Continent

Africa

The world’s second-largest continent — vast savannas, Sahara sands, rainforest basins and a rapidly growing, youthful population.

Countries54
Population1.46B
Area30.4M km2
Known forWildlife, nature, culture

Overview

Area30.4 million km2
Population1.46 billion
Population ranking#2
Share of world population18%
Countries54
Largest country (by area)Algeria
Smallest countrySeychelles
Time zonesUTC -1 to +4

Key Stats

Human development
Medium
Safety index
48
Internet access
43%
Life expectancy
64 years
GDP nominal
$2.8T

Sources: UN, World Bank, Numbeo.

Top 5 Countries by Population

Nigeria
220M
Ethiopia
127M
Egypt
107M
DR Congo
100M
Tanzania
65M

Landscape & Nature

5,895 mHighest point
22%Forest cover
30,500 kmCoastline
6Climate zones

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Kilimanjaro5,895 m
Mount Kenya5,199 m
Margherita Peak5,109 m

Regions

NorthSahara, Nile valley, Mediterranean coast and Arab connections
WestAtlantic coastlines, rainforest belt, major cities and young economies
EastRift Valley, Ethiopian highlands, Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean islands
SouthSavanna, Cape coastlines, mineral wealth and wildlife reserves

Why Africa?

WildlifeWorld’s largest concentrations of big game — Serengeti, Okavango and Kruger.
Ancient historyEgypt, Great Zimbabwe, Timbuktu and the cradle of humankind.
Diverse landscapesSahara, rainforests, rift lakes, volcanoes and vast coastlines.
Youngest populationFastest-growing continent with rising cities and mobile-first economies.
Vibrant culturesThousands of languages, music traditions, festivals and cuisines.