1.2 - Africa
Geographical features and biomes of Africa
Africa, covering 20% of Earth's land surface, is a vast continent with diverse landscapes and biomes. It is home to over 50 countries and features a range of geographical landmarks and climatic zones that shape its environment.
Major geographical landmarks in Africa
- Atlas Mountains - Stretching over 2000 km in northwest Africa, with peaks reaching up to 4165 m in height.
- Sahara Desert - The world's largest hot desert, dominating much of North Africa.
- Nile River - Spanning approximately 6700 km, it is the longest river in the world, flowing north through eastern Africa into the Mediterranean Sea.
- East African Rift System - A massive valley system extending 6400 km in eastern Africa.
- Mount Kilimanjaro - Africa's highest mountain, standing at 5895 m near the rift system.
Key biomes and their characteristics
Africa hosts a variety of biomes, each with distinct climatic conditions and vegetation adapted to survive in challenging environments.
| Biome | Location | Climate Characteristics | Vegetation Adaptations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Desert (e.g., Sahara) | North Africa | Very low rainfall (<20 mm annually), hot year-round (summer averages over 38°C) | Plants like cacti have swollen stems for water storage; thorn bushes have tiny leaves to reduce water loss. |
| Savanna (Tropical Grassland) | South of the Sahara Desert | Wet and dry seasons; warm year-round (wet: 20-30°C, dry: 10-20°C) | Grasses die back in dry season; trees and bushes have long roots to access deep water tables. |
| Tropical Rainforest | Countries like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Madagascar | High rainfall and consistent warmth | Dense vegetation with diverse species adapted to wet conditions. |
Population characteristics and distribution in Africa
Africa is the second most populous continent, with over 1.4 billion inhabitants. Its population dynamics and distribution are influenced by a range of social and economic factors.
Demographic features of African populations
- Youthful population - Many African countries have a high proportion of young people. For instance, in Kenya, around 39% of the population is under 15 years old.
- Rapid population growth - Driven by a high birth rate (32 per 1000 people per year) and a low death rate (8 per 1000 people per year).
Development disparities:
- In less developed countries like Ethiopia, life expectancy is about 67 years, and literacy rates are 49%.
- In more developed countries like Egypt, life expectancy is about 72 years, with literacy rates reaching 80%.
Distribution of key populations
- Nigeria - Africa's most populous country, with over 200 million people.
- South Africa - Notable for its largest city, Johannesburg.
- Ethiopia - Capital city is Addis Ababa.
- Egypt - Capital city is Cairo, located in the Nile river basin.
Influence of water availability on population density
Population density, defined as the number of people per given area, varies significantly across Africa due to the availability of water, a critical resource for human survival and agriculture.
Factors affecting population density
Desert regions:
- Large areas like the Sahara have very low population density due to scarce water resources.
- This makes it difficult to sustain life and grow crops.
Water-rich areas:
- Higher population densities are found near water sources:
- River basins - Cities like Cairo in Egypt are located in the Nile river basin.
- Lakes - Urban centres such as Kampala in Uganda are situated next to Lake Victoria.
- Coastal areas - Coastal cities like Algiers in Algeria benefit from access to seawater and trade routes.
Economic disparities across African countries
Economic conditions in Africa vary greatly, with significant differences in wealth and development levels between countries. Gross National Income (GNI) per head is a key indicator of these disparities.
Gross National Income (GNI) per head
Gross National Income (GNI) per head, also known as per capita, represents the total value of goods and services produced by a country in a year, divided by its population. It reflects the average economic output per person.
Variations in GNI across African nations
Low GNI countries:
- Many African nations have a low GNI per head.
- For example, in 2019, a country like Burundi recorded a GNI per head of $240, with farming being the primary source of income for most of the population.
High GNI countries:
- A few countries stand out with much higher GNI per head.
- For instance, Seychelles reported a GNI per head of $15,700 in 2019, largely due to revenue from tourism to its islands.
These economic differences highlight the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by African countries in their development journeys.