Let's start with a bit of
AFRICAN GEOGRAPHY
Below is a political map of Africa (political maps show the "political" boundaries, meaning the countries). As of today, there 54 independent countries that make up Africa. If you try to count the countries listed on the map below, you will notice that you count far fewer than 54. Some are too small to show and some are located on small surrounding islands. Africa is home to about 1.1 billion people, making it the second most populous continent on Earth. While Africa's population is growing, the life expectancy for citizens of Africa is 58 years old. (In comparison, life expectancy in the USA is around 78 years old.)
Below is a Physical Map of Africa. Physical maps show the physical features of the land. Look to see if you can spot the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, The Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria, Nile River and the Kalahari Desert. Africa is home to the largest desert in the world (Sahara) and the longest river in the world (Nile). The tallest mountain in Africa is Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Below is a political map of Africa (political maps show the "political" boundaries, meaning the countries). As of today, there 54 independent countries that make up Africa. If you try to count the countries listed on the map below, you will notice that you count far fewer than 54. Some are too small to show and some are located on small surrounding islands. Africa is home to about 1.1 billion people, making it the second most populous continent on Earth. While Africa's population is growing, the life expectancy for citizens of Africa is 58 years old. (In comparison, life expectancy in the USA is around 78 years old.)
Below is a Physical Map of Africa. Physical maps show the physical features of the land. Look to see if you can spot the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, The Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria, Nile River and the Kalahari Desert. Africa is home to the largest desert in the world (Sahara) and the longest river in the world (Nile). The tallest mountain in Africa is Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Next, you will see a map of Africa that gives you a glimpse of the great size of Africa in comparison to the nations of the world. Can you spot the USA? Are you shocked to see the size of Africa in comparison to these other countries? It is helpful to see the map below in order to better understand the vast size of the continent of Africa. Just as people here in Oklahoma live slightly different lives than those who live in NYC, New York or Portland, Oregon; so Africans who live in different parts of Africa may live varying lives as well. This web journey will delve into the lives of some Africans throughout the continent, but if would be incorrect to assume that ALL Africans live the same lives. It is important to recognize this tendency to overgeneralize.
