mountain in Africa?
A: Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters. It is a volcanic mountain located in Tanzania.
Q6: What are the main cash crops grown in Africa?
A: The main cash crops of Africa include cocoa, coffee, cotton, tea, sugar cane, sisal, palm oil, and dates. West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast are major producers of cocoa.
Q7: Which African countries have the most famous national parks?
A: Some of the most famous national parks in Africa include Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe.
Q8: What is the Great Rift Valley?
A: The Great Rift Valley is the most prominent physical feature of Africa. It is an elongated narrow valley with steep walls, stretching for about 8,000 km from River Zambezi in the south to the Red Sea in the north and extending further into Asia up to the Dead Sea.
Q9: What are the main ethnic groups or tribes in Africa?
A: Important African tribes include the Pygmies of Congo, Bushmen (San people) of the Kalahari Desert, Tutsis of central Africa, Masais of east Africa, and nomadic tribes like the Moors, Bedouins, and Tuaregs who cross the Sahara Desert.
Q10: What are the major languages spoken in Africa?
A: Swahili is commonly spoken in eastern Africa, Arabic in northern Africa, while Afrikaans, English, and French are also important languages. Many Africans speak their local tribal dialects along with additional languages for communication.
Conclusion: Africa – A Continent of Diversity and Potential
Africa stands as a continent of remarkable contrasts and immense potential. From the vast Sahara Desert to the dense equatorial rainforests, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the deep rift valleys, Africa’s physical geography is as diverse as its people and cultures. The continent that was once called the “Dark Continent” has revealed itself to be a land rich in natural resources, wildlife, and cultural heritage. With 54 independent nations, a population of approximately 800 million people, and abundant mineral wealth, Africa continues to develop economically while preserving its unique traditions. The challenges of food security, industrial development, and environmental conservation remain significant, but the continent’s resilience and growing tourism industry highlight its bright future. Understanding Africa’s geography, climate, natural resources, and diverse cultures is essential to appreciating its place in the modern world and its potential for sustainable development.