AIM: How is life on the African continent impacted by its diverse geography? Do Now: Map Activity-look at your map handout and answer the questions on the other side.

Africa

Ethnic Groups in Africa

Africa Facts Second largest Continent Second most populated continent; 1,032,532,974 people (2011) Contains a myriad of diverse climates. Made up of 56 countries Birthplace of homo sapiens.

Africa Political Map

A semiarid region between the Sahara to the north and the Savannas to the south. It extends from the east coast, to the west coast of Africa. Good for raising livestock. 8 months of the year are dry. Rainfall averages 4-8 inches a year Sahel

Semiarid (Sahel)

Savanna

Ethiopian Highlands Located in the western section of the Ethiopian plateau. The Blue Nile runs from this source.

Mount Kilimanjaro Located in Tanzania. Highest mountain in Africa. An extinct volcano.

Lake Victoria Largest lake in Africa and chief reservoir of the Nile River. One of the most densely populated areas on the continent.

Nile River World’s longest river. Support nearly all agriculture in Egypt and Sudan.

Congo Basin World’s second largest river basin (Tropical Rainforest)

Congo Basin

Kalahari Desert Spans 3 countries in southern Africa. Covered in red sand.

Niger River 2600 miles long Largest river delta in Africa Characterized by swamps, lagoons and navigable channels.

Sahara Desert World’s largest desert Extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. 70% stone desert 15% sand dunes 15% transition zones

Desert

Atlas Mountains Extend from Morocco through Algeria. 1500 mile long. Climactic barrier between the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert. Valleys contain rich farmland Rich in minerals.

Congo River Called the Congo or Zaire River. 2720 miles long. Goes from Zaire to the Atlantic Ocean. 4-10 miles wide in some parts.

Indian Ocean The Eastern border to the African continent. 3rd largest ocean in the world.

Great Rift Valley Extends from Mozambique to northern Syria. Lowest part 1300 ft. below sea level. Highest 6000 ft above

Serengeti Plain In northern Tanzania. Extends 100 miles from Lake Victoria. A grassland area, home to over 500 animal species.

Madagascar An island country in the Indian Ocean. Fourth largest island in the world.

Atlantic Ocean Along Africa’s west coast.

Mediterranean Sea Along the northern border of the continent.

Red Sea Long narrow sea that sits between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Very warm

Questions Each section of the room will be responsible for answering half of the questions on the handout.