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