continentsAfrica

Africa is the world’s second-largest and second-most populous continent, covering approximately 30.3 million square kilometers (11.7 million square miles) and home to over 1.4 billion people as of recent estimates. Located primarily in the Eastern and Southern Hemispheres, it is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Africa is often considered the cradle of humanity, as it is the continent where the earliest hominids, including *Homo sapiens*, are believed to have originated around 200,000 years ago.

Geographically, Africa is divided into five major regions: North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa. The continent features a diverse range of landscapes, including vast deserts such as the Sahara, lush rainforests like the Congo Basin, expansive savannas, and towering mountain ranges like the Atlas Mountains and Kilimanjaro. Africa’s climate varies widely, from arid regions in the north and south to tropical zones near the equator.

Africa is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, minerals (such as gold, diamonds, and cobalt), and fertile agricultural land. However, economic development has been uneven, with some nations experiencing rapid growth while others face challenges like poverty, conflict, and political instability. The continent is also known for its cultural diversity, with over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups and thousands of languages spoken, including Swahili, Arabic, and Hausa.

Historically, Africa has been shaped by colonization, with European powers establishing empires across the continent during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many modern African nations gained independence in the mid-to-late 20th century, leading to the formation of the African Union in 2002, which promotes unity and cooperation among its 55 member states. Today, Africa remains a key player in global affairs, contributing significantly to international trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.