Africa

Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent after Asia. At about 30.3 million km2 including adjacent islands, it covers 20% of Earth's land area and 6% of its total surface area. With 1.4 billion people as of 2021, it accounts for about 18% of the world's human population. Africa's population is the youngest amongst all the continents; the median age in 2012 was 19.7, when the worldwide median age was 30.4. Despite a wide range of natural resources, Africa is the least wealthy continent per capita and second-least wealthy by total wealth, ahead of Oceania. Scholars have attributed this to different factors including geography, climate, corruption, colonialism, the Cold War, and neocolonialism. Despite this low concentration of wealth, recent economic expansion and the large and young population make Africa an important economic market in the broader global context. Africa has a large quantity of natural resources and food resources, including diamonds, sugar, salt, gold, iron, cobalt, uranium, copper, bauxite, silver, petroleum, natural gas, cocoa beans, and tropical fruit.
africa

Some of the key events about Africa

  • 1324
    The Mali Empire reached its peak, becoming one of the largest and wealthiest empires in the world
  • 1652
    The first permanent European settlement was established in South Africa
  • 1652
    Dutch colonists established a settlement at the Cape of Good Hope, beginning European colonization of Africa
  • 1807
    The Atlantic slave trade was abolished by the British Empire, but illegal slave trading continued
  • 1822
    Liberia was founded as a colony for freed African American slaves
  • 1869
    The Suez Canal opened, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea
  • 1884
    The Berlin Conference initiated the "Scramble for Africa", leading to rapid colonization by European powers
  • 1899
    The Second Boer War began, resulting in significant casualties and the use of concentration camps
  • 1914
    World War I spread to Africa, involving African soldiers and resources in a European conflict
  • 1960
    The "Year of Africa" saw 17 African nations gain independence from European colonial powers
  • 1960
    The Congo Crisis erupted, leading to years of instability and violence in the newly independent nation
  • 1967
    The Organization of African Unity (now African Union) was established to promote cooperation among African states
  • 1967
    The Nigerian Civil War began, resulting in widespread famine and an estimated 1-3 million deaths
  • 1978
    Smallpox was declared eradicated in Africa, marking a major public health achievement
  • 1984
    A severe famine struck Ethiopia, causing approximately 1 million deaths
  • 1990
    Nelson Mandela was released from prison, signaling the end of apartheid in South Africa
  • 1994
    The first democratic elections were held in South Africa, ending the apartheid era
  • 1994
    The Rwandan genocide occurred, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people
  • 2002
    The African Union was officially launched, replacing the Organization of African Unity
  • 2014
    The Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa began, becoming the largest Ebola outbreak in history

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Africa Latest news

US-UK forces hit Yemen targets as ships seek safer routes

US-UK forces hit Yemen targets as ships seek safer routes

US and British forces conducted multiple strikes in Yemenʼs capital region on Sunday. These actions come after months of Houthi attacks on ships‚ forcing vessels to avoid Red Sea routes

Economics, Politics • November 10 2024 , 12:36 PM  •  5390 views
Hidden helper: How Moscow aids ship attacks in Red Sea waters

Hidden helper: How Moscow aids ship attacks in Red Sea waters

New intel shows Russias role in Red-Sea shipping attacks goes beyond passive support. Moscowʼs sharing of ship-tracking info with militant groups creates fresh risks for global maritime routes

Business, Economics, Politics • November 7 2024 , 09:12 PM  •  1128 views
Royal eco-event makes historic move to African continent

Royal eco-event makes historic move to African continent

British heir brings his environmental awards show to Cape Town with eco-friendly style choices. First-ever African edition of the prize shows connection between royal vision and continentʼs green future

Society, Science • November 6 2024 , 09:03 PM  •  3546 views
UK and South Africa shake hands on fresh trade boost after covid slowdown

UK and South Africa shake hands on fresh trade boost after covid slowdown

British-South African trade ties get new life with fresh cooperation deal worth billions of rand. Both nations look to expand agricultural jobs and boost defense partnerships in post-covid era

Business, Economics, Politics • November 5 2024 , 08:56 PM  •  4284 views
Global experts share surprising thoughts about American democracy

Global experts share surprising thoughts about American democracy

International leaders watched US elections with unique insights about democracy and trust. African diplomats noticed familiar patterns in American political landscape that nobody expected

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 01:25 AM  •  2734 views
New study shows millions of Americans support extreme political views

New study shows millions of Americans support extreme political views

Recent research reveals shocking numbers about conspiracy beliefs among US citizens. University of Chicagoʼs study shows how these views connect to growing acceptance of political force

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 12:13 AM  •  4162 views
US religious groups pour millions into African reproductive policy changes

US religious groups pour millions into African reproductive policy changes

New data shows US-based Christian organizations doubled their African spending in recent years. These groups aim to shape local health-care policies while working with regional partners

Society, Politics • November 4 2024 , 01:44 PM  •  3761 views
US religious groups pump millions into African health policies - new data shows why

US religious groups pump millions into African health policies - new data shows why

Fresh analysis shows US-based Christian organizations boosted their Africa spending by half in recent years. These groups work to shape local health-care rules using methods from American campaigns

Society, Politics • November 4 2024 , 12:31 PM  •  1258 views
US presidential race: African nations watch closely as policies hang in balance

US presidential race: African nations watch closely as policies hang in balance

African countries face major policy shifts depending on next US president choice. From trade deals to immigration rules crucial decisions about mineral resources healthcare and security await new administration

Economics, Politics • October 30 2024 , 09:39 AM  •  750 views