Africa Factbook

Loaves of bread, cakes, wine, water beer,  oils, and perfumes were offerings Ancient Egyptians offered to the deceased at Beni Hasan Rock-Cut Tombs. A rock-cut tomb is a type of burial structure that is created by carving or excavating directly into natural rock formations. Rock-cut tombs are literally carved or excavated out of solid rock. This means that the tomb chambers, corridors, and other features are created by removing the rock material from the surrounding natural formation. Many of these rock-cut tombs feature decorative elements, such as wall paintings, inscriptions, and carvings.  In the Beni Hasan Rock-Cut Tombs, the ancient Egyptians paid homage to their departed by presenting a variety of offerings. These included loaves of bread, cakes, wine, water, beer, oils, and perfumes. These offerings were a heartfelt gesture to honor and ensure the well-being of the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the profound significance of their beliefs and funerary customs in ancient E

The Sudanese Kingdom of Ghana was the ancient Ghana Empire, a prominent West African kingdom known for its role in the trans-Saharan trade. The Kingdom of Ghana, not to be confused with the modern country of Ghana, was one of the earliest known Sudanese kingdoms. Its capital was Kumbi Saleh. It was a center of trade and had a complex political and economic structure. Historical significance of the Kingdom of Ghana, one of the earliest known Sudanese kingdoms. The Kingdom of Ghana, a historical entity that should not be confused with the modern Republic of Ghana, occupies a significant place in the annals of African history as one of the earliest and most influential Sudanese kingdoms. This medieval West African kingdom thrived between the 8th and 13th centuries and holds a special distinction for several reasons. Ghana's emergence as a powerful state in the region marked the beginnings of a series of advanced Sudanese kingdoms. Its historical significance stems from its role as a p

Defining Moorish Bidan or White Moors and Haratin or Black Moors Identity and Diversity. The term Moor originated from the Greek word Mauros or Maouris, which referred to dark-skinned people or inhabitants of North Africa. Over centuries, it became a broad and somewhat imprecise label for the various peoples living in North Africa, including Berbers and Arabs. In the Republic of Mauritania, most people are called Moors. They come from a mix of Arab and Berber backgrounds. But something important to know is that they, like most of the world, make distinctions based on the color of their skin while looking at things like family and where they come from to categorize themselves. Because of this, two main groups have formed over time: the Bidan, who are sometimes called the White Moors, and the Haratin, who are known as the Black Moors. These groups have different histories and cultures, as well as the color of their skin. Social descent and skin color have historically shaped the Moorish

The Ancient Energy of Sarkin Ruwa, the King of the Water Sarkin Ruwa is the West African Hausa culture revered spiritual energy, the guardian of all things water, making sure it flows and nourishes the Earth in the most extraordinary ways. In the grand tapestry of the natural world, few forces possess the mystique, the sheer might, and the profound influence that water holds. An embodiment of life and power, water transcends mere chemical composition, captivating our senses and imagination.  At the heart of this aquatic dominion stands a figure deserving of the loftiest accolades: Sarkin Ruwa, the King of the Water. To those who understand the true potential of this elemental ruler, it becomes evident that water's sovereignty reigns supreme. Imagine a realm that can both nurture and destroy, bestow life and take it away—a realm that can carve canyons out of rock and cradle civilizations with gentle tides. This is the kingdom of Sarkin Ruwa, where the ebb and flow of its currents po

Closing the 680-mile-long Ghana-Togo border in September 1986 was initiated by the government of Togo triggered by Ghanaian Armed protesters. In September 1986, a significant and historically notable incident unfolded along the Ghana-Togo border in Lome. Armed protesters crossed this international border to overthrow President Gnassingbé Eyadéma. This incident led to the closure of the border. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma's lengthy tenure in power, which spanned from 1967 until his death in 2005, was marked by many challenges and complexities. One of the primary challenges Eyadéma encountered was the presence of a persistent and often vocal political opposition.  Eyadéma's rule was criticized for alleged human rights abuses, including political repression, censorship of the media, and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. Eyadéma survived multiple coup attempts during his time in office.  The Ghana-Togo border is approximately 1,094 kilometers or about 680 miles long.

