Africa Factbook

Picture your home like your cozy nest, where you feel safe and comfortable, surrounded by your family and all your favorite things. Now, think about being told that you have to leave that nest and go somewhere else because of something like a war, gangs, or hunger that makes it impossible to stay there. Being displaced from home means having to leave your nest suddenly and being unable to return for a while. Just like when you go on a trip and miss your bed, being displaced means not having your home, toys, or friends nearby. You have to stay in a different place, maybe with relatives, friends, or a particular shelter such as a displaced persons camp, until it's safe to return home. One in Six People in Sudan is Homeless Sudan is home to a population of 48.6 million, however, since April 2023, 7.7 million people have been displaced both inside and outside of Sudan due to safety concerns. To put it in simpler terms, it's like a playground where some kids can't play anymo

Over the centuries, the African country now known as Ethiopia has had many different names including Habesha, Nubia, D'mt, Aksum, Abyssinia, Land of Punt, and Italian East Africa. Nine Different Names of Ethiopia Throughout Written History. Over the centuries, Ethiopia has been known by many names, including Habesha, Nubia, D'mt, Aksum, Abyssinia, Land of Punt, Ethiopia, African Jerusalem, and Italian East Africa. Habesha Habesha is an indigenous term that refers to Semitic language-speaking and predominantly Orthodox Christian peoples found in the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea; the oldest reference to Ethiopia and Eritrea'sesha was in second or third-century Sabaean engravings. The Sabaean engravings are ancient inscriptions in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the Kingdom of Saba, modern-day Yemen. Nubia In the past, certain areas of Ethiopia were referred to as Nubia. Nubia was a kingdom along the Nile with cultural ties to ancient Egypt. The area's history

Charcoal and other solid biomass fuels are used in 70% of households in sub-Saharan Africa. African countries face fuel supply problems, and charcoal remains essential for many households since petroleum fuels and electricity will likely remain too expensive.  Charcoal is King in Africa. In Bujumbura- Burundi’s capital city, charcoal is the primary cooking fuel across all social layers of the population. Costing more than liquefied petroleum gas, charcoal expenditure is a substantial share of the households’ income. Charcoal is a big business in Africa. Africa produced 62 percent, 32 million tons of charcoal 2017; a large percentage was used for cooking food. In 2011, The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that around 2.6 billion people cook using open fires or simple stoves fuelled by kerosene, biomass, and coal. Charcoal production, which takes place in rural and peri-urban areas to satisfy urban demand, generates income for millions of people in Africa below the Saharan Deser

Eating with your fingers instead of utensils reduces plastic waste. Opting to eat Angolian Funge with meals instead of using a fork and spoon is environmentally friendly because the traditional eating method of eating with Funge involves using your fingers and a small piece of Funge itself to scoop up the food.  The production of utensils, especially those made of metal or plastic, requires significant energy inputs. Individuals contribute to energy conservation by forgoing utensils and aligning with environmentally conscious practices. Eating Funge with soups and stews and eliminating utensils aligns with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices by minimizing waste, reducing resource consumption, preserving local culture, and contributing to energy conservation. Embracing such traditional eating habits is a mindful and eco-friendly approach. By avoiding using disposable utensils, especially those made of plastic, you contribute to reducing plastic waste.    Funge Funge is a

The city of Cairo has an interesting history behind its name. Its name is derived from the Arabic word al-Qāhirah which translates to The Victorious. Cairo's name is derived from the Arabic word al-Qāhirah, which means The Victorious. It was named after the city's establishment in 969 CE during the Fatimid Caliphate, signifying the region's conquest. Cairo is home to the world's oldest functioning university, Al-Azhar University, founded in 970 CE.  Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, has a population of over 20 million people. It is interesting to note that approximately 95 percent of this population resides within a distance of 12 miles or 20 km from the Nile River and its delta.  The Nile River has been a lifeline for the people of Egypt for thousands of years, providing water for irrigation, transportation, and other purposes. The delta region of the river is particularly fertile and supports a large number of people engaged in agriculture and fishing. However, vast a

Aso Rock is one of Nigeria's most well-known natural landmarks with mystical dwellers. Aso Rock Dwellers Aso Rock is located near the Presidential Complex and the Nigerian National Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. 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 rock dwellers, imposing size and unique appearance, making it one of the notable natural landmarks in Nigeria. 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 composed of granite. Granite is an igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. It primarily com

