Africa
Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent. It covers roughly 30.3 million square kilometres (11.7 million square miles), accounting for about 20% of Earth’s total land area. The continent is home to 54 fully recognized sovereign nations and a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, which stands as the youngest demographic globally.
Geographic Profile
Surrounding Waters: Bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the east.
Extreme Points
Surrounding Waters: Bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the east.
Extreme Points
Cape Blanc (Tunisia) in the north, Cape Agulhas (South Africa) in the south, Ras Hafun (Somalia) in the east, and Pointe des Almadies (Senegal) in the west.
Key Landmarks
Key Landmarks
Contains the Nile River (the world’s longest river), the Sahara Desert (the largest hot desert), and Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest peak at 5,895 metres).
Regional Breakdown
The continent is traditionally split into five major geopolitical subregions defined by the African Union:
Northern Africa
Regional Breakdown
The continent is traditionally split into five major geopolitical subregions defined by the African Union:
Northern Africa
Dominated by the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean coastlines, including nations like Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco.
Western Africa
Western Africa
Known for its rich cultural history and diverse ecosystems, featuring highly populous countries like Nigeria.
Central Africa
Central Africa
Anchored by the vast Congo River basin and dense tropical rainforests.
Eastern Africa
Eastern Africa
Marked by the Great Rift Valley, savannahs, and volcanic peaks like those in Kenya and Tanzania.
Southern Africa
Southern Africa
Noted for its rugged coastlines, temperate climates, and rich mineral wealth, including South Africa and Namibia.
