Africa’s sheer size and diversity mean there is always more to uncover about this dynamic continent full of wonders. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Africa you may find unexpected.
Fact 1 – Africa is bigger than you think
Africa is larger than the USA, China, India and Europe combined! At about 30 million km2, Africa takes up 20% of the earth’s total land area.
Fact 2 – Africa has the most genetic diversity on earth
Africa contains more human genetic variation than any other continent, with over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups. This diversity developed over millennia of migration and adaptation.
Fact 3 – Nigeria has the most languages on the continent
With over 500 languages, Nigeria far surpasses any other African nation in linguistic diversity. This includes major languages like Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa plus hundreds of minority languages.
Fact 4 – Africa has the world’s largest desert, the Sahara
The Sahara Desert stretches over 3.5 million square miles, accounting for about 10% of the African continent – making it the world’s largest hot desert.
Fact 5 – Ethiopia has its own alphabet and time system
Ethiopia is unique for being the only African country never colonized, allowing it to retain cultural practices like its own Ge’ez alphabet and 13 month calendar.
Fact 6 – South Africa has 3 capital cities
South Africa has an administrative capital (Pretoria), legislative capital (Cape Town), and judicial capital (Bloemfontein) – the only country with 3 capitals!
Fact 7 – Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa
Spanning over 26,000 square miles, Lake Victoria in East Africa is the continent’s largest lake and provides an important freshwater source.
Fact 8 – The youngest population in the world is in Africa
With a median age of 19.7, Africa has the world’s youngest population. Over 40% of Africans are under age 15 due to high fertility rates.
Fact 9 – Africa is home to the Nile River, longest in the world
The Nile River stretches over 4,100 miles, making it the longest river in the world. It passes through 11 African countries before reaching the Mediterranean.
Fact 10 – Africa has the world’s oldest human fossils
The oldest known human fossil was found in Ethiopia, dating back nearly 200,000 years. Africa has yielded many major hominid discoveries like ‘Lucy’ the Australopithecus.
Conclusion
From immense deserts to ancient alphabets, Africa harbors many surprising facts beneath its vast landscape. Its geographic wonders, ethnic diversity, linguistic variety, and archaeological history make Africa endlessly fascinating to keep discovering. There is always more to uncover about this dynamic continent!