Exploring Geography
Sub-Saharan Africa
- foreignpolicydigest.org
Number of Countries within Region: 47
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros Cote D’Ivoire, Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Physical Features
Congo River
The Congo River (formerly known as the Zaire River) is the most powerful river in the world. It is the fifth largest river in the world, with a river basin of nearly 1.5 million sq. miles. The river begins with a light current in the Savannas, south of Lake Tanganyika. Then it widens, picking up speed entering the “gates of hell”, this area is known for its dangerous rapids. It then calms again through the tropical rainforests of Upper Congo ending at Stanley falls (a 60 mile stretch of rapids.) It crosses the equator twice as it winds across the land. There is not very much shifting in the water levels, because it sheds water on both the northern and southern hemispheres.
The Congo River (formerly known as the Zaire River) is the most powerful river in the world. It is the fifth largest river in the world, with a river basin of nearly 1.5 million sq. miles. The river begins with a light current in the Savannas, south of Lake Tanganyika. Then it widens, picking up speed entering the “gates of hell”, this area is known for its dangerous rapids. It then calms again through the tropical rainforests of Upper Congo ending at Stanley falls (a 60 mile stretch of rapids.) It crosses the equator twice as it winds across the land. There is not very much shifting in the water levels, because it sheds water on both the northern and southern hemispheres.
- congolinedrc.blogspot.com
Ethiopian Highlands
The highlands contain nearly 80% of Africa’s tallest mountains. There is a lot of character to the land, as it has been sheltered by the Simien and Bale Mountains that enclose the Highlands on both sides. The Blue Nile runs through the region, with the Great Rift Valley as the center. The Ethiopian Highlands were formed from volcanic lava in northeastern Africa. The tall peaks and valleys of the highlands create 3 different environments for its local species. This is home to many of the world’s rare or endangered species, including the grassland forest tree frog (leptopelis yaldeni), the Bale Mountains frog (Ericabatrachus baleensis), and the Ethiopian toad (Spinophrynoides osgoodi, the Ethiopian wolf, Walia ibex, the Mountain nyala, and the Giant root rat. Rare birds that habitat this area are Ankober serin, and the White-winged flufftail. After many years of agriculture, the soil is eroding causing many problems and danger to this areas ecosystem.
The highlands contain nearly 80% of Africa’s tallest mountains. There is a lot of character to the land, as it has been sheltered by the Simien and Bale Mountains that enclose the Highlands on both sides. The Blue Nile runs through the region, with the Great Rift Valley as the center. The Ethiopian Highlands were formed from volcanic lava in northeastern Africa. The tall peaks and valleys of the highlands create 3 different environments for its local species. This is home to many of the world’s rare or endangered species, including the grassland forest tree frog (leptopelis yaldeni), the Bale Mountains frog (Ericabatrachus baleensis), and the Ethiopian toad (Spinophrynoides osgoodi, the Ethiopian wolf, Walia ibex, the Mountain nyala, and the Giant root rat. Rare birds that habitat this area are Ankober serin, and the White-winged flufftail. After many years of agriculture, the soil is eroding causing many problems and danger to this areas ecosystem.
Ethiopian Fox Ethopian Highlands Ethopian Toad
-ashfaqueshah-pakistani.blogspot.com -spice-route-decorative-red.co.cc -bushwarriors.wordpress.com
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is said to be the largest African Lake, and is also the second widest freshwater lake in the world. The border of this massive lake touches 3 separate countries. Uganda to the north, Tanzania is at the south end and Kenya borders the northeast.
The lake lies very close to the equator, between the East and West Great Rift Valleys. The lake drains to the north through Lake Albert, the White Nile and then pours into the Nile River. In 1954 a dam was built at Owen Falls and supplies electricity and water to Uganda and Kenya.
Lake Victoria is said to be the largest African Lake, and is also the second widest freshwater lake in the world. The border of this massive lake touches 3 separate countries. Uganda to the north, Tanzania is at the south end and Kenya borders the northeast.
The lake lies very close to the equator, between the East and West Great Rift Valleys. The lake drains to the north through Lake Albert, the White Nile and then pours into the Nile River. In 1954 a dam was built at Owen Falls and supplies electricity and water to Uganda and Kenya.
-go2africa.com
Kalahari Desert
The desert is located in Southern Africa, extending 900,000 sq. km. The mostly arid land covers Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and has large areas that receive plenty of rain creating wonderful grazing land. Not a true desert, the Kalahari is home to many animals and plants. Traveling through the desert you may see large herds of Cheetahs, Leopards, Lions, Giraffes and Mongoose along with many different species of birds. The desert is home to a large sand basin that stretches from the Orange River up to Angola along the western side toward Namibia and also the eastern side towards Zimbabwe. The erosion of the “soft stone” forms the sand and the wind shapes the edges giving it the Kalahari Desert appearance we all are familiar with.
