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Africa

Table Mountain - Cape Town

Africa is a continent with majestic landscapes and exotic cultures. Until the 20th century, the main part of Africa was divided between the European powers-especially France and Great Britain. Currently, the vast majority of Africa exists under independent national rule, with the exception of a few small areas. Although, many countries continue to experience civil war and have volatile political systems.

Africa is situated on both sides of the equator, with much of the continent located in the earth's tropic region. After Asia, it's the second largest continent. The bulk of north Africa made up of the Sahara - the biggest desert in the world. Although frequently misrepresented as a sandy desert in film, the Sahara is actually a rocky desert. The Sahara divides the Arab north of the continent from the so called black African south. The north is affected by the early high crops which built up the impressive pyramids.

During the 19th century, the middle of south Africa was still a blank spot on the map. Famous expeditions would eventually navigate their way through the impassable area and explore some of the last mysteries of the continent. They found the sources of the Nile - the longest river in the world. In central and east Africa, there are some enormous lakes and mountains. After Siberia's Lake Baikal, Lake Tanganyika is the second largest and deepest fresh water lake in the world. The lake is one of the most species rich and diverse in the world. The highest mountain in Africa is the snow capped Kilimanjaro.

Africa is widely recognize for its great abundance of wild animals. The continent is home to some very exotic species, including hippo, elephant, lion, zebra, and giraffe. Because a lot of them have to be protected, there are many large national parks and reserves. People around the world are fascinated by these animals and their natural habitats.

Africa is rich in valuable minerals and natural resources. They export gold, diamonds, cacao, fruits, crude oil and metals for the industrialized world. As was unfortunately predicted, the population of Africa has not increased in the last couple decades. The reason being the rampant spread of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. The resolution and containment of which is largely dependent on aide and support from the world's industrialized nations.