IDENTITY, SIGNIFICANCE AND PURPOSE
REFERENCE SHEET 1 FORM 1
A Geographical and Historical Sketch of Africa
An Overview of Africa: Geography, Demographics, and Regional Divisions
Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, covering about 30.37 million square kilometers, which
accounts for roughly 20% of Earth's total land area. It is home to over 1.4 billion people, making it the
second most populous continent after Asia. Africa comprises 54 recognized countries, each with diverse
cultures, languages, and histories. The largest countries by land size are Algeria, Sudan, and the
Democratic Republic of Congo, while Nigeria is the most populous, followed by Ethiopia and Egypt.
Geographically, Africa is commonly divided into five regions: North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Libya,
Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara (disputed territory).West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso,
Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria,
Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.East Africa: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.Central
Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial
Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Southern Africa: Botswana, Eswatini,
Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Africa boasts diverse
ecosystems ranging from deserts like the Sahara to rainforests in the Congo Basin, and it plays a critical
role in global biodiversity and cultural heritage.
A geographical feature refers to any natural or man-made element of the Earth's surface that
defines its physical landscape. These features can be categorized into two main types:
1. Natural Geographical Features:
These are formed by natural processes and include:
o Mountains (e.g., Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania)
o Rivers (e.g., the Nile River)
o Deserts (e.g., the Sahara Desert)
o Forests (e.g., the Congo Rainforest)
o Valleys, plateaus, lakes, oceans, and plains
2. Human-Made Geographical Features:
These are structures or modifications created by humans, such as:
o Cities (e.g., Cairo or Johannesburg)
o Roads,
o dams,
o bridges,
o and ports
Importance of Geographical Features
1. Support for Biodiversity: Geographical features like forests, rivers, and mountains
provide habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species, sustaining biodiversity.
2. Water Resources: Rivers, lakes, and aquifers serve as critical sources of fresh water for
drinking, agriculture, and industrial use.
3. Agricultural Productivity: Fertile plains and valleys, such as river basins, support
farming by providing nutrient-rich soil and access to water.
4. Climate Regulation: Forests, mountains, and oceans play vital roles in regulating local
and global climates by influencing weather patterns and storing carbon.
5. Natural Barriers and Boundaries: Mountains, rivers, and deserts often act as natural
borders between regions or countries, influencing political and cultural boundaries.
6. Energy Resources: Geographical features like waterfalls and rivers provide
hydroelectric power, while mountains and plains can be sources of wind energy and fossil
fuels.
7. Tourism and Recreation: Scenic landscapes such as beaches, mountains, and national
parks attract tourists, boosting local economies and providing recreational opportunities.
8. Cultural and Historical Significance: Many geographical features are tied to human
history, religion, and culture, such as the Nile River in Egypt or Mount Kilimanjaro in
Tanzania.
9. Transportation and Trade: Rivers, seas, and mountain passes have historically
facilitated trade routes and communication between regions.
10. Disaster Mitigation: Certain features, like wetlands, help reduce the impact of natural
disasters by absorbing floodwaters, while mountain ranges can shield regions from harsh
weather conditions.
