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The discovery of fossilized remains in Africa has led experts to agree that the

world’s first humans originated from this continent millions of years ago. Today, the population stands at about 1.3 billion, with many people living in rural

regions of the 54 countries.

Africa’s diversity is seen in

its varied cultures, long-

standing customs, striking scenery, and wildlife. This captivating mix attracts a steady stream of visitors.

Africa places

INDUSTRY

Nigeria, Algeria, and Libya are

major sources of oil and natural

gas, while gold and diamonds have

made South Africa prosperous. Minerals

are mined in the Congo and Zambia, and copper and tin are exported from Namibia.

One-third of the

world’s gold is

produced in

Johannesburg

Stunning views over Cape Town and Table Mountain in South Africa

192 FOODAfrica’s staple foods are crops such as maize, yams, cassava, and plantains. Fish and meat are rarely eaten as a main dish but are added to other ingredients,

including beans and lentils. In towns all

over Morocco and Tunisia, people sell their

home-grown produce at local markets.

Kora

MUSIC

Celebrations in Africa are usually accompanied by

music, with percussion instruments the most

popular. Many types of drums are used to

create traditional beats, with animal horns

and shells blown to make different sounds.

Stringed instruments, such as the kora, and

double bells, such as the kuge, are also played.

Injera is an African flat bread, served here with beef stew and vegetables

Nigeria is one of the world’s main

oil producers

Mount Kilimanjaro lies on the Tanzania/Kenya

border and rises

5,895 m (19,340 ft)

The Masai

“jump-dance” to music, as a

show of strength

Sahara desert

Kuge

Drum

ALGERIA

MOROCCO

MAURITANIA

Tropic of Cancer

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LIBYA

EGYPT

Gulf of Sirte

TUNISIA

Red Sea

Tropic of Cancer

WESTERN SAHARA(disputed territory administered by Morocco)

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