1. Bellringer List some push factors

2. West and Central Africa

3. Physical

4. The Sahel Extends across Africa and separates the Sahara and the tropical grasslands Ancient Empires – Mali and the Songhai Empire Timbuktu (Tombouctou) was a massively successful trading city Most people support themselves by farming or herding – Overgrazing and shifting agriculture

7. West Africa: Home of our Hurricanes

8. Physical Geography Landlocked countries – Cut off from the sea Inland delta – Area of lakes, creeks and swamps away from the ocean Good for growing food Sahel are trying to: withstand the environment, develop natural resource and develop their cultures

9. Coastal Countries Advantages over the Sahel – Wetter climate Better farming/nature growth – Natural harbors along the sea Excellent for trade and economics – Gold, ivory, palm oil and slaves Massive debt – Imports exceed exports

10. Political

11. Liberia Founded by freed American slaves in 1822 Coup brought the country to chaos in 1980 – Massive civil war – Millions left homeless, 200K killed – Gangs and rebels ran the streets

13. Birthrate Average birthrate is higher than any in the world – Africa is growing faster than anywhere else on Earth Social customs, religions and economic conditions mean there will be more children

14. Nigeria At one point, South Africa and Nigeria could have pulled Africa’s economy into a giant market Regions – Dramatically divided More than 180 languages (English is official) Yoruba in the southwest, Ibo in the southeast and Hausa traders and Fulani herders control the fertile areas in the north

15. Nigeria Oil is the most important resource – If price rises, Nigeria does well. If price drops… Multiple military coups have crippled the gov’t and their economy

16. Central Africa Congo (Zaire) River – The highway of Central Africa’s basin – Cataracts prevent some sections of trade to pass Massive renewable and nonrenewable resources – Renewable: Hydroelectric, fishing and farming Damming injures this cycle – Non-renewable: Minerals, copper, diamonds

17. Cataracts and Escarpments

19. Resource/Climate

20. Review How do push factors apply to Africa?