Africa Factbook

Storytellers like Amisi the quirky purple pumpkin have always captivated audiences. Whether sharing a true story, an ancient legend, or a well-crafted, made-up tale, people have always been eager to hear what Amisi the purple pumpkin with the funny voice has to say. They listen to his stories to learn something new, be entertained, get inspired by his great adventures, find spiritual guidance, or simply escape the dull routine of daily life in Indigo Hollow. The Quirky Purple Pumpkin of Indigo Hollow. In the scenic African township of Indigo Hollow, there was an unforgettable pumpkin named Amisi. He was no ordinary pumpkin, for he was a striking shade of purple, a hue that stood out like a meditation garden at a carnival. But Amisi's peculiarities didn't end with his color; he had a truly peculiar voice. Amisi's voice, you see, was as unique as his purple skin. It was a comical blend of squawks, chirps, and drum-like beats. From the moment he sprouted from the earth, Amisi&

In many African communities, belief in witches and their gatherings is deeply rooted in traditional beliefs and superstitions. These gatherings are often associated with individuals believed to possess supernatural powers, both for good and ill.  Gatherings of Witches Many African cultures believe that witches hold secretive meetings, primarily during nighttime hours, where they perform rituals, cast spells, and discuss their magical practices. In the realm of the supernatural, the midnight ride held a profound significance, carrying the power to transform individuals into the semblance and form of animals. Mystic rites, incantations, and potent spells were believed to be channels through which these mystical forces operated. Additionally, the presence of the Devil himself was thought to manifest in alluring forms, firmly etching its place in the minds of the land's inhabitants. Witches congregating at designated times emerged as a prominent aspect of this mystical world. To gain e

A modern-day role that can be compared to a High Commissioner is an Ambassador representing a country in another nation.  In the context of the British Empire, High Commissioners acted as representatives of the British Crown. These individuals were carefully selected by the British government, most commonly by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.  As representatives of the British government, High Commissioners were responsible for overseeing the administration of the Crown's affairs in various colonies and territories. This role often involved managing diplomatic relations with local leaders, overseeing economic development, and maintaining the stability and security of these regions.  The British Empire strategically employed the concept of High Commission Territories and appointed High Commissioners to assert and maintain Britain's economic dominance in Southern Africa. High Commissioners wielded significant authority, enforcing British economic interests through policie

The San tribe, native to southern Africa, has a deep and intricate connection with bees, who bridge the gap between humans and supernatural forces. The San people consider honey a sacred gift bestowed upon humankind by supernatural forces.  Honey embodies both the sweetness of life and a touch of the divine essence that connects them to the spiritual realm. The San regard the presence of bees and their activities as a form of guidance and insight into the mysteries of life. In the eyes of the San, bees are seen as messengers, delicate intermediaries gracefully traversing the boundaries between the earthly and spiritual worlds. Their flight symbolizes a bridge between the tangible and the ethereal, carrying messages of harmony and balance. Bees, with their industrious nature and collective wisdom, are revered as embodiments of the wisdom of the natural world. Within the intricate world of beehives, the San find miniature kingdoms that captivate their imagination. The hexagonal chambers

Taxing economic exploitation of colonialism and the hut tax Taxation without representation placed an economic burden on indigenous Africans. They were required to pay taxes without having the ability to influence how those tax revenues were used or allocated. To explain a hut tax, we liken the concept of a hut tax to a property tax in contemporary times. Beginning in the late 19th century and throughout the colonial period until 1964, a hut tax was levied on each indigenous African house, i.e., hut. A hut tax was a levy imposed on traditional dwellings or huts by African colonial authorities. These taxes were collected annually and were mandatory for the occupants of these huts. Failure to pay the hut tax could result in forced labor, fines, or eviction from ancestral lands. Now, consider a modern property tax. In many countries today, property owners must pay property taxes on their homes. These taxes are typically collected annually by local governments. Failure to pay property taxe