Liberia was designated as a settlement for freed African slaves by the American Colonization Society, primarily due to the strategic importance of Mesurado Bay.  Liberia's history as a settlement for freed African slaves is intricately tied to the American Colonization Society's objectives and the strategic significance of Mesurado Bay. In the early 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) emerged to address the complex issue of slavery in the United States.  The society sought to establish a colony in Africa where freed African Americans could be resettled and provided with opportunities for a better life. Liberia was chosen as the destination for this resettlement effort. One primary reason for selecting Liberia was its strategic location, notably Mesurado Bay. Situated on the West African coast, Mesurado Bay offered several advantages. It provided a suitable harbor for ships, which was vital for trade and transportation. Additionally, the bay's proximity to

In the annals of history, King Fasil, or Fasiledes as he is known, decreed Gondar as the enduring capital of Ethiopia in the year 1636. Under the successive reigns of noble monarchs, a remarkable transformation unfolded. What was once a humble encampment evolved into a walled-in fortified compound of great import, christened Fasil Ghebbi. This compound encompassed six grand edifice complexes, nearly twenty regal palaces and esteemed structures, and an impressive tally of some thirty venerable churches. Francesco Bandarin Photo of Castles of Gondor The castles of Gondar, also known as the Gondar Castle Complex or the Royal Enclosure, are a  collection of historical buildings located in Gondar, a city in northern Ethiopia.  The Gondar Castle Complex was the Ethiopian Empire's royal residence and administrative center during the 17th and 18th centuries. The complex consists of several castles, palaces, churches, and other structures, each reflecting different architectural styles. Not

King Piankhi also known as Piye was highly respected by the ancient Egyptians. They erected the Triumphal Stele of Piankhi as a tribute to his restoration of religious traditions and military achievements. The name Piankhi is typically pronounced as pee-AHN-kee . Piankhi, a highly regarded king of the Nubian Dynasty in ancient Egyptian history, left an indelible mark on the annals of that era. His name reverberates through numerous Egyptian inscriptions and texts, where he is celebrated for his remarkable reign and military prowess. Among these historical records, the Triumphal Stele of Piankhi stands out as an iconic monument, highlighting his significant contributions to the history of ancient Egypt and the Kingdom of Kush. Piankhi was a King of the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient African kingdom located to the south of Egypt. He ruled during the 8th century BCE. He is best known for his military campaigns in which he sought to reunify Egypt and bring it under Nubian rule. In 747 BCE, he

Menelik the First is significant in African history, particularly Ethiopian history, renowned for bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia.  Menelik I is a legendary figure in the Ethiopian tradition. He is believed to be the son of King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba, making him part of a line of rulers said to be descended from this union. According to Ethiopian tradition, Menelik I is renowned for bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia. The Ark, which is said to contain the tablets of the Ten Commandments, is considered one of the most sacred objects in Judaism. The Ark of the Covenant, as described in the Bible's Old Testament, is a sacred chest made of acacia wood and covered in gold. It is said to contain the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Ark was considered the most sacred relic of the Israelites and was kept in the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem. According to Ethiopian tradition a

By the end of World War II in 1945, almost every African country was under colonial rule or administration.  The importance of four African countries achieving independence before 1940 is a major achievement.  Liberia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa roles as pioneering models of resistance, catalysts for subsequent African liberation movements, and potent symbols of African self-governance, encapsulating the ethos of "Africa for Africans." Four African Countries, Liberia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa, Were Independent Before the Year 1940. Liberia Liberia, a nation on the western coast of Africa, declared independence momentously on July 26, 1847. This date marked a significant turning point in history, as Liberia became one of the very few African countries to assert its sovereignty and self-governance in the face of colonial expansion by European powers.  Notably distinct from many other African nations, Liberia managed to preserve its autonomy and evade the clutche

