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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

How many people are there in Africa?

How many people are there in Africa?Over 1.1 billion people call Africa home

Over 1.1 billion people call Africa home


Africa is the 2nd largest of the Earth's seven continents. Africa's largest country is Algeria and its smallest country is Seychelles, an archipelago off the east coast. 

The smallest nation on the continental mainland is the Gambia. Africa’s largest city is Egypt's capital, Cairo with an estimated 9.2 million population. 

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and is the world's second-largest freshwater lake. Africa’s highest point is Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Point in Tanzania.

People also ask:
What African Countries has the most number of people?
Which African Countries is the most sparsely populated?
Which African Countries is the most densely populated?
Which African Countries is the largest in size?
Which African Countries is the smallest in size?
How many people are there in Africa?

Top Five African countries with the most number of people:
1.   Nigeria
2.   Ethiopia        
3.   Egypt             
4.   Democratic Republic of the Congo            
5.   South Africa 


Top Five most sparsely populated African Countries:
1.   Namibia
2.   Botswana
3.   Libya
4.   Mauritania
5.   Gabon


Top Five most densely populated African Countries:
1.   Mauritius
2.   Rwanda
3.   Burundi
4.   Comoros
5.   Seychelles


Top Five Largest African Countries largest in size:
1.   Algeria
2.   Democratic Republic of the Congo
3.   Libya
4.   Chad
5.   Niger


Top Five Smallest African Countries smallest in size:
1.   Seychelles
2.   The Gambia
3.   Swaziland
4.   Djibouti
5.   Rwanda

How many people are there in Africa?
Currently, over 1.1 billion people call Africa home. By 2050, ¼ of the world’s population will be African and more than ½ of Africa’s population live in only 7 countries.


Africa is the 2nd largest of the Earth's seven continents.

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions