How many countries are there in Africa?
Africa is a diverse and expansive continent, home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories. There are currently 54 recognized sovereign states in Africa. This comprehensive overview will delve into each country, providing insights into their unique attributes, cultures, and significant facts. Below is a detailed examination, structured for clarity and depth.
North Africa
1. Algeria
Overview
Algeria is the largest country in Africa by land area, located in North Africa along the Mediterranean coast.
Capital
Algiers.
Population
Approximately 44 million.
Key Facts
- Independence from France in 1962.
- Major natural resources include oil and natural gas.
2. Egypt
Overview
Egypt is a transcontinental country, spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia via a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.
Capital
Cairo.
Population
Approximately 104 million.
Key Facts
- Famous for its ancient civilization and monuments, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx.
- The Nile River, the longest river in the world, flows through Egypt.
3. Libya
Overview
Libya is located in North Africa, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Capital
Tripoli.
Population
Approximately 7 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its significant oil reserves.
- Gained independence from Italy in 1951.
4. Morocco
Overview
Morocco is located in North Africa, with coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Capital
Rabat.
Population
Approximately 37 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its historic cities, such as Marrakech and Casablanca.
- The Sahara Desert is a significant geographical feature.
5. Sudan
Overview
Sudan is located in the northeastern part of Africa, bordered by the Red Sea.
Capital
Khartoum.
Population
Approximately 44 million.
Key Facts
- Split into two countries in 2011, creating South Sudan.
- Rich in cultural history with ancient Nubian pyramids.
6. Tunisia
Overview
Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa, located along the Mediterranean Sea.
Capital
Tunis.
Population
Approximately 12 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its rich history, including Carthaginian, Roman, and Ottoman influences.
- The Jasmine Revolution of 2011 started the Arab Spring.
West Africa
7. Benin
Overview
Benin is a small country in West Africa, known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
Capital
Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (seat of government).
Population
Approximately 12 million.
Key Facts
- Formerly known as Dahomey, a powerful West African kingdom.
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
8. Burkina Faso
Overview
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, known for its diverse cultures and languages.
Capital
Ouagadougou.
Population
Approximately 21 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Faces significant challenges with poverty and political instability.
9. Cape Verde
Overview
Cape Verde is an island country in the central Atlantic Ocean, known for its Creole Portuguese-African culture.
Capital
Praia.
Population
Approximately 0.5 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
- Known for its vibrant music and dance traditions.
10. Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Overview
Ivory Coast is located on the southern coast of West Africa, known for its cocoa production.
Capital
Yamoussoukro (political), Abidjan (economic).
Population
Approximately 26 million.
Key Facts
- Major producer of cocoa beans.
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
11. Gambia
Overview
The Gambia is the smallest country within mainland Africa, surrounded by Senegal.
Capital
Banjul.
Population
Approximately 2.4 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its diverse ecosystems around the Gambia River.
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965.
12. Ghana
Overview
Ghana is located along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean, known for its rich history and resources.
Capital
Accra.
Population
Approximately 32 million.
Key Facts
- First African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957.
- Known for its gold, cocoa, and oil resources.
13. Guinea
Overview
Guinea is located on the western coast of Africa, rich in natural resources, including bauxite.
Capital
Conakry.
Population
Approximately 13 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1958.
- Faces significant economic challenges despite its resource wealth.
14. Guinea-Bissau
Overview
Guinea-Bissau is a small country in West Africa, known for its diverse ethnic groups.
Capital
Bissau.
Population
Approximately 2 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Portugal in 1973.
- Faces ongoing political and economic instability.
15. Liberia
Overview
Liberia is located on the West African coast, known for its historical ties to the United States.
Capital
Monrovia.
Population
Approximately 5 million.
Key Facts
- Founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century.
- Experienced two devastating civil wars from 1989 to 2003.
16. Mali
Overview
Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, known for its historical empires and cultural heritage.
Capital
Bamako.
Population
Approximately 21 million.
Key Facts
- Home to the ancient city of Timbuktu.
- Faces significant challenges with poverty and insurgency.
17. Mauritania
Overview
Mauritania is located in the western part of North Africa, known for its desert landscapes.
Capital
Nouakchott.
Population
Approximately 4.5 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Significant part of the country lies within the Sahara Desert.
18. Niger
Overview
Niger is a landlocked country in West Africa, known for its vast desert terrain.
Capital
Niamey.
Population
Approximately 24 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- One of the world’s poorest countries, with significant challenges in health and education.
19. Nigeria
Overview
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea.
Capital
Abuja.
Population
Approximately 206 million.
Key Facts
- Major producer of oil and natural gas.
- Known for its diverse cultures and the bustling city of Lagos.
20. Senegal
Overview
Senegal is located on the westernmost point of the African continent, known for its vibrant culture and music.
Capital
Dakar.
Population
Approximately 17 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Known for its vibrant music scene, including genres like Mbalax.
21. Sierra Leone
Overview
Sierra Leone is located on the southwestern coast of West Africa, known for its diamond reserves.
Capital
Freetown.
Population
Approximately 8 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961.
- Experienced a brutal civil war from 1991 to 2002.
22. Togo
Overview
Togo is a small country in West Africa, known for its palm-lined beaches and hilltop villages.
Capital
Lomé.
Population
Approximately 8 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Known for its diverse culture and history.
Central Africa
23. Angola
Overview
Angola is located in the southern part of Central Africa, known for its oil and mineral wealth.
Capital
Luanda.
Population
Approximately 33 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
- Experienced a prolonged civil war from 1975 to 2002.
24. Cameroon
Overview
Cameroon is located in Central Africa, known for its diverse geography and cultural heritage.
Capital
Yaoundé.
Population
Approximately 27 million.
Key Facts
- Bilingual country with both French and English as official languages.
- Known for its rich biodiversity, including rainforests and savannas.
25. Central African Republic (CAR)
Overview
The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Central Africa, known for its rich wildlife.
Capital
Bangui.
Population
Approximately 5 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Faces significant challenges with political instability and poverty.
26. Chad
Overview
Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa, known for its diverse climate zones from deserts to savannas.
Capital
N’Djamena.
Population
Approximately 16 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Faces significant challenges with poverty and political instability.
27. Republic of the Congo
Overview
The Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa, known for its rainforests and rich natural resources.
Capital
Brazzaville.
Population
Approximately 5 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Known for its oil production and vibrant culture.
28. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Overview
The DRC is located in Central Africa, known for its vast size and rich natural resources.
Capital
Kinshasa.
Population
Approximately 89 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Belgium in 1960.
- Faces significant challenges with political instability and conflict.
29. Equatorial Guinea
Overview
Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the west coast of Central Africa, known for its oil reserves.
Capital
Malabo (on Bioko Island), Oyala (future planned capital).
Population
Approximately 1.5 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Spain in 1968.
- Known for its oil wealth and Spanish-speaking population.
30. Gabon
Overview
Gabon is located on the west coast of Central Africa, known for its extensive rainforests and wildlife.
Capital
Libreville.
Population
Approximately 2 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
- Known for its biodiversity and oil resources.
31. São Tomé and Príncipe
Overview
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, known for its lush landscapes.
Capital
São Tomé.
Population
Approximately 0.2 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
- Known for its cocoa production and beautiful beaches.
East Africa
32. Burundi
Overview
Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its hilly terrain.
Capital
Gitega (political), Bujumbura (economic).
Population
Approximately 12 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Belgium in 1962.
- Faces significant challenges with poverty and political instability.
33. Comoros
Overview
Comoros is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its volcanic islands.
Capital
Moroni.
Population
Approximately 0.9 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1975.
- Known for its diverse culture and languages.
34. Djibouti
Overview
Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, known for its strategic location near the Red Sea.
Capital
Djibouti City.
Population
Approximately 1 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from France in 1977.
- Hosts several foreign military bases due to its strategic location.
35. Eritrea
Overview
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa, known for its Red Sea coastline.
Capital
Asmara.
Population
Approximately 6 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993.
