Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth.
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It's a land of stunning countries known for their unique landscapes and wildlife, making it a top holiday destination.
Let's explore fascinating facts about Africa that will ignite your curiosity.
Facts About African Geography
Number of Nations
Africa comprises 54 internationally recognized countries, and there are also disputed territories such as Somaliland and Western Sahara. The continent's largest country by land area is Algeria, while the smallest is the island nation of Seychelles.
Tallest Peak
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands as the tallest mountain in Africa, soaring to an elevation of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters).
It's not only the highest peak on the continent but also the world's tallest freestanding mountain. It features a year-round glacier and is accessible to individuals with reasonable fitness levels.
Deepest Depression
Lake Assal in Djibouti's Afar Triangle holds the distinction of being Africa's lowest point, lying at 509 feet (155 meters) below sea level. It ranks as the third lowest depression on Earth, after the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee.
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Largest Desert
The Sahara Desert takes the title of Africa's largest desert and also the largest hot desert on Earth. Covering approximately 3.6 million square miles (9.2 million square kilometers), it rivals the land area of China.
Longest River
The Nile is both Africa's longest river and the world's longest river, stretching for 4,258 miles (6,853 kilometers) and passing through 11 countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda. It is formed by the Blue Nile and the White Nile, two major tributaries.
Biggest Lake
Lake Victoria, which borders Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, is Africa's largest lake. It spans 26,600 square miles (68,800 square kilometers) and ranks as the world's largest tropical lake, as well as the second-largest freshwater lake by surface area.
Largest Waterfall
Victoria Falls, also known as "The Smoke That Thunders," is Africa's largest waterfall. Situated on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it stretches across 5,604 feet (1,708 meters) in width and plunges 354 feet (108 meters) in height, making it the world's largest sheet of falling water.
Tallest Waterfall
The title of the tallest waterfall in Africa belongs to Tugela Falls in South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains. Comprising five individual free-leaping falls, it stands at an official height of 3,110 feet (948 meters), making it the second-tallest waterfall globally.
Largest Canyon
Southern Namibia boasts the Fish River Canyon, which spans about 100 miles (160 kilometers) in length and reaches widths of up to 17 miles (27 kilometers). It plunges to depths of up to 1,805 feet (550 meters) in some areas, ranking as the second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the United States.
Facts About Africa's People
Number of Ethnic Groups
Africa is home to an estimated 3,000 or more ethnic groups. Some of the most populous ethnic groups include the Luba and the Mongo in Central Africa, the Berbers in North Africa, the Shona and the Zulu in Southern Africa, and the Yoruba and Igbo in West Africa.
Oldest African Tribe
The San people, also known as Bushmen, hold the distinction of being the oldest tribe in Africa. They are direct descendants of the first Homo sapiens and have inhabited Southern African countries like Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Angola for over 20,000 years.
Number of Languages
Africa boasts a wide linguistic diversity, with an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 indigenous languages spoken across the continent. Nigeria alone is home to over 520 languages, although Zimbabwe holds the record for the most official languages, with 16.
Most Populous Country
Nigeria claims the title of the most populous African country and ranks seventh globally, with over 200 million residents. Nigerians make up approximately 17 percent of Africa's total population, and the continent's most populous city, Lagos, is also located in Nigeria.
Least Populous Country
Seychelles holds the distinction of being the least populous country in Africa, with around 98,000 inhabitants, 25 percent of whom reside in the capital, Victoria. On the other hand, Namibia is the least densely populated African country, with vast desert areas rendering much of its land uninhabitable.
Most Popular Religion
Christianity stands as the most prevalent religion in Africa. It is projected that by 2025, Africa will have approximately 633 million Christians. Islam follows closely, with one-quarter of the world's Muslim population residing in Africa, especially north of the Sahara Desert.
Facts About African Animals
Largest Mammal
The African bush elephant, Earth's largest mammal, holds this title. The most massive specimen recorded weighed 11.5 tons and stood at 13 feet (4 meters) in height. This subspecies ranks as the largest land animal globally, surpassed in size only by the blue whale.
Smallest Mammal
Africa's smallest mammal is believed to be the Etruscan pygmy shrew, measuring a mere 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) in length and weighing just 0.06 ounces (1.8 grams). This tiny creature is found in North Africa.
Largest Bird
The common ostrich claims the title of the world's largest bird, reaching heights of up to 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) and weighing up to 297 pounds (135 kilograms). In Africa, the kori bustard holds the record for the largest and heaviest flying bird, weighing up to 40 pounds (20 kilograms).
Smallest Bird
Africa's smallest bird is thought to be the Cape penduline tit, a small passerine species with an average weight of 0.2 ounces (7 grams) and a length of up to 3.1 inches (8 centimeters). It thrives in the dry savannah and shrubland habitats of Southern Africa.
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Fastest Animal
The cheetah, Earth's fastest land animal, can achieve short bursts of speed of up to 112 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour). Its slender build and specialized adaptations, including an enlarged heart and lungs, enable rapid oxygen replenishment.
Tallest Animal
The giraffe, Africa's tallest animal and the world's tallest comes in varying heights, with males typically taller than females. The tallest giraffe on record reached 19.3 feet (5.88 meters). Unique veins and blood vessels in the neck help counteract gravity, allowing blood to flow to the brain.
Deadliest Animal
The hippo is the deadliest large animal in Africa, although it pales in comparison to the deadliest creature of all: the mosquito. Malaria alone claimed 435,000 lives worldwide in 2017, with 93 percent of fatalities occurring in Africa.
Final Thoughts
Africa is a beautiful and diverse continent, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and remarkable wildlife.
From the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, Africa's geography is truly awe-inspiring.
Its people are equally diverse, with numerous ethnic groups and languages. With its incredible natural wonders and unique cultures, Africa offers a world of exploration and discovery.
Now you know the fascinating facts about Africa, its geography, people, and incredible wildlife.
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