Cultural Geography of Africa South of the Sahara: West Africa

o Essential Questions: How has physical geography affected where people have settled in Africa South of the Sahara? o Learning Target: IWBAT explain how West Africa’s culture is unique. o Formative Assessment(s): What are three aspects of culture in West Africa?

Cultural Geography of Africa South of the Sahara: West Africa Bellwork Write down anything you know about culture in West Africa Reminder, aspects of culture include: Social organization, Customs and traditions, Languages, Arts and literature, Religion, Forms of government, Economic systems, Food and clothing, Music and dance

Classwork – TOGETHER, read about Population Patterns on page 535 – Write and answer the following questions in your notes: 1.Which two countries are the Hausa divided between? 2.What is the largest ethnic group in Africa? Which three countries do they inhabit? 3.What is the rapid population growth in Niger causing competition for? 4.What draws people to the coasts of West Africa? 5.Do more people in Africa live in cities or rural areas?

Ghana Fun Facts – Ghana was ranked as Africa’s most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index. – The currency unit in Ghana is called the cedi. The word “cedi” comes from a local word meaning a cowry shell. Cowry shells (from sea snails) were once used as money in Ghana. – The name Ghana means warrior king and harks back to the days of the Ghana Empire between the ninth and 13th centuries. – Ghana produces the second most cocoa beans in the world. Ivory Coast is No. 1. – The Ghana Empire was built on trade in salt and gold, which is why British merchants later called it the Gold Coast.

Classwork – TOGETHER, read about History and Government on page 536 – Write and answer the following questions in your notes: 1.What did Ghana trade to grow wealthy? 2.Which European power first arrived in West Africa? 3.What two big problems existed for West African natives in the 1600s-1900s? 4.What colony was formed by the British in 1914? What problem did it have? 5.Bonus: Name all 11 West African countries.

Niger Fun Facts – The Nigerian flag is perfectly square in shape and the colors of orange, white and green stand for the Sahara desert, purity and innocence, and green vegetation and fruitful agricultural areas of the country respectively. – The name Niger is derived from the phrase gher n-gheren which means “river among rivers,” in the Tamashek language. – The country of Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world and is famously nicknamed as ‘Frying Pan of the World’. – Slavery was not declared illegal in Niger until May 2004.

Classwork – TOGETHER, read about Culture on pages – Write and answer the following questions in your notes: 1.What four languages are common in West Africa? 2.What are the three common religions in West Africa? 3.Which country has the lowest literacy rate? The highest? 4.What is the result of poor health care in Niger? 5.What two American music traditions were influenced by West African music? 6.What are three artistic traditions found in West Africa outside of music?

Formative Assessment – What are three aspects of culture in West Africa? – Reminder, aspects of culture include: Social organization, Customs and traditions, Languages, Arts and literature, Religion, Forms of government, Economic systems, Food and clothing, Music and dance