Dalili ya mvua mawingu. Clouds are the sign of rain. Swahili Proverb East Africa Dalili ya mvua mawingu. Clouds are the sign of rain. Swahili Proverb

East Africa: Political Map East Africa Region Includes countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania.

Physical Features Southern fringes of Sahara Horn of Africa Ethiopian highlands Rainforest to the West Volcanic mountains Savanna grasslands Large rift valley lakes

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is an ancient volcano Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is an ancient volcano. At 19,341 ft above sea level, Kilimanjaro sustains snow and ice year-round near the equator. Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest lake, is also the second largest fresh-water lake by volume. Tanganyika was caused by two continental plates separating along the Great Rift Valley.

Great Rift Valley The separation of plates of the Earth’s crust has resulted in long, slender lakes and volcanoes. Seismic activity along the valley causes frequent earthquakes.

In several million years the eastern part of the African continent will split from the rest of Africa, similar to the way South America split from Africa millions of years ago.

East African Lakes Lake Victoria Lake Tanganyika Africa’s largest lake World’s largest tropical lake Source of water for the Nile River Lake Tanganyika The world’s longest lake World’s second largest fresh-water Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa) Third largest lake in Africa Home to more species of fish than any other lake in the world.

The many lakes serve as transportation routes and sources for food and water. Many unique species of fish, including many cichlids, have evolved in the lakes.

European Colonization of East Africa By the beginning of the 20th century most of Africa had been colonized by European nations. Europeans were there to exploit Africa’s rich natural resources. Metals and minerals mined in Africa helped make European nations wealthy. Iron ore mining in Africa

While France colonized much of North and West Africa in the 19th century, Italy and Britain colonized East Africa. Italy established colonies in Ethiopia and Somalia, while Britain colonized Kenya. Italian troops and Mussolini celebrate victory over Ethiopia in 1936.

East African Cultures Arab traders established port cities along the East coast of Africa and influenced local cultures. The Maasai are a traditional nomadic ethnic group of Kenya and Tanzania.

Ethiopian Christianity Ethiopia has one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world.

Swahili Language The Swahili language is a traditional spoken language. When written, Swahili must use the Arabic or Roman alphabets.

Wildlife of East Africa Many people travel to the savannas of East Africa for a safari to see the animals and nature.

Unstable Governments Lawlessness, piracy, and terrorism threaten the potentially high tourist trade in East Africa.

East Africa Population Density Growing populations threaten the environment in East Africa. MAJOR CITIES IN EAST AFRICA AND THEIR POPULATIONS Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 1,651,000 Nairobi, Kenya 1,504,000 Khartoum, Sudan 925,000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 3,500,000

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