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IN BRIEF
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Africa, often viewed through the lens of clichés, actually holds a wealth of stories, cultures, and surprising facts. From vast savannahs to the shores of oceans, this continent is a true reservoir of unknown treasures. Whether you have already traversed its lands or dream of stepping foot there one day, here are ten captivating revelations that will immerse you in the African soul and reveal another facet of this vibrant and diverse territory. Get ready to broaden your horizons!
The African continent, rich in diversity and culture, is often underestimated. Although many may have set foot there, many still overlook the treasures it holds. Here are 10 incredible facts that could change your perception of this multifaceted land.
The continent with the most countries
Africa is the continent that hosts the largest number of countries, with 54 in total, according to UN criteria. In comparison, Asia comes in second with only 47 countries. Europe follows with 44 nations, the Americas with 35, and finally Oceania with only 14 countries. This diversity reflects a complex history and a multitude of cultures that coexist on this vast territory.
All very young countries
Africa is the continent of young nations, both geographically and demographically. The late decolonization of many countries led to the creation of modern nations such as South Sudan, which gained its independence in 2011. Other countries like Eritrea and Namibia were born in the 1990s. While we should not forget ancient colonized countries like Egypt, which has already asserted itself as an independent nation since 1922, the majority of African countries gained their sovereignty in the 50s and 60s.
Random numbers
Africa accounts for about 6% of the Earth’s surface and 20% of the landmass. With its 30,415,873 km², it is the third-largest continent, behind Asia and the Americas. Its population is approaching 1.4 billion inhabitants, representing about 18% of the world’s population, making Africa the second most populous continent, just after Asia.
Algeria, DRC, and Sudan, three “giants” by size
Among African countries, Algeria stands out as the largest, covering 2.38 million km². It is followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with 2.34 million and Sudan, occupying third place with 1.88 million km². In contrast, countries like Seychelles, with 455 km², rank among the smallest on the continent.
Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, the three most populous
When looking at population, it is Nigeria that dominates with almost 230 million inhabitants, followed by Ethiopia with 131 million and Egypt with 116 million. Major megacities like Cairo, Kinshasa, and Lagos rank among the most populous cities in the world.
Seychelles, the richest country per capita
With a GDP per capita of 17,879 US$, Seychelles stands out as the richest African country, closely followed by Mauritius. At the opposite end of the spectrum, about twenty African nations report a GDP per capita of less than 1,000 US$. In comparison, the GDP per capita in France is approximately 44,460 US$.
The cradle of humanity
The archaeological discoveries made in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa attest to a fascinating fact: Africa is considered the cradle of humanity. Indeed, it is here that our ancestors first appeared around 200,000 years ago before spreading across all continents.
French still the official language of the most countries
Across the continent, more than 2,000 languages and dialects are spoken, but French remains the official language of 22 countries, ahead of English, Arabic, and other local languages. Although the number of speakers of Arabic, English, and Swahili is very high, French is nevertheless present in a good number of African nations.
Just over 100 UNESCO sites out of 1,223 worldwide
The UNESCO World Heritage lists only 108 sites in Africa out of a total of 1,223 globally. African countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco, and Tunisia have a significant number of registered sites, including wonders like the ruins of Carthage and the Roman amphitheater of El Jem.
Morocco, the most visited country in Africa in 2024
In 2024, Morocco became the flagship tourist destination of Africa, attracting over 16 million visitors, surpassing Egypt and Tunisia. This change reflects the evolution of tourist preferences and the cultural richness that the country offers.
