1. The
Geography of
Africa

2. Introduction to Africa

3. Africa’s Size Second largest continent  11,700,000 sq. mi.
M I L E S
M I L E S
Second largest continent  11,700,000 sq. mi.
10% of the world’s population.
2 ½ times the size of the U. S.

4. A Satellite View

5. Why is Africa called The “Tropical” Continent?
Tropic of Cancer 20° N
Why is Africa called The “Tropical” Continent?
Equator 0°
Tropic of Capricorn 20° S

9. Desertification

10. The Sahara Desert

12. The African Savannah: 13 million sq. mi.

13. The Sahel

14. Mediterranean Climate
Sunny and mild climate at northern and southern end of Africa.
Rich agricultural region.
Most densely populated region in Africa.

15. African Rain Forest Annual rainfall of up to 17 ft.
Rapid decomposition (very humid).
Covers 37 countries.
15% of the land surface of Africa.

16. Tropical Rain Forest

17. West Africa: Home of our Hurricanes

18. Great Rift Valley

19. Great Rift Valley
3,000 miles long

21. Topography of Africa

22. The Mighty Nile River: “Longest River in the World”

23. Hunters-Gatherers
Africa’s earliest peoples were nomadic hunter-gatherers.
Today, some of the San of the Kalahari Desert are still hunter-gatherers. They travel in small bands of a few related families.
The men hunt with spears and bows and arrows, and the women and children gather roots and berries.

25. Pastoralism - Herding

26. Pastoralism - Herding
Other early Africans eventually learned to domesticate and raise a variety of animals for food. Called herders, or pastoralists, these people kept cattle, goats, or sheep.
They were nomads who drove their animals to find water and good pastures for grazing during the dry season. Millions of modern Africans are pastoral herders as well.

27. Rise of Agriculture

28. Slash and Burn Agriculture
Agriculture drastically changed the way Africans lived. Growing their own food enabled them to build permanent shelters in one location.
Settlements expanded because reliable food supplies led to longer, healthier lives and an increased birthrate.
The increased food supply also freed some members of the community to practice activities such as working metal, making pottery, and crafting jewelry.
Slash and Burn agriculture drastically altered the landscape by cutting vegetation and destroying the soil. This has contributed to desertification in some areas.

29. Planting Crops

30. Desertification

31. Victoria Falls

32. Seismic Activity in Africa

33. Mt. Kilimanjaro: Snow on the Equator?

34. Natural Resources

38. Bantu Migrations