Africa Factbook

Oral history in Gabon faces challenges intertwined with the impact of colonialism. Colonial powers disrupted local narratives, imposing their perspectives and erasing indigenous voices. The legacy includes gaps, distortions, and loss of cultural nuances in Gabon's oral history. The forcing of colonial narratives leads to biased oral history and written accounts. Navigating Oral History, Colonial Shadows, and the Resilience of the Indigenous People in Gabon In 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sponsored by Spain, embarked on his first voyage across the Atlantic. On October 12, 1492, he reached the Americas, making landfall in the present-day Bahamas. Before Columbus, around 1440, Portuguese traders arrived in the coastal areas of Gabon. It was in this West African region where Portuguese traders were most active in enslaving the Mpongwe and numerous other tribes. During this period, Gabon also got its name in a general way to designate the river of that name and all

Starting can be intimidating if someone in your household is new to cooking Kenyan fare. However, it doesn't have to be complicated. For some adults, cooking may be a new task if they typically dine out or get takeout. If you're a parent, this is a perfect time to teach your kids from Kenya how to prepare meals. Begin Making a Fruit Recipe from Kenya The first thing to know as a new cook is always keeping your hands clean. You need to wash your hands before, during, and after you start cooking any meals. The steps for proper handwashing are wet, lather with soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry. Scrub your hands for the required 20 seconds. Introducing children to the naturally sweet flavors of Kenya through a non-cooking recipe is a beautiful idea to limit TikTok screen time for children and teens. This recipe provides an opportunity for kids to engage in hands-on activities. One popular and easy-to-make option is Mango and Avocado Salad. This colorful and nutritious dish

The Sunland baobab in South Africa and the Great Basin bristlecone pine tree named Methuselah in the USA are the oldest trees in Africa and the USA, respectively. Trees play a valuable role in maintaining a balanced and diverse ecosystem. Bristlecone pines and baobab trees are types of trees that are famous for living for a really long time. They are known to survive for thousands of years, which is much longer than most other trees. Old trees are valuable educational resources, offering insights into the history of the environment and its changes. For instance, studying the growth rings of ancient trees provides valuable information about past climate conditions and ecological events. The Sunland baobab is an extraordinary tree that is estimated to be around 6,000 years old. It is considered one of the oldest known trees in the world and has managed to survive for thousands of years, witnessing the growth and evolution of the world around it. To put this into perspective, the Sunland

Pepper chicken spiced ramen noodle stir fry is popular in West Africa. In recent times, the popularity of Ramen noodles in Africa has been on the rise, mirroring the increasing demand for this dish across the globe. If you are a fan of this delicacy, you might want to try our recipe, which combines the rich flavors of succulent chicken and flavorful ramen noodles, to give you a mouth-watering experience. The aroma of this dish is simply irresistible, and with our recipe, you can be confident of a meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Five main facts about chicken. 1. Chickens can fly top speed up to 9 miles per hour. 2. Chickens have four color receptors, which allows them to see a wider range of colors than humans can. 3. Chicken meat is unique in flavor and palatability. 4. The pineal gland, or 'the third eye', helps chickens sense daylight, even if they can't see. 5. Studies indicate that chickens experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM) in their sleep, suggest

Pterocarpus angolensis, also known as the bloodwood tree, dragon blood tree, or Mninga in Kenya, is a large, unique tree highly valued in East and Southern Africa. The tree is so named because it bleeds when cut and is also highly resistant to fire. Mninga tree's red sap holds antimicrobial properties, supporting ancestral beliefs in the bloodwood tree's magical healing qualities. Mninga Tree Red Sap  Typical plants have a tannin content that ranges from 12 to 20 percent. However, the bloodwood tree is an exception, as its red, viscous sap contains an astonishing 77% tannin. The red sap is produced by the Mninga tree because of its high tannin concentration. Tannin is a naturally occurring chemical commonly found in wine and known to have various uses in industries such as medicine, textiles, and leather production. The Mninga tree is known for its red sap, used for centuries as a natural dye to color fabrics and other materials. The sap is also used in traditional cosmetics be

