Western Africa

Geography

Many countries constitute West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, The, Ghana, Guinea, GuineaBissau, the Cote d`Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The region has a population of over 250 million, at least one-half of which live in Nigeria. Savannah and grassland dominate the geography of West Africa.

Politics,Economics and Religion

West Africa is a region of two worlds: one with marked territorial boundaries reflecting the modern era, the other an array of different African culture and ethnicities that aren't contained by lines drawn on a map. Most of the countries in West Africa are small in size and face development issues. As such their economies are small and most are dependant upon subsidies and international loans. Mining (both mineral as well as coal/oil/gas) is being developed but such development is dependant upon foreign investment and the interest of local government. Several of the countries, such as Gambia, The, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, have had numerous coups of government. Islam and Christianity are widespread amongst the populace with some African religions specific to certain regions.

History

Sierra Leone underwent a devastating civil war during the 1990s and is only now recovering. However, there is hope for a brighter future in the region with countries such as Senegal, Guinea and Benin serving as examples of transparent, working democracies.

Climate

Around water systems such as the Niger Delta there are tropical rainforests while those countries further north and closer to the Sahara have drier plains or arid desert.

Southern Africa

Geography

The south of Africa is made up of the five nations of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland (which constitute the Southern African Customs Union) and Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia). Over 70% of the 60+ million people in the region live in South Africa. Outside of the developed areas the landscape varies. South Africa, Zambia and Swaziland both have abundant rainforests and savannahs. Because of this variety of environment many different species live throughout in the region including bushveld animals such as the lion, leopard, giraffe, hippopotamus, hyena and white rhino.

Politics,Economics and Religion

Rich deposits of metals and minerals are to be found here; much of the world's supply of platinum, diamonds, silver, lead and zinc come from these nations. Tourism remains a strong economic factor and several campaigns to increase the population of wild animals have met with success. Despite some healthy economic factors, many problems remain. Crime, high unemployment, a tide of refugees from war-torn Central African nations and the AIDS crisis have rocked these countries and will pose continued challenges for the foreseeable future.

History

Colonialism in the 19th century produced a century of racial segregation between native Africans and European whites. Great strides have been taken in giving back independence to the native Africans, for example, Namibia's independence and the end of South African apartheid in 1990.

Climate

Namibia and Botswana both have large deserts and corresponding climates. Botswana's desert dominates over 70% of the country's total area. The tiny nation of Lesotho, nestled completely within South Africa, has a more moderate climate due to its high elevation.