SubSaharan

Sub-Saharan Africa is a geographic and cultural region of Africa that lies south of the Sahara Desert. The term is widely used in development, health, economics, and geography to distinguish this part of Africa from North Africa. There is no single agreed boundary; most definitions exclude the Maghreb countries (such as Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia) and sometimes Sudan, depending on context.

Geography and demographics: The region encompasses tropical rainforests, savannas, deserts, and highlands, including the Congo Basin, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and southern Africa. It is home to a large and young population, with rapid urban growth and high fertility rates; as of the 2020s, the population is in the vicinity of over one billion people, with a median age in the teens to late twenties across many countries.

Economy and development: Sub-Saharan economies are diverse, ranging from mineral-rich economies to agricultural and service-based economies. Growth has been uneven; several countries have posted strong growth in the 2000s and 2010s, though many continue to face challenges such as poverty, infrastructure gaps, governance issues, and vulnerability to commodity cycles. Health indicators have improved in many countries but remain behind global averages in areas such as life expectancy, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases.

Languages and culture: Linguistic diversity is high. Official languages include English, French, Portuguese, and various local languages; widespread lingua francas include Swahili, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and others. The region hosts a wide array of cultural traditions, musical styles, and historical sites.