Unit 1 Africa Study Guide KEY (for test 12-19-14):
Geography:
1. What lake is the source of The Nile? Lake Victoria
2. What is the largest lake in Africa? Lake Victoria
3. The lack of clean and abundant water in many countries south of the
Sahara has had what economic effect? Little to no development of businesses and
technology in those areas of Africa
4. What is desertification? “The spread of the desert” The transformation of arable
land into non-arable land due to over-farming, over-grazing, over-development, and
drought
5. What region of Africa is dealing with desertification?
The Sahel
6. List some of the specific causes of desertification.
Overgrazing, improper farming techniques, drought, deforestation
7. What is the Sahel region of Africa and where is it located?
Semi-Arid area south of the Sahara (ex: Nigeria); formerly grasslands now drying up
and becoming part of the desert
8. Why is the Sahel an impoverished area in recent years?
Lack of development, lack of rainfall, grassland area now turning into uninhabitable
desert which is lacking in an adequate food production for the people
9. Why is the population of the Sahara desert low? Lack of water
10. What is drought? Lack of rainfall
11. What is famine? Widespread shortage of food (note: malnutrition is the lack
of the right kinds of food)
12. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable
resources. Non-renewable resources cannot be quickly replaced. Renewable
resources can! 
13. What is the major physical barrier in the continent of Africa? Sahara
Desert
14. Where is the Aswan High Dam and what is its purpose? How has this
impacted the quality of water? Along the Nile River in Egypt—built to stop the
annual flooding of the Nile River….the flooding was bad for homes and property, but
GOOD for farming (bringing fertile silt to the mouth of the river) Now Egypt is dealing
with water pollution due to artificial fertilizers used and there are arguments re: whether the
Dam has done more harm than good for Egypt overall…
15. What is the major water source for Sudan and Egypt? The Nile River
16. What does the term “Sub-Saharan” Africa mean? “sub” means “below,” so it
is the part of the continent of Africa “below” or SOUTH of the Sahara Desert
17. What man-made geographic feature is important for Egypt’s trade? The
Suez Canal
18. What physical features in Africa make the topography very diverse?
Savannas, rain forests, mountains, and deserts
19. What is a developed nation? A country which is already well-established in
trade, economics, and technology
20. What is a developing nation? A country which lacks modern technology and
has a more traditional economy
21. What is the Great Rift Valley? The Great Rift Valley is part of an intracontinental ridge system/fault system in Eastern Africa that runs through Kenya from
north to south. Many scientists believe that it may one day separate from the rest of the
continent.
Culture:
22. What was the result of the migration of the Bantu people throughout
Africa? They kept their cultural identity, but changed/influenced the people that they
came into contact with (taught new farming techniques, cattle raising, language, the
ideas of civilization/towns, etc.)
23. What is the difference between an ethnic group and a religious group?
An ethnic group is the race/culture that one is born into which shares language, culture,
history, etc.. A religious group shares a belief system. Members of different ethnic
groups may be part of the same religious group.
24. What are the four major ethnic groups in Africa? Bantu, Arab, Ashanti,
Swahili
25. Which ethnic group migrated down the Eastern coast of Africa
and settled in the South? Bantu
26. Which ethnic group is mostly located along the Eastern Coast of Africa
whose religion blends Islam and native beliefs? Swahili
27. The majority of the Ashanti people practice which religion/religions? A
mixture of 3 religions
Essay:
Explain the major environmental issues in Africa.
Desertification- Desertification is the process in which the land becomes more like a
desert. This is when the plants die and the soil blows away leaving the ground unfit for
farming. This is caused by several factors- drought, overgrazing of farm animals,
improper farming techniques, and the cutting down of trees.
Deforestation- Deforestation is the mass destruction and cutting down of trees and
other vegetation. The growing population is a cause of deforestation. People are clearing
forests to build homes and communities. This is a major cause of desertification.
Water Issues- Across much of Africa, there is a lack of access to clean water suitable
for drinking. Many parts of Africa do not have enough water for people to live. Many
overpopulated areas with fresh water resources are becoming polluted because of
industrial, animal, and human waste. With the deserts spreading, there is less arable
land suitable for farming/agriculture. The growing population and the limited supply of
clean water is a major issue in Africa. Clean water is needed for basic health and
sanitation.