Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, home to 54 sovereign states divided into five regions. The continent is surrounded by various waterways: the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. Some of the most popular locations are Egypt, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Africa is one of the least wealthy continents per capita compared to others around the world.
While the continent has experienced major upheaval over the years, there has been a renewed focus from world powers—such as the U.S., Russia, and China—as competition for Africa’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals, has intensified. Africa’s economy primarily relies on tourism, agriculture, and mining.
The continent offers a diverse range of terrains throughout its vast landmass, including towering mountain ranges like Mount Kilimanjaro, the vast Sahara Desert, rainforests, and savannas that host many animal species. The region faces environmental challenges such as water scarcity, disease, pollution, deforestation, and other factors affecting its growth.
African culture is rich and complex, offering a diverse range of specialties, including art, music, dance, religion, cuisine, and social customs.
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