1. Political Geography of Africa
October 14, 2014

2. Africa’s Political Geography
Africa is the 2nd largest continent in the world (after Asia).
Africa is divided into 5 regions
North, South, East, West, Central
There are 56 countries in Africa, each with its own characteristics to make it unique

3. Countries of Northern Africa
Algeria: large country in northwest Africa; has a coastline along the Mediterranean Sea; parts of the Atlas Mountains run along it’s northern edge
Egypt: large country in North Africa; has coastlines on the Mediterranean and Red Seas and the Nile River throws right through the middle; most of the country, however, is part of the Sahara Desert
Morocco: small country on the northwest corner of Africa; parts of the Atlas Mountains run through the middle of it
Sudan: large country south of Egypt; made up of the Sahara and Nile River valley

4. Countries of Central Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo: large country in central Africa; the Congo River is an important transportation and trade route
the tropical rainforest in the Congo River Basin is located in the DRC

5. Countries of Western Africa
Guinea: small country in west Africa; the Niger River begins here
Nigeria: large country on the coast of west Africa; the country is made up of the Sahara in the north, grassland in the center, and tropical rainforest in the south

6. Countries of Eastern Africa
Kenya: in eastern Africa bordering the Indian Ocean; known for its large animal parks and savanna grasslands
South Sudan: split from Sudan in 2011 because of religious differences; mostly covered in tropical rainforest, swamps, and grassland
Tanzania: large country south of Kenya with a coastline on the Indian Ocean; bordered by Lake Tanganyika on it’s west side

7. Countries of Southern Africa
Botswana: located north of South Africa; most of the Kalahari Desert is located here
Madagascar: a large island off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean; the fourth largest island in the world
South Africa: located at the very southern tip of Africa; made up of grasslands, it is bordered by Indian and Atlantic Oceans
The Kalahari Desert is partly located in the north of the country

8. Political Map of Africa

9. Questions 1. How many countries are in Africa?
2. Which country has parts of the Atlas Mountains along its northern edge?
3. Which river flows right through the middle of Egypt?
4. What is the small country on the northwest edge of Africa?
5. Which large country is south of Egypt?
6. Which central African country is the Congo River Basin located in?
7. Which river begins in Guinea?
8. What is the large country on the coast of west Africa that contains large oil deposits?

10. More Questions
9. Which east African country is known for its large animal parks?
10. Which country split from Sudan in 2011?
11. Which lake borders Tanzania?
12. Which desert is in Botswana?
13. What is the name of the large island off the southeastern coast of Africa?
14. What is the country on the southern tip of Africa?