Physical Geography Landforms Sahara to the north. Sahara to the north. Sahel to the north below the Sahara. Sahel to the north below the Sahara. Coastal Plains along the Atlantic Coast. Coastal Plains along the Atlantic Coast. Rainforest to the south. Rainforest to the south. Bodies of Water Niger River in Nigeria. Niger River in Nigeria. Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean Volta River in Ghana Volta River in Ghana

Landform Pictures Niger River in Nigeria Sahel in MaliNigerian Rainforest Ghana Rainforest

Climates  In the north is the Sahara Desert.  South of the Sahara is the Sahel which is semi-desert.  In the south, West Africa has a tropical savanna with a wet and dry season.  Along the coast is a tropical rainforest.

Climate Map

Economy  Most people depend on commercial farming or subsistence farming.  Farmers grow sugarcane, coffee, tea, cacao, and citrus fruits along the coast.  In the Sahel people raise livestock.  Nigeria produces oil, Ghana produces forest products and gold, and Mali raises livestock.

West Africa’s Culture  There are hundreds of different ethnic groups and languages.  Many people work in subsistence or cash crop farming, raising livestock, fishing along the coast, or working in cities.  Most people live with their extended family in villages.  Some men are moving to cities to find better jobs and money.  West Africans use stories to pass along traditions and history to younger generations.

Nigeria  Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and over 200 languages.  English is the official language.  The three largest ethnic groups are Hausa–Fulani (NW), Yoruba (SW), and Igbo (SE).  Hausa-Fulani are muslim, Yoruba follow Islam and Christianity, and Igbo are Christian.  Oil is the main resource.  One challenge is to unify all of Nigeria’s ethnic groups.  Abuja, the capital, is located in the middle of the country between the 3 largest ethnic groups.

Ghana and Mali Ghana Used to be controlled by the British. Used to be controlled by the British. Has huge rainforests. Has huge rainforests. Produces gold and forest products. Produces gold and forest products. Volta River produces hydro-electric power. Volta River produces hydro-electric power. Today is a democracy. Today is a democracy.Mali Mostly covered by the Sahara and Sahel. Mostly covered by the Sahara and Sahel. Most people raise livestock. Most people raise livestock. Desertification is a major challenge from overgrazing and severe drought. Desertification is a major challenge from overgrazing and severe drought. The people of Mali are trying to preserve the environment by education on how to better use the land, and irrigation projects. The people of Mali are trying to preserve the environment by education on how to better use the land, and irrigation projects.

Review Questions 1) Name West Africa’s climates from north to south. 2) What part of West Africa do people grow cash crops? 3) Name the largest river in West Africa. 4) How do most people use the land in Mali? 5) What is Nigeria’s main resource? 6) How would you describe the cultural diversity of West Africa? 7) What are the 3 largest ethnic groups in Nigeria? 8) How is Mali trying to stop desertification?