Africa
Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth’s total surface area and 20% of its land area. With 1.4 billion people as of 2021, it accounts for about 18% of the world’s human population. Africa’s population is the youngest amongst all the continents; the median age in 2012 was 19.7, when the worldwide median age was 30.4. Despite a wide range of natural resources, Africa is the least wealthy continent per capita and second-least wealthy by total wealth, behind Oceania. Scholars have attributed this to different factors including geography, climate, tribalism, colonialism, the Cold War, neocolonialism, lack of democracy, and corruption. Despite this low concentration of wealth, recent economic expansion and the large and young population make Africa an important economic market in the broader global context.
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African Countries
Ghana
Ghana is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Cote d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The capital city is Accra, which is also the largest city in the country. Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, making it the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve…
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Ghardaia (Ghardaïa)
Ghardaïa is a city located in the Algerian Sahara Desert, approximately 600 km south of Algiers. It is the capital of the M’zab Valley, a region known for its five fortified cities, built in the 11th century by Ibadi Berbers.
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Harare
Harare, the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, is a city of contrasts. It’s a place where modern skyscrapers stand alongside colonial-era architecture, and bustling markets exist within easy reach of serene parks and gardens. Known as the “Sunshine City” for its pleasant climate, Harare offers a blend of urban energy and natural beauty. More about this city
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Huambo
Nestled in the heart of Angola, Huambo, formerly known as Nova Lisboa, is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. This article takes you on a journey through this remarkable city, the third-most populous in Angola, after Luanda and Lubango. Early History Huambo’s name has its roots in Wambu, one of the 14 ancient Ovimbundu kingdoms of the Angolan plateau. These kingdoms date back to the 15th…
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Ibadan
Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in Nigeria, is situated on seven hills with an average elevation of 700 feet (200 meters) and is approximately 100 miles (160 km) from the Atlantic coast. As one of the most densely populated cities in the country, Ibadan’s origins remain veiled in mystery, preserved primarily through oral tradition. According to accounts, the initial inhabitants of Ibadan were individuals seeking refuge and were…
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Ilorin
Ilorin, a city in western Nigeria, serves as the traditional emirate and is the capital of Kwara state. Positioned along the Awun River, a minor tributary of the Niger, it was founded in the late 18th century by the Yoruba people. Originally part of the Oyo empire as a vassal state, Ilorin saw a rebellion in 1817 led by Kakanfo Afonja, Oyo’s commander, resulting in the dissolution of the empire’s…
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Jijel
Jijel, also known as Djidjelli during French colonial times, is a captivating port city in northeastern Algeria, gracing the Mediterranean coastline. It’s the capital of the Jijel Province and holds a rich history dating back to Phoenician times. Jijel’s past whispers through its ancient ruins and monuments. Explore the remnants of Phoenician tombs, delve into the Roman city of Igilgili, or witness the grandeur of the Ottoman-era citadel. Jijel map
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Johannesburg
Johannesburg, often shortened to Joburg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng. Nicknamed “Egoli” or “City of Gold” due to its historical significance in the South African gold rush, Johannesburg is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and diverse culture. Here are some interesting facts about Johannesburg: Founded in 1886: The city was established following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, and…
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Jos
Jos is the capital city of Plateau state, situated on the Jos Plateau at an elevation of 4,250 feet (1,295 meters) in central Nigeria. It is positioned along the Delimi River and in proximity to the source of the Jamaari River, known as the Bunga downstream. Originally, the area was occupied by Geash, a village of the Birom people. The town experienced rapid development after the British discovered substantial tin…
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Kaduna
Kaduna, situated in north-central Nigeria, is the capital city of Kaduna state. It is positioned along the Kaduna River, a significant tributary of the Niger River. In 1913, Sir Frederick (later Lord) Lugard, the inaugural British governor of Northern Nigeria, chose the current site along the Lagos-Kano Railway for the establishment of a town. Construction commenced, and by 1917, Kaduna, meaning “crocodiles” in Hausa, replaced Zungeru as the capital of…