In 2023, learn the historical and legal agreements and principles that solidified the status of Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territories within the African land of Morocco. Both Ceuta and Melilla are enclaves, which are pieces of land completely surrounded by the territory of another country. Ceuta and Melilla are approximately 250 miles or 400 kilometers apart from each other.  Ceuta and Melilla are geographically separated from the Spanish mainland and surrounded entirely by Moroccan territory. Imagine if there were two small U.S. territories, let's call them Thisismine and Iclaimthis, located within the borders of Mexico. These territories have no direct land connection to the United States and are entirely surrounded by Mexican territory. Like Ceuta and Melilla in Spain, Thisismine and Iclaimthis would be enclaves within another country, with special geographical and political considerations. Both Ceuta and Melilla are enclaves, which are pieces of land completely surrounded by

In African folklore, stories resonate like the rhythmic beat of an ancient drum.  This is the story of a spirited young girl named Keke, who discovered a truth as profound as the African Timberlands is vast. Join us on a journey where the spirits of the land are as untamed as the wildest beasts and where the indomitable Keke learned a lesson that would inspire generations to come. Keke You Can't Cut Her Spirit Out With a Knife African Folklore Many moons ago, there lived a young girl named Keke. Keke was known far and wide for her boundless spirit and unwavering determination. Her heart was as warm as the African sun, and her spirit shone brighter. Keke's journey of self-discovery began when she was just a child. She loved exploring her village's dense forests, listening to the rustling leaves and singing birds. But as she grew, some in the village began to doubt her dreams and ambitions. One day, as Keke was collecting firewood deep in the forest, she overheard a group of

Mossi rulers, known as Moro Naba in the Moré language, were called King of the World and defended Mossi's traditional religious beliefs and way of life. Until the late 19th century, Burkina Faso's history was shaped by the Mossi, much like how the Mossi people, for many centuries, mirrored the American minutemen as both farmers and soldiers. The Mossi were expert empire builders, leaving an indelible mark on the region's history. Like minutemen in the United States, their legacy showcases their dual role as hardworking agriculturalists and skilled warriors who significantly influenced Burkina Faso's history. The Mossi empire was a dominant force in the region, and understanding its history helps us comprehend the Moro Naba's historical significance. As the rulers of the Mossi empire, the Moro Naba held substantial power over this influential realm. The empire's success, akin to the Mossi people's dual farming and warrior roles, underscores the Moro Naba'

 Aarfah's legendary pirate tale inspired others to challenge societal norms and chart their destinies.  Aarfah  The Tale of Sailing the Waves of Freedom with Aarfah the Pirate Aarfah was a bright, ambitious young woman living in the lively port city of Melilla, Morocco. The city was a hub of activity, with traders coming and going from all over the world. Aarfah spent her days working at a small shop near the harbor, selling spices and other exotic goods to sailors and locals alike. She had a keen mind and a thirst for knowledge and spent her free time reading books and studying maps of far-off lands. Despite her many challenges as a woman in a male-centric society, Aarfah remained determined to make a name for herself and see the world beyond Melilla's bustling streets. She was unlike any other in the city, harboring a daring secret. Beneath her modest attire, she concealed the heart of a fierce Barbary pirate. Aarfah yearned for adventure and freedom on the high seas, but soc

Twelve African countries have six or more neighbors at their borders. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a record nine borders. African Borders and the Scramble for Africa During the Scramble for Africa, these African nations, with many neighboring countries, showed the lasting effects of complicated border arrangements.  This complexity stems from where they are located on the map and the historical background of European colonial ambitions.  As a result, these countries play a crucial role in studying African history and the intricate network of political influences that shaped the continent during this tumultuous period. African Countries with Six or More Borders Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) shares its borders with nine African nations . The DRC holds the record for the most borders shared by any African country. It shares borders with a staggering nine countries: Sudan, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola. Zam