The desert is located in Southern Africa, extending 900,000 sq. km. The mostly arid land covers Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and has large areas that receive plenty of rain creating wonderful grazing land. Not a true desert, the Kalahari is home to many animals and plants. Traveling through the desert you may see large herds of Cheetahs, Leopards, Lions, Giraffes and Mongoose along with many different species of birds. The desert is home to a large sand basin that stretches from the Orange River up to Angola along the western side toward Namibia and also the eastern side towards Zimbabwe. The erosion of the “soft stone” forms the sand and the wind shapes the edges giving it the Kalahari Desert appearance we all are familiar with.
- blogs.iguides.org - ryecityschools.osborn.schoolfusion.us -blogs.iguides.org
Ituri Forest
The Ituri rainforest is located in the eastern Congo (DROC), and is approximately 63,000 sq. km in size. It is home to many different species of primates and other animals including elephants. It is also home to the local Bantu and Mbuti Pygmy People. The forest has been threatened by deforestation, logging, hunting, and other forms of threats. The “Okapi Wildlife Reserve” has been set up, and protects 14,000 sq. km.
The Ituri rainforest is located in the eastern Congo (DROC), and is approximately 63,000 sq. km in size. It is home to many different species of primates and other animals including elephants. It is also home to the local Bantu and Mbuti Pygmy People. The forest has been threatened by deforestation, logging, hunting, and other forms of threats. The “Okapi Wildlife Reserve” has been set up, and protects 14,000 sq. km.
- komonews.com - uyau.com - trueknowledge.com
Climate
Most of this region has a tropical climate. The average temperature year round is generally greater than 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of rainfall, other than the temperature is what determines the type of seasonal climate. Central and western Africa receives the most rain, due to their closeness to the equator. The wet warm climate causes many problems with insects and parasites. In some cases these insects may cause river blindness, schistosomiasis or malaria. Desert zones are found in the north and the south, the Horn of Africa is the driest part of the continent. The rainfall is kept away from this area from the northward wind blowing along the east coast.
Resources
Sub-Saharan Africa has many valuable resources; these include gold platinum and copper. Approximately 27% of the world’s gold and 50% of the platinum is produced in this region. Gold is considered to be the largest natural resource in Sub-Saharan Africa, at nearly $1500 an ounce it is responsible for a great deal of their economy. The gold is made into jewelry, coins or used as an investment. The platinum found in this region is used for jewelry, electronics and glassmaking. Oil is also found and exported in this region. It is most abundant in West Africa. Cacao beans are another great resource for Sub-Saharan Africa; they are produced in Coted’Ivoire and exported. The beans are used mainly for chocolate, and they provide much of Europe’s chocolate industry.
- trueknowledge.com
Environmental Issues
Desertification
The land is “arid” or drying. This means that the land that was previously moist or habitable becomes nearly inhabitable. Low rainfall and little nutrients to the soil cause this. Fire, plowing and grazing is a threat for spreading “drought-adapted plants. These plants do not protect the soil, as they do not root deep. Due to the little amounts of water shed, the land evaporates quickly and the soil becomes very dry. Plants with shallow roots are blown away easily and the dry soil becomes sand (desert.)
Forest Vegetation
Foreign timber companies have come in offering money to Africa’s government to harvest trees. 60% of the African rain forests were gone by 2000; most of it was used as fuel wood.
Water Pollution
Safe water is scarce. Salinization, human waste, and chemical pollution are to blame for the little amount of water. Plumbing is uncommon, even in the urban areas. Women carry 90% of the water, and many times are expected to carry it long distances. They must carefully clean dishes, and diapers to help prevent the spread of illness.
The land is “arid” or drying. This means that the land that was previously moist or habitable becomes nearly inhabitable. Low rainfall and little nutrients to the soil cause this. Fire, plowing and grazing is a threat for spreading “drought-adapted plants. These plants do not protect the soil, as they do not root deep. Due to the little amounts of water shed, the land evaporates quickly and the soil becomes very dry. Plants with shallow roots are blown away easily and the dry soil becomes sand (desert.)
Forest Vegetation
Foreign timber companies have come in offering money to Africa’s government to harvest trees. 60% of the African rain forests were gone by 2000; most of it was used as fuel wood.
Water Pollution
Safe water is scarce. Salinization, human waste, and chemical pollution are to blame for the little amount of water. Plumbing is uncommon, even in the urban areas. Women carry 90% of the water, and many times are expected to carry it long distances. They must carefully clean dishes, and diapers to help prevent the spread of illness.
