Africa Facts - Exploring the Continent
Are you ready to uncover the wonders of the African continent? Dive into Africa facts that reveal the cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and unique wildlife that make the continent of Africa truly special. From vast deserts to lush rainforests, Africa’s geography is as varied as its cultures.
Explore intriguing facts about Africa, home to over 50 countries and thousands of languages. Click on any nation’s countryball to access detailed information about each country. Join us in discovering fascinating Africa facts that highlight the depth and diversity of this remarkable continent.
Key Statistics
Area: 30.37 million square kilometers (11.7 million square miles)
Population: Over 1.3 billion people
Number of Countries: 54
Languages: Over 2,000 languages spoken
Largest Country by Area: Algeria (2.382 million km²)
Most Populous Country: Nigeria (218.5 million as of 2022)
Fastest Growing Population: Africa has the world's fastest-growing population, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.
Youthful Demographics: Over 60% of Africa's population is under the age of 25, making it the youngest continent demographically.
Major Attractions
Pyramids of Giza: Ancient wonders in peripheries of Cairo, Egypt.
Serengeti National Park: Wildlife safari in Tanzania.
Victoria Falls: One of the largest waterfalls in the world, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Festima: International festival of masks and arts in Burkina Faso.
Durban July: South Africa’s premier horse racing event.
Table Mountain: One of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World and offers breathtaking views of Cape Town.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest peak, located in Tanzania, attracts thousands of climbers and trekkers each year.
Major Geographical Features
Longest River: Nile River (6,650 km / 4,130 miles)
Largest Desert: Sahara Desert (9.2 million square kilometers / 3.6 million square miles)
Highest Mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet)
Mount Kilimanjaro: The highest peak in Africa, located in Tanzania.
Okavango Delta: A unique inland delta in Botswana known for its wildlife.
Great Rift Valley: A continuous geographic trench that runs through several countries in East Africa.
Lake Victoria: The largest lake in Africa by surface area and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.
Trivia
Origin of Humanity: Africa is often referred as the "Cradle of Humankind" because it’s believed to be where modern humans first evolved.
The Sahara: The Sahara Desert is so large that it is roughly the same size as the entire United States.
Wildlife: Africa is home to the "Big Five" game animals – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros – which are the most popular wildlife for safari-goers to see.
Languages: Africa is home to over 2,000 languages, with Swahili being the most widely spoken language across the continent.
Natural Resources: Africa is rich in natural resources such as gold, diamonds, oil, and precious minerals.