Africa Factbook

Lake Malawi is incredibly old, estimated to be around 1-2 million years old. It's one of the world's oldest, clearest, deepest lakes.  Lake Malawi, nestled in the East African Rift System, was created by geological processes involving tectonic activity and filling a depression with water.  Lake Malawi How Lake Malawi Was Made The formation of Lake Malawi is intimately linked to the geological phenomena of tectonic activity. About 35 million years ago, the African continent experienced significant tectonic shifts. These movements created a colossal rift, or a fracture, in the Earth's crust. This massive geological event is part of what is known as the East African Rift System. The East African Rift System, a geological wonder, stretches over 3,000 miles from the Red Sea in the north down to Mozambique in the south. It's a split in the African continent, resembling a seam where two tectonic plates pull apart. This process continues, causing the African continent to slowly

A guardian existed like no other in the mystical realms where shadows whispered secrets and stars held ancient tales. In the vast expanse of the cosmos, Nyxar Nightwhisper's black fur shimmered as their halo and horns danced. Nyxar's black halo radiated a spiritual glow, a celestial symphony of mystery and wisdom, revealing the secrets woven within the night's thread. But, dear reader, the story of Nyxar's black-haloed destiny is no ordinary African folktale; it's a luminous saga that unfolds in the City of Eclipseon, where the delicate dance of light and shadow hangs in the balance.  Travel through moonlit nights, arcane prophecies, and the cosmic glow of Nyxar's black halo. In this modern African folktale, the Book of Obsidianthia, a city's equilibrium, and the green dragon, Chibuzo Lunarion Blackthorn collide in a celestial crescendo of magic and destiny. Nyxar's Black-Haloed African Folktale Nyxar Black Halo Among the mesmerizing landscapes of an eth

It is important not to get caught up in race and religion to celebrate Kwanzaa; the essence of Kwanzaa transcends racial and religious boundaries, inviting everyone to celebrate its universal seven principles. Celebrate Kwanzaa if you believe in unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Each day of Kwanzaa , with its distinct principle, encourages people of all races, faiths, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds to come together to celebrate shared values, family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa originates in Swahili, specifically from matunda ya kwanza , which translates to first fruits.  Kwanzaa emphasizes the vital role of farming in sustaining communities. The first fruits represent the culmination of collective agricultural efforts, symbolizing abundance, nourishment, and the shared responsibility of cultivating and preserving the land. The term encapsulates the spirit of gratitude, unity, and communal prosper

Harar, a beacon of Islamic knowledge, is known as the Gates of Learning, welcoming scholars to its historic walls despite the advent of the internet. The historic town of Harar is located in the eastern part of Ethiopia, one of the oldest nations in Africa, on a plateau with deep, steep-sided valleys surrounded by the Danakil Desert, the Bale Mountains, grasslands, and scattered trees. The walls surrounding this sacred Muslim city were built between the 13th and 16th centuries.   Harar's Gates of Learning Harar has been a center of Islamic culture and learning for centuries. The wall helped protect the town's religious and cultural heritage from external influences. Harar's wall was predominantly constructed using stone, mud mortar, and wood. Harar Jugol is said to be the fourth holiest city of Islam, with 82 mosques with exceptional interior design, three of which date from the 10th century, and 102 shrines.  Harari Muslims are individuals who are both ethnically and relig

During the Jurassic period, the region around Africa was surrounded by monster marine predators. From approximately 201 to 145 million years ago, the Jurassic period was a pivotal age in Earth's history marked by the dominance of supercontinents and supermarine predators.  The western coast of present-day Africa, a crucial part of Gondwana's ancient supercontinent, held a unique place in this prehistoric web of apex marine predators. The influence of the Tethys Sea and the presence of remarkable marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and pliosaurs were apex predators; they played key roles in regulating prey populations and shaping the evolutionary paths of other marine life.  Supercontinent of Gondwana, Sea Monsters and the Ancient Tethys Sea. During the Jurassic period, Gondwana, a vast supercontinent, included the landmasses that would later become South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Arabian Peninsula.  The western coast of

Here are the definitions and descriptions of International law forms of conflicts. It's important to differentiate between rebellion and mutiny, and between a border incident and insurgency. International law conflict types, definitions, and examples of conflicts in Africa International law recognizes distinct types of conflicts. Throughout Africa's history, many conflicts have unfolded, including insurgencies, military invasions, mutinies, rebellions, and coup attempts.  Words have power. The choice of terminology significantly influences how the media and the general public view conflicts in Africa. Calling an invasion a war could mislead people into thinking it's a balanced, two-sided struggle. Border Incident A border incident is an armed confrontation between the military forces of two countries across the border or between the military forces of one country and civilians in a neighboring country in which there are no specific objectives. Eritrea and Ethiopia have had