Seemingly mundane tasks like using a broom becomes dangerous according to Nigerian superstitions. Superstitions are like a form of insurance, treated with a special kind of reverence in Nigeria. Even though the true meaning of superstitions might have been lost over time, they persist just because they have been around for so long.  It's rare to find someone, even if they're logical and level-headed, who doesn't hold onto some sort of superstition. Many believe deeply that breaking a certain rule will bring bad luck or evil. Superstitions are not tied to any specific social class. When we compare how different groups of society think, we often criticize one group for their strange ideas and imaginative beliefs without realizing that the other group holds onto similar beliefs in a more hidden way. We have to admit that superstitions are a unique part of human nature. These superstitious beliefs and practices have not appeared overnight; they have been passed down through gen

A sequence of six name changes characterizes the history of the Republic of the Congo. The history of the Republic of the Congo is marked by a series of name changes and transitions that reflect the evolving nature of its governance and international perceptions. Slightly smaller than Montana, about twice the size of Florida, and initially unnamed by colonial powers bearing unknown names in African languages.  Then established as the Sovereign State of the Congo by King Leopold II of Belgium in the late 19th century, the territory underwent a significant shift, adopting the name Congo Free State in 1885 following the International Congo Conference in Brussels.  This name aimed to present the territory as open for international trade and economic activities, though it belied the exploitative reality that would unfold. In French, it became the État indépendant du Congo, further emphasizing the notion of independence even though King Leopold II held personal control.  The Dutch version, K

The hut tax policy was implemented in British colonies in Africa during the colonial period. It involved taxing African native populations' traditional dwellings or huts. The hut tax was collected annually in cash, and failure to pay resulted in forced labor, fines, or eviction from ancestral lands. The collection of hut taxes was a means of controlling the local African population. The concept of the hut tax can be traced back to the late 19th century when British colonial authorities sought ways to generate revenue to fund their administration in African colonies. The idea behind the tax was to impose a levy on traditional housing structures. The imposition of the hut tax was often met with resistance from indigenous populations.  The hut tax policy disrupted traditional African ways of life. To pay the tax, Africans had to engage in cash-based economic activities, such as wage labor or cash crop farming, which broke traditional agricultural practices and community structures. Th

During the colonial period, the British East India Company exerted its influence on Africa through the Indian Ocean trade of spices, textiles, gold and silver. This network functioned as a vital link, connecting different regions such as Africa's eastern coast, Africa’s Islands, India, and Southeast Asia. The company's ships regularly made stops along the African coast, contributing significantly to the exchange of goods, knowledge, and customs between Africa and other parts of the world. Africa and the Effects of The British East India Company  The British East India Company engaged in trade with Africa for several decades, primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. The exact years of their trading activities can vary, but it's generally accepted that their involvement spanned from the late 1600s to the early 1800s. The company traded with many coastal areas along East Africa, including present-day countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. They established trading

At its core, the practice of wearing waist beads in African culture is a celebration of femininity, fertility, spirituality, and sensuality.  As an enthusiast of African history, the tradition of waist beads is an endearing testament to the continent's cultural richness and enduring influence. Waist beads are intricate ornaments women wear, infusing their unique meanings and practices into this ancient tradition.  Materials and Colors Waist beads are made using various materials, including glass beads, crystals, gemstones, seeds, shells, and metals. The choice of materials and colors for the waist beads is subjective and varies based on personal preference and symbolism. Each material and color may represent different qualities, such as love, fertility, protection, or spiritual beliefs. The palette of colors holds diverse symbolism; red signifies passion and vitality, and blue evokes spirituality and serenity. The strategic arrangement of these colors conveys individual and cultura

See skin color as a biological attribute and a rich tapestry of human experience, history, and culture. In many human societies on Earth, the concept of skin color has played a significant role in shaping social, cultural, and historical dynamics. Skin color refers to the natural pigmentation of a person's skin, which can vary significantly from very light to very dark and various shades in between. This variation in skin color is primarily due to a pigment called melanin, which is produced by specialized cells in the skin. Throughout history, different societies have attributed varying degrees of importance to skin color, often assigning symbolic or cultural meanings to it. One such belief was that skin color was a measure of God's favor, meaning that individuals with lighter or darker skin were perceived as more or less favored by a divine entity. This belief in God's favor based on skin color has its roots in historical practices and biases. In some societies, lighter-sk