Africa

Introduction
Geologic history
- General considerations
- Rock types and structural evolution
  - The Precambrian
  - The Paleozoic Era
  - The Mesozoic Era
    - Marine formations
    - Continental formations
  - The Cenozoic Era
    - Marine formations
    - Continental formations
    - Tectonic movements
    - Formation of the Red Sea
    - Volcanism and rifting
    - Pleistocene and Holocene developments
Land
- Relief
- Drainage
  - Nile basin
  - Niger basin
  - Congo basin
  - Zambezi basin
  - Orange basin
  - Chad basin
- Soils
  - Soil types
    - Desert soils
    - Chestnut-brown soils
    - Chernozem-like and black soils
    - Red tropical soils and laterites
    - Mediterranean soils
  - Soil problems
- Climate
  - Factors influencing the African climate
  - Climatic regions
- Plant life
  - Ecological relationships
  - Vegetational zones
    - Lowland rainforest
    - Eastern African forest and bush
    - Mangrove swamp
    - Broad-leaved woodland and grassland
    - Thorn woodland, grassland, and semidesert vegetation
    - Afromontane vegetation
    - Desert vegetation
    - Karoo-Namib shrubland
    - Highveld grassland
    - Mediterranean vegetation
    - Cape shrub, bush, and thicket
    - Madagascar
    - Sudd
  - Long-term changes in vegetation
    - Geologic influences
    - Climatic influences
    - Human influences
    - Conserving the vegetation
- Animal life
  - Genera and distribution
    - Mammals
    - Birds
    - Reptiles and amphibians
    - Arthropods
    - Aquatic life
    - Origin and adaption of African fauna
  - The effects of humans
  - Ecology
    - Animal life of particular interest
    - Conservation
    - Animals affecting land usage
People
- Culture areas
  - Northern Africa
  - Western Africa
  - West-central Africa
  - Eastern Africa
  - Central and Southern Africa
  - Madagascar
- Cultural patterns
  - Languages
  - Religions
  - Domestic groupings
- Demographic patterns
  - Population distribution
  - Settlement patterns
  - Migrations
Economy
- Resources
  - Mineral resources
    - Metallic deposits
    - Nonmetallic deposits
  - Water resources
    - Surface water
    - Groundwater
    - Availability for human use
  - Biological resources
    - Botanical resources
    - Animal resources
- Agriculture
  - Principal crops
    - Cereals and grains
    - Legumes and fodder
    - Tubers and root crops
    - Fruits and vegetables
    - Beverage crops
    - Fibres
    - Other cash crops
  - Livestock and fishing
- Industry
- Power
- Trade
  - Internal trade
  - External trade
    - Exports
    - Imports
- Transportation
  - Animal transport
  - Motor transport
  - Rail transport
  - Air transport
  - Navigation
Colonization of Africa
African independence dates

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images, Videos & Interactives

A map of the continent of Africa, including its countries, boundaries, and capital cities. It also shows parts of Europe and Asia and surrounding bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean.

Colonization of Africa: Maps, Timeline, Decolonization, & Independence

Landmarks in Africa

Ruwenzori Range

Table Mountain, South Africa

Atlas Mountains

Where did human evolution begin?

For Students

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Africa: Related Content

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Photos and Videos

A map of the continent of Africa, including its countries, boundaries, and capital cities. It also shows parts of Europe and Asia and surrounding bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean.

Ruwenzori Range

Table Mountain, South Africa

Atlas Mountains

Physical regions of Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro

Where did human evolution begin?

Learn how the Niger River irrigates savannas, provides hydroelectricity, and serves as a transportation artery

See a flock of red-billed queleas flying in Etosha National Park, Namibia

A collage featuring four colonial-era European figures in military and formal attire, a yellow map of Africa, and a vintage cartoon of imperialism in the background.

Discuss different irrigation methods used in northern Africa such as shadoofs, water scoops, and modern pumps

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