During the Oyo Empire, prisoners of war were routinely utilized to enhance Oyo's economic, political, and military power. This practice of POW-forced labor was temporary and came to an end once hostilities were over. African empires and kingdoms, on the other hand, did not generally participate in chattel slavery within their traditional societies but rather for economic business purposes. POWs and the African Oyo Empire The European-style slave trade chattel slavery occurred in Africa between the 1550s and the 1850s. Chattel slavery is one of the most widely recognized forms of slavery that has been practiced throughout history. It is characterized by the ownership of individuals as property, which can be bought, sold, or inherited. This system gained prominence during the transatlantic slave trade, where Africans were forcibly brought to the Americas.  The Oyo Empire, a powerful West African state fr

23 African countries are larger in landmass than Texas, the second-largest U.S. state. In order, they are Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Libya, Chad, Niger, Angola, Mali, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Madagascar, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Burkina Faso, Gabon, Malawi, Senegal, Guinea and South Sudan. Each of the 23 African countries mentioned possesses its distinct history, culture, and political landscape. Grasping the expansive size of the African continent can be visually challenging. To illustrate, envision Texas as the second-largest U.S. state. Now, extend that mental image to encompass Africa—a vast landmass comprising 23 countries larger than Texas. This comparison emphasizes the considerable scale and diversity within African nations. African countries that surpass the land area of Texas. Imagine a country in North Africa that is so large it surpasses even the considerable size of Texas. That's Algeria

Eating Funge with your hand instead of utensils is eco-friendly because traditional eating methods of eating with the right hand reduce plastic waste. Use Funge in place of your fork and spoon to experience Angolan cuisine's rich and diverse flavors. Opting to eat Funge with meals instead of using a fork and spoon is environmentally friendly because the traditional eating method of eating with Funge involves using hands or a small piece of Funge itself to scoop up the food. By avoiding using disposable utensils, especially those made of plastic, you contribute to reducing plastic waste.  Funge Embracing traditional eating habits is a mindful and eco-friendly approach. Funge is a traditional and authentic side dish commonly served with classic Angolan stews. The dish is made by cooking cassava flour in boiling water until it reaches a stiff or firm dough-like consistency. The final product's

Cyril V. Jackson was a famous astronomer who named many of his 72 discovered minor planets, including asteroids and comets, after cities, people, and tribes of Africa.  Born on December 5, 1903, in Leeds, England, in 1911, when Jackson was eight, his family moved to South Africa . In 1922, while enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand, his job was to find minor planets and comets and map the whole southern sky. In April 1929, he discovered his first minor planet, which he called Catriona.  He discovered three comets, two of which can still be observed today, and 72 minor planets, including asteroids and comets. Astronomer Cyril V. Jackson named seven minor planets after famous African figures.  1. The main-belt asteroid 1246, named Chaka, was founded on July 23, 1932, in Johansaberg, South Africa. Asteroid 1246 is named for Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the famous king of the Zulu Kingdom from 1816 to 1828, who revolutionized warfare in Southern Africa. 2. 1467 Mashona is an outer ma

The Central African Republic's Pole of Inaccessibility is farthest from any coastline. The term Pole of Inaccessibility describes a location that is challenging to reach due to its remoteness and lack of easily navigable terrain.  Security and the Central African Republic's Pole of Inaccessibility The Central African Republic's Pole of Inaccessibility is situated deep in the Congo Basin rainforest, close to the town of Bayanga. Its coordinates are approximately 2.64° N latitude and 17.43° E longitude. However, the Central African Republic's Pole of Inaccessibility is not just difficult to reach due to its distance from the ocean. Crime and war also play a significant role in making this area inaccessible. The complex layers of CAR’s current conflicts were preceded by decades of military coups and outsourced governance, both of which had been preceded by disastrous colonization. Near Bayanga, on the border with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, lies Obo,