Africa has a technological landscape that predates the modern era.  Aksum obelisks The Kingdom of Aksum towering obelisks   in present-day Ethiopia  The Kingdom of Aksum, situated in present-day Ethiopia, is a testament to ancient African civilizations' remarkable engineering achievements. Flourishing from approximately the 4th to the 7th century CE, Aksum was characterized by its advanced architectural prowess, prominently exemplified by the construction of towering obelisks.  These monumental structures, carved from single granite blocks, soared to impressive heights, serving both symbolic and practical purposes. The obelisks not only reflected the kingdom's cultural and religious significance but also showcased the engineering sophistication of the Aksumites.  The meticulous craftsmanship involved in quarrying, carving, and erecting these colossal monuments demonstrated an unparalleled mastery of stonecutting techniques in its time. With their intricate designs and towering

Carl Peters, Doctor of Law, was a German national with less than $12,500, equivalent to around $400,000 today in capital, and played a significant role in colonizing East Africa. He had a doctorate in law, specializing in international law. During his expedition to East Africa in 1884, he reportedly made dubious agreements with local leaders and tribal chiefs.  These agreements were the basis for establishing the German East Africa Company. However, his assertive and frequently aggressive methods of securing treaties and concessions later led to complications. Carl Peters, Doctor of Law Dr. Peters studied British colonial activities and was determined to create adventure companies to establish German colonies in East Africa. He set up the Society for German Colonisation and raised $10,000, equivalent to just over $300,000 today, from sympathetic adventurers. His journey to Zanzibar began on November 4th, 1884, marking the start of his efforts to establish German colonial interests in E

The vibrant color green, representing the richness of life's possibilities, carries deep meaning within the world of wisdom sayings and African proverbs. Green, a color universally associated with growth and vitality, holds profound significance in African proverbs. Across diverse cultures on the continent, the lushness of green symbolizes not only the flourishing of nature but also the abundance of life's potential.  In African wisdom traditions, green becomes a metaphor for prosperity, renewal, and the continuous cycle of growth. African proverbs, steeped in the vibrant hues of nature, often weave tales of resilience and progress, mirroring the resilience of the land.  Explore the wisdom encoded in these verdant expressions to unlock the secrets of growth embedded in the heart of African proverbial culture. African proverbs that focus on growth and life. Who knows the truth is not equal to those who live it. Though the left hand conquers the right no advantage is gained. When

The relationship between Indonesia and Madagascar. Indonesia and Madagascar are two distant lands separated by the vast Indian Ocean, yet their historical connection is a remarkable relationship of people, trade, language, and food.  The name Madagascar mistakenly originated from Magadoxo, a Somali port currently known as Mogadishu. Magadoxo was first used by Marco Polo, a Venetian explorer, around the year 1276. He mistakenly confused the island of Madagascar with Mogadishu and named it Magadoxo, which later evolved into Madagascar. Mogadishu, the capital and biggest city of Somalia, is situated on the Indian Ocean coast, about 850 miles from Madagascar. Early Arab and Persian traders referred to Madagascar as Serandah, Chebona, Phelon or Phenbalon, Quam balon or Chambolon, Zaledz, Zanedz, Zabelz, Raledz, and Gezirat al-Komr meaning Island of the Moon. The Portuguese named Madagascar San Lorenzo, the French France Orientale, and  Íle Dauphine. The Malagasy people are the indigenous in

Namibia was a German colony governed by South Africa under the name South West Africa under apartheid. It gained independence at the end of the Cold War, and with help from India, along with other nations, the United Nations, and the South West African Political Organization. Namibia gained independence on March 21, 1990. German Colony of Southern Africa Namibia, situated in the southwestern part of Africa, held a unique historical significance as it represented one of the final bastions of racist colonial rule on the African continent. As the last stronghold of the fascist colonial order, Namibia was among the few remaining territories where colonial powers, in this case, South Africa, still exercised fascist control over the local population and resources.  Before gaining independence on March 21, 1990, Namibia was under South African rule and was officially known as South West Africa. During this period, South West Africa was effectively administered as a province of South Africa. N

Wawat's role in the ancient world and its significance in Nubian history and culture Wawat was a part of Lower Nubia. In ancient times, Nubia was traditionally divided into two main regions: Lower Nubia in the north and Upper Nubia in the south. Lower Nubia encompassed the northern part of Nubia, closer to Egypt, while Upper Nubia covered the southern part, further upstream along the Nile River.  Wawat was an important ancient city located in Lower Nubia, near the border with Egypt. It was crucial in facilitating interactions and exchanges between the Nubian and Egyptian civilizations. The area holds great significance in the history of Nubia and the Nile Valley. To the east of the Nile River, Wawat stood as a distinctive tribal region, effectively separated from its western counterparts by the natural boundary of the river. The Nile River, with its flowing waters and fertile banks, served as both a geographical divide and a conduit for the interaction and exchange of cultures in t