Tanzania's history from hunter-gatherers, ironworking, agriculture and Zanzibar's independence. The earliest inhabitants of mainland Tanzania were hunter-gatherers, to whom some of its contemporary peoples may have possible connections.  Evidence of their existence persists through shelters, stone tools, weapons, skeletal remains, and rock drawings. These resilient people undoubtedly inhabited the area millennials ago, and there's a strong likelihood that their presence dates back even further. Scholars have proposed that these early inhabitants were part of a broader group known as Khoisan-speaking peoples.  Many of these groups had resided in southern and southwestern Africa for centuries, where European observers later referred to them as Bushmen and Hottentots.  Interestingly, in north-central Tanzania, the Sandawe and Hadzabe are believed to be descendants or remnants of these early inhabitants. Tanzania's first millennium B.C As we enter the early years of the fir

The practice of slave hunting by Arabs in Chad has a long and complex history. It is a deeply ingrained custom that has been actively pursued for centuries. Despite the efforts of various groups to eradicate this practice, it continues to persist in some regions of Chad. The impact of this practice on the affected communities is strongly felt and has shaped their social and cultural landscapes.  Retrospectively, the scale and scope of this phenomenon are astounding and require closer examination. Essentially, the slave hunts are bold demonstrations of power and control over vulnerable populations. It is important to shed light on this issue and raise awareness about its ongoing existence in certain parts of Chad. What is a slave hunt? A slave hunt is a term used to describe a violent and often organized financial operation in which individuals or groups are forcibly captured or abducted with the intent to enslave them. This practice has been a dark aspect of human history. Imagine a si

Aso Rock represents strength, victory, and resilience. Aso Rock is a monumental granite formation in Abuja, Nigeria, serving as a symbol of the city and a cultural landmark. Aso Rock is a beloved icon because of its profound cultural and symbolic significance to the Nigerian people. The rock's sheer height and geological prominence make it a significant natural landmark in the region. Aso Rock is a single massive rock formation. It is not a collection of rocks but a singular geological formation composed primarily of granite. Aso Rock is known for its imposing size and unique appearance, making it one of the notable natural landmarks in Nigeria. Obioha Jude photo of Aso Rock Aso Villa is the equivalent significance of the White House Aso Rock is located near the Presidential Complex and the Nigerian National Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. Aso Villa is the official residence of the President of Nigeria. It is located in the capital city of Abuja, specifically in the centr

It is a beautiful African folktale of Ahkeeni's powerful presence and Lelani's free spirit, who complemented each other like the harmonious notes of a tribal song. Ahkeeni loves Lelani Ahkeeni the Lion and Lelani the Wildebeest Love Wins African Folktale In the distant past, where the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and crimson at twilight, there lived a powerful lion named Ahkeeni. His roar was legendary, echoing through the vast savanna like a thunderous drumbeat. Ahkeeni was known as the pride's protector, but he held a secret that no one knew but him. While Ahkeeni patrolled his territory one fateful day, he saw a graceful wildebeest named Lelani. Her ebony eyes shimmered like the darkest night, and her stride was as graceful as a gazelle's dance. She had a wild and untamed spirit, much like Ahkeeni's own. Their paths crossed as the sun dipped low, casting the savanna in a warm, golden glow. Ahkeeni and Lelani found themselves drawn to one another in a w

History, historical significance, and origins of the names of Africa's ten largest capital cities. Each capital city's name carries a narrative that intertwines with the continent's colonial past, pre-colonial civilizations, indigenous languages, and even the geography that shaped their destinies.  Delving into the stories behind these names sheds light on the origins of these urban centers and offers a deeper appreciation of Africa's complex history and its enduring influence. Travel through time and space, delving into the history behind the names on the map. These seemingly ordinary name markers hold a treasure trove of secrets. The names of Africa's ten largest capital cities have diverse historical backgrounds and linguistic influences. Cairo, Egypt Cairo's name is derived from the Arabic word al-Qāhirah, which means The Victorious. It was named so after the city's establishment in 969 CE during the Fatimid Caliphate, signifying the region's conques