Unit 7 Sub-Sahara Africa Launch Activity I pp. 492-507

What have you heard in the news or elsewhere about the challenges Africans south of the Sahara face?

2. This is a quote by former U.N. Secretary Kofi Annan: “Our continent, more than any other, suffers from the fact that the multilateral system is not living up to its potential. The world will not enjoy development without security, nor security without development, and will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.” What do you think Kofi Annan means and how Africa’s challenges will affect us if left unsolved?

3. If you wanted to go on a trip where you could rock climb, scale a mountain, kayak, or even go white water rafting, which countries would you visit? (refer to physical map p. 498)

Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia would be some good choices. Refer to Physical map p. 498. Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia would be some good choices. Quick Facts Tallest mountain: Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. Is the highest point in Africa. On Tanzania’s borders are Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, and Lake Tanganyika, the worlds longest freshwater lake. Kilimanjaro Refer to Physical map p. 498. Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia would be some good choices.

4. How many countries were colonized by the French? (p. 501)

Historical background 15 Historical background Beginning in the late 1800s, European countries began exploring and colonizing Africa, using military might to back up financial and political interests. Boundaries were drawn with little regard for ethnic groups or existing trading networks. Belgium’s King Leopold II wrote, “I do not want to miss a good chance of getting a slice of this magnificent African cake.” European leaders divided the continents boundaries as if it were a cake. The resulting boundaries have had a lasting effect on internal conflicts between ethnic groups over issues ranging from religion and leadership to control of access to water and farmland. Genocide in Darfur

5. When did most countries gain independence? (p. 501)

After 1958 Did You Know? Zambia and Zimbabwe: Although the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone, named Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria, its African name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, means “The Smoke that Thunders” Victoria Falls After 1958

6. How stable would you expect governments in the region to be? Why?

Not very stable since they have only been around for about a half century. Photo of early European settlers Not very stable since they have only been around for about a half century

7. How many countries are landlocked? How might that characteristic affect their economies? (p. 501)

15; trade is more difficult because they don’t have ready access to international trade routes. Did you know? Chad: The Tibesti Mountains cover an area of more than 50,000 square miles and reach more than 11,000 feet high, making northwestern Chad one of the world’s most rugged and inaccessible places. 15; trade is more difficult because they don’t have ready access to international trade routes.

8. Which countries should be invited to a conference to discuss desertification? (p. 502) Did you know? 2004 Wangari Maathai of Kenya won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work as an environmental activist. Her movement resulted in Kenyan women planting more than 30 million trees to combat deforestation.

Countries in the Sahel-Sudan, Chad, Niger, and Mali Did you know? Much of Africa lies within the Tropics, the area between the Tropic of Cancer and The Tropic of Capricorn. Africa has the largest tropical region of any continent in the world. Countries in the Sahel-Sudan, Chad, Niger, and Mali

9. Which countries should be invited to discuss preserving the rain forest? (p. 502)

Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, and other countries that have a tropical rainforest climate. Monkeys compete for figs in the rainforest. Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, and other countries that have a tropical rainforest climate.

10. Which country is the most densely populated? (pp. 503-507, “Country Profiles”) Did you know? 1960 Zulu Chief Albert John Lutuli of South Africa was the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was recognized for his leadership and his struggle against apartheid.

Mauritius at 1,578 people per square mile Did you know? 1984 Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a leader in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, won the Nobel Peace Prize. His goal is the establishment of “a democratic and just society without racial divisions.” 1993 Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, were co-winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela had been imprisoned from 1962-1990 for his anti-apartheid leadership, but was later elected South Africa’s first black president. F.W. de Klerk was the former South African president who worked with Mandela to end apartheid. Mauritius at 1,578 people per square mile

11. Which country has the shortest life expectancy? Did you know? HIV/AIDS is an epidemic, killing millions of people. Ethnic fighting within countries has caused death and suffering to millions.

Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana Do you know what life is like without safe water? Approximately 113 of every 1,000 babies born in Mali die before their first birthday, in part due to diseases like diarrhea and cholera which are often caused by contaminated drinking water. In Ghana, one of four children dies before age 5; almost half die due to water related illnesses. In many countries, villagers must walk several miles each day to reach wells and then carry water back to their homes. Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana

12. Which country has the longest life expectancy?

Mauritius Mauritius

13. How many African countries have a life expectancy below 40?

4; Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia

14. How many African countries have a life expectancy between 40-50?

Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, 19; Cote D’ivoire, Equatorial Guinea,Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe Cote D’ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

15. How many African countries have a life expectancy above 60?

Cape Verde, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles

16. What does life expectancy reflect about a region?

Modernization, health care & disease like AIDS, few doctors, poor drinking water, poor education, nutrition, Social conditions such as war Modernization, health care & disease, education, nutrition, Social conditions such as war

17. What is the importance of knowing how many people have internet access or use of cell phones?

This statistic points to a level of development approaching that of the West. This statistic points to a level of development approaching that of the West.