WE ARE ABOUT TO LEAD YOU ON A JOURNEY THROUGH AFRICA SO BE READY TO BE AMAZED!

Africa is the world’s second largest continent and is 3x’s the size of mainland U.S. It has 55 independent nations It has 5 main regions –North Africa –West Africa –East Africa –Central Africa –South Africa

Most of Africa is a vast plateau, the highest plateaus being in the east and the south. The continent then tilts gradually downward toward the west and north. As you move from the plateaus to the coast you will see escarpments, or steep cliffs. There are also cataracts, or large waterfalls, and rapids in Africa’s rivers.

It is a giant fault or break in the Earth’s crust that runs along the eastern part of the continent. –is a series of mountains and valleys –formed millions of years ago –very fertile farmland –rich in minerals and metals

Rivers are a supply of fish, water for irrigation, and a means of transportation They also supply hydroelectric power, or energy produced by moving water

–Located along the eastern part of Africa –Longest river in the world 4,160 miles long –Flows northward –Leaves behind fertile silt –Aswan Dam

Zaire River –Located in Central Africa –Enormous body of water that provides hydroelectric power –Only a small part can be used for travel because of falls and rapids Niger River (western Africa) and Zambezi River (Southern Africa)

Resources –Gold and Diamonds –Copper –Platinum and Cobalt –Oil –Uneven distribution of resources Climate –Tropical, Wet, and Dry climates –Water distributed unevenly –Sahara Desert: largest desert in the world –Deserts cover 40% of Africa