1. The Geography and Climate of Africa World Studies

2. Africa Africa is the 2 nd largest continent in both land area and population after Asia. Approx. 1 billion humans live in Africa. The continent is made up of a vast variety of human, physical and political features.

3. Political Africa Africa is made up of 58 countries. The countries vary in terms of language, ethnicity, religion, government, economy, and level of wealth. Problems facing many African nations include extreme poverty, AIDS, civil war, malaria, starvation, government corruption, and joblessness.

4. Physical Africa  Africa is made up of a variety of physical features including:  rivers (Nile, Congo)  lakes (Victoria)  deserts (Sahara, Kalahari)  mountains (Atlas)  The continent also has many natural resources including minerals, oil, gold, and diamonds.

5. Regions of Africa

6. Religion in Africa Christianity (40- 45%)and Islam (40- 45%) are both dominant. Approx. 15% practice traditional Animist religions. Has led to conflict in certain areas of Africa.

7. Language in Africa Between 1,000 and 2,000 languages are spoken in Africa. Many Africans speak one or more African languages, as well as a European language. Major African languages: Swahili, Yoruba, Afrikaans, Berber, Hausa Major non-African languages: English, French, Arabic.

9. Climates of Africa- Savanna The African continent is made up of 4 major climate zones. Tropical Wet and Dry Savanna- Grassland with scattered trees and bushes. Enough rain to support some farming but when it does not rain, drought occurs. Makes up about 50 % of Africa. Most Africans live here.

10. Climates of Africa- Desert Desert is extremely dry, unable to support most forms of life. Two major deserts in Africa include the Sahara and the Kalahari. Desert makes up about 40 % of Africa.

11. The Sahara

12. Climates of Africa- Rainforest Tropical Wet Dense, hot, and humid forest located along the equator. 60-120 inches of rain/ year Soil is bad due to leaching. About 10% of Africa is rainforest.

13. Climates of Africa- Mediterranean Northern coast and Southern tip of Africa Similar to LA, Cali. Good farming conditions Very small amount of total land.

14. Africa’s Climate Zones

15. Vegetation in Africa

16. Environmental challenges facing Africa Deforestation Desertification Drought Pollution