Well, to answer that question, Africa does not have a specific capital. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world. It lies to the south of Europe and the southwest of Asia. The continent is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
Yes, the term ‘Africa’ refers to a large continent, rather than a whole country. Many of us might confuse it as one country, but Africa is composed of different countries like Asia. The continent has 54 countries and is incredibly varied.
In the northern part of Africa, Arabs inhabited the region. The people living in this region are in contact with the Middle East. Instead of their neighboring African countries, they maintain communication with Asia. The countries formed the Arab Maghreb Union. There is constant political unrest in this part of Africa.
When you reach the western side of the continent, you will notice that locals are francophone. The reason is that France colonized most of these countries. Eight countries in West Africa were territories of France except for Nigeria and Ghana. The countries in the region do not only share the language but a shared history, as well. Since they were former territories of France, they have similar socio-political systems.
Central Africa has similarities with the Francophone West African Region. The most familiar country in this part of Africa is the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Then, there is the South African region. The region is composed of countries south of central and eastern Africa. The north of the South African border is also a part of it. The countries in this region are more developed compared to the others. The reason is the proximity to South Africa. One of the most industrialized countries on the continent.
Well, to put it merely, Africa has no capital. It is a continent with very diverse countries. The countries are living in different cultures and speaking various languages. They live separate worlds, and most of them live in varying economies, as well.
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What are the main countries of Africa?
As I mentioned earlier, Africa has 54 countries. Forty-eight of which is in mainland Africa, while six are considered island nations. Yet, two of these are disputed territories, which include Somaliland and Western Sahara.
Yet, how many of these countries are frequently visited by foreigners? What are the main countries of Africa and the most loved destinations of tourists?
Well, we compiled a list of the most famous countries in Africa which you may consider visiting:
Morroco
In 2019, Morroco was visited by almost 12.3 million visitors. It is the most visited country in Africa. The country’s culture is very mesmerizing, which you cannot find in any part of the world. The sights and sounds will transport you to a different era, which you appreciate.
You can see Marrakesh, one of the most bustling cities yet charismatic in the country. There is also the Fes and Essaouira, where European and Northern African vibe marry. The country has a unique that make visitors can’t get enough of visiting.
Egypt
Of course, everyone knows this country. The Great Pyramid of Egypt, the Pharaoh, and the beauty of Cleopatra are found in Egypt.
Aside from these attractions, Egypt is a significant economic player in the continent. The wealthiest and developed cities in Africa are found in Egypt.
South Africa
Known for the apartheid system in contemporary history. The country has endured a lot and is greatly colonized by the west. Yet, this country is the most industrialized. The city of Cape Town has the most beautiful skyline on the continent.
A lot of visitors and foreigners consider the country as the top destination in Africa. Some attractions are the number of safaris and South African wilderness. There are over 10.5 million people who visited the country last year.
Tunisia
The country of Tunisia is another layer of Africa worth visiting. Tunisia is famous for the Saharan desert and hot climate giving another African experience. The country has a similar vibe to Morroco but more affordable, and yes, accessible. You can reach Tunisia through Europe because it is a short flight away from the continent.
Zimbabwe
The famous safaris and Victoria Falls are to be found in Zimbabwe. It is a landlocked country in the southern region of Africa. It has an unimaginable wilderness that visitors want to experience. The country is famous for game viewing, where you can see the big five. These are the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo. By visiting Zimbabwe, you can have the best safari experience.
Côte D’Ivoire
Of course, people want to see a Francophone country in Africa. Côte d’Ivoire has beach resorts and rain forests, which are worth seeing. Most of the European visitors travel to this country for leisure. The country has a tolerable temperature, which attracts foreigners around the world.
Uganda
Never heard of Uganda? Well, the country is worth visiting. The country can make a second choice to Rwanda, yet, it is unique on its own. If you want to see a mountain gorilla, Uganda is the place to be. You can have excellent viewing in this country, which is also filled with beauty and wonders.
Kenya
A beautiful country in East Africa. The country grows popular because many movies were filmed here. The country has an abundance of beauty with savannah, lake lands, and mountains. Its capital city, Nairobi, is the most visited by tourists.
What are the five largest cities in Africa?
As the second-largest continent in the world, Africa’s land territory is also massive. Most countries own significant percentages of the continent’s land territory compared to others.
Several cities in Africa stand out because of its land area, and yes, population. Some are even listed as the world’s largest cities and continually grow in the continent.
Thus, here are the top five largest cities in Africa by size and population:
Lagos, Nigeria
Of course, number one on the list is Lagos. It is the capital city of Nigeria and the 7th fastest growing city in the world. The city is facing the Atlantic Ocean giving it a long and persisting shoreline. It is a manufacturing city and massively growing in transportation, construction, and service. Yet, some of the city populations are experiencing extreme poverty making up two-thirds of it.
