Here is our destination-Africa. What do you already know about this continent?? What countries can you already label? What rivers are found here? What African countries were in the news this past year?

Make a note sheet Take a sheet of paper and fold it hotdog style Now fold it in three equalish sections You should have six boxes- label them –Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Democratic Republic of Congo

Georgia Performance Standards SS7G1 The student will locate selected features of Africa. b. Locate on a world and regional political-physical map the countries of, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire), Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan.

A Satellite View

Africa’s Size # Second largest continent  11,700,000 sq. mi. # 10% of the world’s population (797 million people) # 2 ½ times the size of the U. S. # 55 countries # 1,000 different languages M I L E S

New map of Africa

Northern Africa is very different from Sub-Saharan Africa. Most noticeably, northern Africa is almost entirely desert. North Africa is home to the largest desert in the world, the Sahara. How big is the Sahara? It could cover the entire continental United States!

The Sahara is one of the harshest environments on the planet. It’s hot during the day, but can be very cool at night. It is enormous. The sandstorms are so fierce they can be seen from space.

Egypt Capital: Cairo Mostly desert, more like Middle East than the rest of Africa Most people live along the Nile River Valley

Sudan & Southern Sudan Capital of Sudan: Khartoum, capital of Southern Sudan: Juba Southern Sudan was created on July 9, % of voters chose to secede Located south of Egypt Was the largest country in Africa (now Algeria is the largest country)

Blue Nile Falls

Sudan is a land of contrasts

Kenya Capital: Nairobi Mostly grassland, but has mountain and coastal regions Lake Victoria is located on the eastern border Serengeti is located here Relatively stable country, but surrounded by countries that have many political problems

Mt. Kilimanjaro: Snow on the Equator?

Tanzania has other claims to fame as well. The highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, towers over the Serengeti. Kilimanjaro overlooks Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which has the largest “collapsed” volcanic crater in the world. This crater is about 12 miles across, but has an animal population of about 25,000-30,000 animals. It is one of the best protected areas in Africa and a favorite of tourists. The conservation area also is home to Olduvai Gorge, an area where scientists found remains of Homo habilis and other early Hominid species.

Tanzania also borders on one of the largest lakes in the world (the largest in Africa): Lake Victoria.

Mount Kenya

Democratic Republic of Congo Capital: Kinshasa Formerly called Zaire Mostly rainforest Rich in natural resources, including diamonds and copper Congo River, 2 nd largest river in Africa, flows through DRC 2 nd largest country in Africa

West Africa: Home of our Hurricanes

Nigeria Capital: Abuja Has many different types of terrain: semi-arid (Sahel), savannas, rainforests Coastal region is rich in oil, but is a poor country Oil spills cause major environmental problems Niger River is the principal water source for Nigeria and many other West African countries

Modern Nigeria has inherited a rich and often complex history. With the move to democracy, Nigerians look to retain their cultural roots along with modernity, joining together to bring peace and prosperity. The country’s three main ethnic groups are the Yoruba, the Igbo, and the Hausa, between them making Nigeria a meeting point of colorful, sometimes conflicting ethnic interests and identities. Yoruba Village Igbo Village

Life along the Niger River

Bellringer Get out your notes from yesterday…

Southern Africa

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world is found along the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls can be accessed from Zambia or Zimbabwe.

South Africa Capital: Pretoria Mostly Grasslands and coastal regions Kalahari Desert, located in the north, has some of the world’s largest sand dunes Countries of Lesotho and Swaziland are found inside of South Africa

Cape town Photo of a view of Cape town from the table mountain top, South Africa. Cape of Good Hope Waaihoek, South Africa.

Shangaan-Tsongas people Photo of south african Shangaan-Tsongas people performing a welcoming dance in their village, south Africa. Ndebele woman Photo of Ndebele woman in a typically Ndebele setting, South Africa

Photo of a rhinoceros in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve, South Africa. Zebra Photo of a zebra in Kruger park, South Africa. Yes, there are even penguins here!

Geography Games

Label the following countries on your map without any help (then get out the Atlas to check your work) Sudan Southern Sudan (draw the line) Egypt Nigeria Kenya South Africa Democratic Republic of Congo