Africa is the world's third-largest
continent. At 11,608,000 sq. miles (30,065,000 sq. km),
it covers 20.3% of the total land area on Earth, and with
over 800 million human inhabitants it accounts for around
one seventh of Earth's human population.
The
ancient Romans used the name Africa terra ---
"land of the Afri" (plural, or "Afer" singular) --- for the
northern part of the continent, corresponding to modern-day
Tunisia. The origin of Afer may be the Arabic
afer, dust; the
Afridi[?] tribe, who dwelt in Northern Africa around the
area of
Carthage;
Greek aphrike, without cold; or
Latin aprica, sunny.
Geography
Main Article:
Geography of Africa
Main Article:
Outline of the history of Africa
Africa is home to the oldest inhabited territory on
earth, and it is believed the
human race originated from what is now this continent.
For most of humanity's history, Africa had no
nation states, and was instead inhabited by many small,
loosely associated
tribal[?] groups,
kingdoms, and families. In the 14th century
European explorers arrived in Africa. By bargaining with
some local tribal leaders, Europeans were able to capture
millions of Africans, and export them for labour around the
world in what became known as the global
slave trade. In the early 19th century the European
imperial powers staged a massive "scramble
for Africa[?]" and occupied most of the continent,
creating many colonial states. This occupation continued
until the conclusion of the
Second World War, after which all colonial states were
gradually granted independence. Today, Africa is home to
over 30 independent countries, many of which still have
borders drawn during the era of European
colonialism.
Since independence, African states have frequently been
hampered by instability, violence, and
authoritarianism. Until recently, few nations in Africa
were able to sustain
democratic governments, instead cycling through a series
of brutal
coups and
military dictatorships.
Border and territorial disputes have also been common,
with the European-imposed borders of many nations being
widely contested through armed conflicts.
Failed government policies have also resulted in many
widespread
famines, and significant portions of Africa remain
without enough food or water to survive. The spread of
dangerous diseases is also rampant, especially the deadly
AIDS virus.
Despite numerous hardships, there have been some signs
the continent has hope for the future. With international
help, many African governments have been able to turn their
economies around, and some nations are showing growth for
the first time in decades. Democratic governments seem to be
spreading, and although still not the majority, more and
more Africans are living in freedom than ever before.
Political associations such as the
African Union are also offering hope for greater
co-operation and peace between the continent's many
countries.
The population of Africa is almost entirely
black. The nations of
Zimbabwe and
South Africa maintain small, but significant
white and
Asian minorities groups. Some northern countries, such
as
Egypt and
Morocco, have
Arabic majorities.
Africa is home to a wide variety of different religous
groups.
Christianity and
Islam have a significant presence in many countries,
while others retain regionally unique tribal beliefs and
customs.
Central Africa
Eastern Africa
Northern Africa (see also
North Africa)
Southern Africa
Western Africa
African Languages
Ecology of Africa
-
An Irish anarchist in Africa (http://flag.blackened.net/revolt/africa/accounts/chekov.html)
provides a readable and compelling, but biased,
introduction to today's western Africa.