- Known for its historic architecture and cultural diversity.
36. Ethiopia
Overview
Ethiopia is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its ancient history and diverse cultures.
Capital
Addis Ababa.
Population
Approximately 115 million.
Key Facts
- One of the oldest nations in the world, with a rich cultural heritage.
- Known for its coffee production and historic sites like Lalibela.
37. Kenya
Overview
Kenya is located in East Africa, known for its savannas, wildlife, and coastline along the Indian Ocean.
Capital
Nairobi.
Population
Approximately 54 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its national parks and wildlife conservation.
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963.
38. Madagascar
Overview
Madagascar is an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa, known for its unique biodiversity.
Capital
Antananarivo.
Population
Approximately 28 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its distinct flora and fauna, including lemurs.
- Gained independence from France in 1960.
39. Malawi
Overview
Malawi is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its freshwater lake, Lake Malawi.
Capital
Lilongwe.
Population
Approximately 19 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964.
- Known for its friendly people and scenic landscapes.
40. Mauritius
Overview
Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs.
Capital
Port Louis.
Population
Approximately 1.3 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968.
- Known for its diverse culture and strong economy.
41. Mozambique
Overview
Mozambique is located on the southeastern coast of Africa, known for its long Indian Ocean coastline.
Capital
Maputo.
Population
Approximately 31 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
- Known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
42. Rwanda
Overview
Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its mountainous landscape.
Capital
Kigali.
Population
Approximately 13 million.
Key Facts
- Known for the tragic genocide in 1994 and subsequent recovery.
- Significant progress in economic development and gender equality.
43. Seychelles
Overview
Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Capital
Victoria.
Population
Approximately 0.1 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1976.
- Known for its tourism and natural beauty.
44. Somalia
Overview
Somalia is located in the Horn of Africa, known for its long coastline along the Indian Ocean.
Capital
Mogadishu.
Population
Approximately 16 million.
Key Facts
- Faces significant challenges with political instability and conflict.
- Known for its rich history and strategic location.
45. South Sudan
Overview
South Sudan is the newest country in Africa, gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.
Capital
Juba.
Population
Approximately 11 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its diversity of ethnic groups and languages.
- Faces significant challenges with conflict and development.
46. Tanzania
Overview
Tanzania is located in East Africa, known for its vast wilderness areas, including Serengeti National Park.
Capital
Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (economic).
Population
Approximately 60 million.
Key Facts
- Home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961.
47. Uganda
Overview
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Capital
Kampala.
Population
Approximately 45 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its national parks and mountain gorillas.
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962.
48. Zambia
Overview
Zambia is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its rich wildlife and Victoria Falls.
Capital
Lusaka.
Population
Approximately 18 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964.
- Known for its copper production and natural beauty.
49. Zimbabwe
Overview
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Capital
Harare.
Population
Approximately 15 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980.
- Known for its ancient ruins and natural wonders like Victoria Falls.
Southern Africa
50. Botswana
Overview
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, known for its stable democracy and wildlife.
Capital
Gaborone.
Population
Approximately 2.3 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
- Known for its diamond production and conservation efforts.
51. Eswatini (Swaziland)
Overview
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa.
Capital
Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (legislative and royal).
Population
Approximately 1.2 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its rich culture and traditional monarchy.
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968.
52. Lesotho
Overview
Lesotho is a landlocked country completely surrounded by South Africa, known for its mountainous terrain.
Capital
Maseru.
Population
Approximately 2.1 million.
Key Facts
- Known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” due to its high altitude.
- Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
53. Namibia
Overview
Namibia is located in Southern Africa, known for its desert landscapes and wildlife.
Capital
Windhoek.
Population
Approximately 2.5 million.
Key Facts
- Gained independence from South Africa in 1990.
- Known for the Namib Desert and Etosha National Park.
54. South Africa
Overview
South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of Africa, known for its diverse cultures and landscapes.
Capital
Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative).
Population
Approximately 60 million.
Key Facts
- Known for its rich history, including apartheid and Nelson Mandela.
- Major economic hub with a diverse economy.