The preservation of indigenous African recipes is facing a dire threat due to ongoing clashes between armed groups, escalating attacks, and the growing dependence on external aid in the Central African Republic.  Sad loss of the Central African Republic's treasured African recipes and ingredients. The present unfortunate situation that has befallen the Central African Republic, especially in the Bangassou, Haut-Mbomou, and Zemio districts, is not only a threat to the culinary heritage of its people but also poses a risk to the cultural richness intertwined with these traditional recipes.  The possibility of losing these treasured recipes and ingredients passed down from generations is a loss to the Central African Republic African communities and the world at large. The intricate and nuanced flavors and aromas of these dishes are a testament to the country's diverse cultural heritage and history, and their disappearance would be a grea

Chuwacki, he who stands up in the air, was the creator of the sun, the moon, and all things in the world. The folktale reminds us not all was harmonious in the celestial realm. The moon was jealous of the sun until the moon learned everything brings their own particular light to the world. Thankful for the sun and moon. You Can't Throw Shade at the Sun African Folktale Long ago, when the world was young and dark, Chuwacki lived. He was no ordinary being, for he had the power to stand up in the air and fly across the heavens. He was curious and adventurous and loved exploring the vast and mysterious realm above the earth. However, Chuwacki was also lonely and bored, for he had no one to share his discoveries and adventures with.  He wished he could see more of the world, not just the endless darkness surrounding him. He wondered what secrets and wonders lay hidden in the shadows and longed to bring some light and color to his life. Chuwacki, a curious and adventurous being, was soar

Last night, I had a spiritual experience where I heard faint whispers from my ancestors. They spoke to me about the significance of having clean money and how it relates to genuine happiness. According to the wisdom of African proverbs, real wealth is not just about possessing a lot of money, but it is also about discovering inner contentment.  Instructions About the Money African Proverbs from the Ancestors My Dad whispered to me, "Wealth comes by cultivating together." Listen, my daughter, for in the collective tilling of the soil, the seeds of wealth are sown. As the sun rises over the communal fields, remember that prosperity is a garden many hands tend. Do not be deceived by the allure of solitary riches, for such treasures wither in isolation. Instead, cultivate a bond with your kin, intertwining your efforts with theirs, like the roots of a mighty baobab tree. In the shared harvest, find sustenance and the true abundance that springs from unity. Let the wisdom of our a

West African no-meat thick rice stew is a hearty rice stew with a rich blend of fresh vegetables, brown rice, palm butter, and vegetable stock, creating a warm and nourishing soup that will make you feel right at home. If you have leftovers, fear not - this soup can be enjoyed again later, but you may consider adding a bit of vegetable broth or water to thin it out when reheating. Palm butter is an ingredient widely used in African cuisine due to its distinctive rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture. Consider using coconut cream, peanut butter, or cashew cream if you want a substitute. However, remember that the taste may differ, and you should adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.  However, if you can access palm butter, it is recommended to use it as it has a unique flavor that is both rich and earthy. It has a mild nutty taste with a hint of sweetness that adds a great depth of flavor to any dish. No-Meat Thick Rice Stew from West Africa Prep Time: 15 mins Cook

Did you know that Gough Island's meteorological station plays a crucial role in providing valuable climate data for research? It's amazing how a tiny island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean contributes so much to our understanding of the world's climate. Gough Island's Tiny Stature, Massive Meteorological Influence 2023 Gough Island Weather Team Gough Island and the South African Weather Service   Backstory Tristan da Cunha is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The island group consists of Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough Islands. Tristan da Cunha island is around 248 miles or 400 kilometers away from Gough Island.  Tristan da Cunha was discovered in 1506 by Portuguese explorer Tristao da Cunha, who christened the main island after himself. The islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa.   South Africa leases a site on Gough Island for a meteorological station. Meteorological st