Africa

Africa is a continent located at the center of the world map, divided by the equator into northern and southern halves. It ranks second to Asia in total land area and population. The Atlantic Ocean borders it to the west, the Indian Ocean to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, while the Red Sea and the Suez Canal separate it from Asia.

Africa comprises more than 50 independent states, including islands such as Madagascar, Cape Verde, and Seychelles. Most are members of the African Union, established in 2002 as the successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) founded in 1963.

Geography and climate

The continent displays a wide range of climates. The north contains the Sahara, the world's largest hot desert. The center is home to the Congo rainforest with heavy rainfall. The east features the Great Rift Valley, deep gorges, and mountains such as Kilimanjaro. Major rivers include the Nile, Congo, Niger, and Zambezi.

History

Fossil evidence indicates that Africa is the birthplace of early human development. It produced historical kingdoms and empires including ancient Egypt, Nubia, Aksum, Mali, Songhai, Great Zimbabwe, and coastal sultanates of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, European powers partitioned much of the continent; independence was largely achieved between the 1950s and 1970s.

People and languages

Africa has the youngest population of any continent by median age, with a significant proportion of youth. Hundreds of languages are spoken, belonging to major language families including Afroasiatic (which includes Somali, Arabic, and Amharic), Niger-Congo, Nilo-Saharan, and Khoisan. The predominant religions are Islam and Christianity, often coexisting with local belief systems.

Economy

The continent's economy is based on agriculture, livestock, fishing, and mining of minerals and oil. Significant variation exists among countries: some rely on agricultural exports, while others have developed services, manufacturing, and mobile technology sectors. Regional trade integration is being advanced through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).