Italy ruled over Libya for over three decades, from 1911 to 1943, under the leadership of important figures like Mussolini, Victor Emmanuel III, and Italo Balbo. This long period of control significantly impacted the country's history, society, and politics. Gurgi Mosque Serving as the King of Italy from 1900 to 1946, Victor Emmanuel III played a significant role in endorsing and overseeing Italy's colonial ventures, including the occupation of Libya. His support for Mussolini's regime facilitated the implementation of colonial policies in North Africa. As the leader of Fascist Italy from 1922 to 1943, Mussolini pursued an expansionist agenda that included the conquest and colonization of Libya. His authoritarian rule and aggressive foreign policies shaped Italy's approach to colonialism and influenced events in Libya during this period. Italo Balbo was an Italian aviator and politician who served as Governor-General of Italian Libya from 1934 to 1940. Under his adminis

Stolen Colonial Artifacts convey an artificial connection to Africa. While stolen colonial African artifacts may have physical characteristics associated with Africa, they lack a deeper meaningful connection to the continent spiritually because they are stolen pieces of Africa's soul. In other words, they may share a racial or physical attribute with Africans but have little or no cultural, historical, or experiential ties to Africa because the artifact's value lies in the spiritual connection to higher powers of the African spiritual universe.  Despite the different ways Africa is represented in diverse fields, such as cultural artifacts, this does not equate to a complete understanding of the African continent's land, people, and history. Looking at African artifacts does not comprehensively grasp the continent's complexities. When viewing the over 1,000 Benin Bronzes stolen by Germany, one is viewing the psychical bronze statues, not the spiritual.  Benin Bronze Art

Shakshuka, a delectable dish hailing from North Africa, particularly Tunisia, has captured the hearts and palates of egg enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond its exquisite flavors, shakshuka's history dates back centuries. Learn the origins of shakshuka with a step-by-step guide to prepare this flavorful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. The very name shakshuka finds its roots in the Arabic word shakshek, meaning to shake. This aptly describes the cooking process of gently shaking the pan while poaching eggs in a luscious tomato sauce. North African Shakshuka Egg Recipe. Shakshuka is a delicious breakfast dish that originated in Tunisia and was enjoyed by farmers and workers as a nutritious meal to help them get through a hard day's work. Over time, it has become popular all around the world, with each culture adding its own unique twist to the recipe. Today, shakshuka is loved by many for its rich and satisfying egg and tomato flavors. North African Shakshuka Egg Recipe Ingred

South African Curry Fishcakes are a delectable dish that seamlessly blends the rich fishing tradition with love for the vibrant South African food scene. Each savory bite is connected to the love for fishing with the aromatic allure of curry in this South African culinary delight. Our recipe is designed to provide a serving size that will cater to a group of four individuals. South African Curry Fishcakes is a delicious dish where fishing and curry come together to create a perfect combination. South African Curry Fishcakes Ingredients 1 cup canned and drained salmon 2 tablespoons ground coriander 2 cloves crushed garlic 2 teaspoons grated ginger root 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 2 teaspoons red curry paste 1 cup of crushed pineapples  1 beaten chicken egg 1 cooked and mashed potato Oil for frying Directions Mix salmon, coriander, garlic, ginger, sugar, lemon rind, and curry paste in a bowl. Add pineapples, beaten egg, and mashed potato; mix well. Shape into cake

Polio persists in Africa due to inadequate healthcare, limited access in rural areas, conflicts, and vaccine belief systems. The CDC issued a travel alert about polio in Africa, specifically in Benin, on August 31, 2023. But why does wild polio still exist in Africa when in the United States, wild polio has been eliminated with no cases occurring in the country since 1979. ‗ Did you know that despite years of efforts to eradicate polio in Africa, the disease still persists? Unfortunately, several deeply complex challenges make it difficult to completely eliminate polio from the continent. Polio's persistence in Africa is attributed to multifaceted challenges. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to remote areas, and socioeconomic disparities impede effective vaccination campaigns. Additionally, political instability in some regions hampers consistent healthcare delivery.  Cultural beliefs play a significant role in polio non-vaccination, as the local population ma

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