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is not only famous but an enormous city as well. Egypt is one of the most industrialized countries in Africa; thus, Cairo. The city’s population is also growing by 2.6 percent annually. In recent years, it already has 20.4 million in population. There is Greater Cairo characterized by congestion and crowd.
The economy of the city is also developing due to tourism, commerce, and finance. It is a manufacturing economy focusing on textiles and other consumer goods.
Kinshasa, DRC
Another capital city. It is the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo and also the largest. Kinshasa is a French-speaking capital and second-largest city that speaks French. The country is filled with natural resources like gas, oil, timber, among others. The population is also colossal, numbering around 14 million. Yet, even though the city has plenty of natural resources, 64% live in poverty.
Luanda, Angola
Luanda is not the most populated city in Africa, yet it has the highest population growth rate. The city has the busiest seaport, which is near the Atlantic Ocean. The seaport sparks economic growth because of petroleum, diamond, among others. Luanda is progressively booming because of the manufacturing, production, and telecommunications sectors. As projected in the future, Luanda will be the fastest growing economy in Africa.
Nairobi, Kenya
Don’t underestimate this famous safari city of Kenya. Nairobi is also a booming economy in the part of Africa. Significant industries are present like commerce, finance, and technology. East Africa is characterized by poverty. Nairobi is still a significant economic player. The city, with its international airport, is opening East Africa to the rest of the world. It is indeed a large city in the degree of influence in the continent, particularly the region.
What is the poorest country in Africa?
Compared to other continents like North America and Europe, Africa is struggling. No country or city in Africa is categorized as developed.
There are heavily industrialized parts, but most are experiencing extreme poverty. A large number of African populations are experiencing poor sanitation. They are also confronted with unemployment, lack of education, and health crisis.
Yet, what are the poorest country in Africa?
Mozambique
Mozambique is rich with natural resources. Yet, it is recovering from the civil war, making the economy heavily sacrificed. It made the people of Mozambique live in extreme poverty.
Sierra Leone
Another country in Africa with poor living conditions in Sierra Leone. It is ranked ninth in the world’s poorest country, according to the United Nations. The Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016 made a devastating impact on its economy.
Burkina Faso
It is a former territory of France. The country has suffered persistent instability, conflict, and coup after gaining independence. The natural catastrophe like drought is a burden to Burkina Faso.
Eritrea
The country faces natural disasters like droughts and locust crises. According to an international organization, drought visits the country every three years. It is an ongoing cycle of suffering for the people of Eritrea. They are not recovering from the last drought. Yet again, come another.
South Sudan
There is a vast humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. After gaining independence in 2011, persistent conflict, displacement, and poverty confronted the country. An alarming percentage of 82% of South Sudan are living in poverty. International organizations, like the UN, focus relief efforts on the country.
What makes Africa beautiful?
Despite the extreme poverty faced by the continent, Africa is a real beauty. The famous movie Madagascar put Africa in the mainstream. The wilderness and untainted beauty of the continent is a reflection of the whole of Africa.
Even though world news may portray it in a bad light, poverty, and crime, the continent has so much beauty in it. For instance, Madagascar has shown Africa to be a place of paradise where animals love to live.
Yes, Africa is a wildlife paradise. The continent has so many different species that can be found from coast to coast. Some of this wildlife is only present on the continent, like the African Bush elephant. Aside from it, the widespread animal migration is a sight to see in some parts of Africa. It is a beauty that only Africa can offer.
Africa is also home to desert, tropical rain forests, high mountains, and grasslands. The landscapes of these are nature’s true blessings. Lake Victoria and Mount Kilimanjaro are sights to see in this part of the world.
There is a lot of beauty to see on this continent. It is a true blessing to the world, indeed.
Why is it important to learn about Africa?
More than this natural beauty, the people of Africa made the continent beautiful. Thus, it is essential to learn about this incredible continent, especially its people.
The people reflect how inhabitants can be varied even though sharing one territory. Africans are considered the most diverse group of people in the world. The diversity also brought differences in language that make it more unique. The language also corresponds to culture. It is the most culturally diverse, as well. It made the continent exciting and worth seeing.
As the continent is diverse, we can see how geography can play an essential part in one’s culture. Their proximity to their neighboring continent characterizes the regions of Africa. Morocco, for instance, has a European vibe because it is near Europe. On the other side, North Africa is Arabian because it is near the Middle East.
Africa is beautiful. It is an exciting continent with a lot of stories to share and destinations to travel to. The country is filled with natural resources making it one of the most naturally blessed parts of the world.