Population Patterns
Africa has the fastest growing population. Approximately 752 million (2006) people reside in this region. Some areas have greater than a 3% population growth. Some areas with very high population growths include: Chad, Liberia, Mali, Niger, and Madagascar. With numbers like these, the population will double in these areas by 2030. Unsurprisingly, the birth rate is extremely high; some families have many children in hopes that few will make it to adulthood. Life expectancy is very low, and in some areas is as little as the age of 49. There is over 20 million people infected with Aids, and this disease is responsible for nearly 50% of all the deaths. Other troubling diseases are Schistosomiasis, malaria, and cholera. All of which are caused by parasites, bacteria or insects. Africa is thought to be the original home to the human species.
Role of Gender
Women in this region are responsible for most of the domestic labor. Their duties include raising the children, caring for elders, cooking, and cleaning. The women carry 90% of the water and 80% of the fire wood. They may also be expected to help weed and tend to the crops, when their spouse leaves for work (urban jobs, mines, etc.) The women are expected to continue this work while pregnant, or rearing small infants by wrapping the child to their back.
Men take responsibility for the land (Cultivation.) Africa men do not have as many responsibilities as the women. Separate financial accounts are common, and the men will receive the money earned from the fields regardless of who completed the work. The men generally look for work in urban areas, or in the mines (Usually seasonal.)
Men take responsibility for the land (Cultivation.) Africa men do not have as many responsibilities as the women. Separate financial accounts are common, and the men will receive the money earned from the fields regardless of who completed the work. The men generally look for work in urban areas, or in the mines (Usually seasonal.)
- onedayinafrica.blogspot.com
Religion
The traditional African religion may have the most ancient heritage of any other religion. This ancient belief is that all parts of plants, animals, and landforms are interconnected and they are part of the entire environment. They believe that those dead or alive are all connected timelessly through their spirits. They also believe that the “departed” are present in the surroundings, such as trees, streams, hills, and even art. Rituals are performed to connect the departed with the living. They believe the spirits will offer protection, in return for respect. Those on the “living side” usually delegate a powerful person to lead them. Generally a male, this person takes on the roles of a politician, patriarch and spiritual leader. Islam and Christianity are also practiced within this region, and when some convert from the ancient African belief they may carry some of their past beliefs and blend them with their new faith. Islam is the dominant religion in the north and west. Christianity is present along the west coast, and in Central and Southern Africa.
Transportation
Transportation is much less developed in this country. In rural areas the women carry much of the goods transported in and out of the villages. She carries approximately 44 lbs. of goods 1.25 miles or more a day.
In the more developed areas, travel by road is a common form of transportation. South Africa has the most developed transportation system. Most of the roads are not paved, and have little maintenance causing for rugged conditions. Travel is also done by air and sea, but it is much less common. Transportation methods vary greatly depending on the development of each individual country within this region.
In the more developed areas, travel by road is a common form of transportation. South Africa has the most developed transportation system. Most of the roads are not paved, and have little maintenance causing for rugged conditions. Travel is also done by air and sea, but it is much less common. Transportation methods vary greatly depending on the development of each individual country within this region.
Country of Focus
Madagascar
Madagascar and independent kingdom became a French colony in 1896. They regained their independence in 1960. The country is a large island located off the southeast coast of Africa. It is considered to be the fourth largest island in the world. The land mass of the island is a total of 587,040 sq. km; comparably the island is nearly twice the size of Arizona. The population is very young totally 21,926,221 (July 2011 est.), with and average median age of 18.2 years of age. The life expectancy is also very low, men 61.6 yrs. and women 65.7 years old. The closest distance to the coast of Africa is 400 km. The island, often considered a plateau has deep gorges and beautiful waterfalls. The highest point on the Island is Tsaratanan, rising 9,450 ft. from the base. The climate is tropical along the coast; temperate in the island areas and arid (dry) in the south.
Madagascar and independent kingdom became a French colony in 1896. They regained their independence in 1960. The country is a large island located off the southeast coast of Africa. It is considered to be the fourth largest island in the world. The land mass of the island is a total of 587,040 sq. km; comparably the island is nearly twice the size of Arizona. The population is very young totally 21,926,221 (July 2011 est.), with and average median age of 18.2 years of age. The life expectancy is also very low, men 61.6 yrs. and women 65.7 years old. The closest distance to the coast of Africa is 400 km. The island, often considered a plateau has deep gorges and beautiful waterfalls. The highest point on the Island is Tsaratanan, rising 9,450 ft. from the base. The climate is tropical along the coast; temperate in the island areas and arid (dry) in the south.
- topnews.in
Health Care Practices
Africa lacks an established public health care system, making it difficult effective response by other countries to help. Most of the citizens rely on public health services. There is a lack of sufficient trained physicians or care professionals in this region, along with the supplies and vaccines needed. HIV/AIDS numbers are the highest in this region, and are responsible for causing 50% of deaths. Most countries suffer with non-communicable diseases; however, it is a few serious infectious diseases that plague Africa. These include but are not limited to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Cholera.
