Some Interesting Facts
Africa is considered to be the second largest continent in
the world with a total area of around 11 million square
miles that account for 5.7% of the earth’s surface as well
as 20% of the total surface of land on our planet.
It has a rich geography as well as an interesting history
thus making it a continent with such biodiversity that is
awe inspiring. Africa has much more to it than poverty and
apartheid, for which it is well known the world over.
There are 54 countries as well as quite a few disputed
territories. Sudan used to be the largest country in Africa
until it was split into Sudan and South Sudan. Algeria is
now the largest African country by geographical area.
Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and is also the largest
city.
As far as the size is concerned along with the population Africa is the second largest continent.
Africa is filled with some of nature’s greatest wonders, there are a few facts about Africa given
below that will help you to understand more about this beautiful continent.
Amazing Facts About Africa
• One of the most interesting facts about Africa is that the length and breadth of this continent
are about the same. It measures around 4,660 from north to south and from east to west.
• Africa is not only the second largest but the second most populated continent as well and
houses about 12% of the world population.
• Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and has an estimated population of 120-140
million. The population in Seychelles is around 80,000 people and is the least populated country.
• The African continent has approximately 3,000 distinct ethnic groups while Nigeria alone has
about 370 of these tribes that have been officially recognized. You will find more information
on African culture here.
• Around 2,000 different languages are spoken in Africa and each of them have different
dialects while Arabic is the language that is most widely spoken in the African continent.
• The Equator goes around 2,500 miles from the west to the east of the African continent thus
dividing this continent into two separate halves – north and south. It passes through many of the
African nations such as Congo, Somalia, Uganda as well as Kenya.
• If we go by the records of the fossil remains Africa seems to be the first continent where
humans were found. The fossil remains have suggested that humans had inhabited the African
continent around 7 million years ago.
• Africa also boasts of having the longest river in the world which is the Nile that runs for
around 4,150 miles before it meets the ocean. It flows through several African countries such as
Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda as well as Egypt thus making the land extremely fertile.
• The largest waterfall in Africa is the Victoria Falls and it is located on
the Zimbabwe and Zambia border. It has a height of 355 feet and the width of the water fall runs
into almost a mile.
• The largest desert in the world the Sahara desert is also situated in Africa and it spans
across at least a dozen countries - around 3.5 million square miles.
• Mount Kilimanjaro is the largest mountain in Africa and stands tall at 19,340 feet. Lake
Victoria is the largest lake in Africa measuring 26,560 square miles.
• Madagascar is the largest island in the African continent and it lies just off the east coast of
Africa. It has a length of around 1,000 miles with a width of around 350 miles. This island is also
the 4th largest island in the world.
• Africa also boasts of the best flora and fauna in the world. It has the most flourishing wildlife in
the entire world. It also houses some of the fastest animals on land such as the cheetah,
wildebeest, gazelle and lion. Find out more information on the African animals here.
• Africa’s mining is well known and the continent produces at least 50% of the diamonds and
gold in the whole world. The rest of the countries around the world contribute to the remaining
50% of the production of these precious stones and metal.
• South Africa is also home to the ‘largest green canyon in the world’ and it is known as the
Blyde River Canyon and this is also the 3rd largest Canyon in the world.
