East Africa

Physical Geography Landforms Bodies of Water Sahara Desert in Sudan Ethiopian Highlands Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Serengeti Plain in Tanzania Great Rift Valley Horn of Africa in Somalia Nile River begins at Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa. Red Sea is east of Sudan. Indian Ocean

Pictures Desert in Sudan Ethiopian highlands Mt. Kilimanjaro This is the highest peak at 22, 834 feet high. Mt. Kilimanjaro

Pictures Continued Great Rift Valley Mt. Kilimanjaro Lake Victoria

Serengeti Plain

Climates Northern East Africa has a Desert or Semi-Desert climate. Ethiopia has Highland Climates due to elevation. Most of East Africa has a Tropical Savanna with scattered trees and grasslands. Have the students define industrialized.

East Africa Cultures Many people in Africa speak Swahili, which is a combination of African Bantu and Arabic. Other people speak Arabic or English. There are hundreds of different ethnic groups in East Africa. The primary religions are Islam, Christianity, and Traditional Beliefs. Most people in East Africa rely on Subsistence Farming. The lake regions are the most densely populated and many people work in the fishing industry. SW Asia has had a large cultural influence, bringing their language, religion, and traditions to parts of East Africa.

Countries of East Africa Ethiopia Tanzania Most people speak Swahili. English is another official language. Tanzania’s economy is based on Farming and some fish along Lake Victoria. Tanzania is a poor, developing country, but trying to grow their economy. Private companies are trying to grow Tanzania’s industry. Most people follow Christianity, Islam, or traditional beliefs. People vote for their leaders. The highest populated country in East Africa. There are over 40 languages found in Ethiopia. Most people follow Islam, but some are Christian or have traditional beliefs. One of the earliest forms of Christianity is Coptic Christianity. Coptic Christians were isolated due to mountains and Islam. Most people live in rural areas with no electricity and rely on farming.

Countries of East Africa Kenya Sudan There are over 40 different ethnic groups and most people are originally from Africa. Most people speak Swahili. Many people are either Christian or Muslim. People in Kenya rely on farming, which makes it a developing country. Kenyan’s created a program called harambee meaning let’s work together. Sudan has struggled with civil war throughout its history. Sudan has a large SW Asia influence. Most people speak Arabic and follow Islam. People struggle to farm because of the dry climate. Sudan is a developing country.

Review Questions Where does the Nile River begin? What is the tallest mountain peak? What climate is found in most of East Africa? Why is it cold in parts of East Africa? What language do many East Africans speak? Name the religions found in East Africa. Where do most people live in East Africa? What type of farming is mostly practiced? Why does Sudan struggle with farming?