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GABON is a country along the equator in West Central Africa, below the Bight of Biafra. There are 3 bordering countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Republic of the Congo. The capital is Libreville. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF.
Straddling the northern section of the Great Rift Valley, ETHIOPIA is a landlocked country in Eastern Africa; when Eritrea gained its independence in 1991, Ethiopia lost its access to the Red Sea. There are 6 bordering countries: Djibouti, Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The capital and most-populated city is Addis Ababa (Ādīs Ābeba), and other Ethiopian cities include Debre Zeyit (Bishoftu), Desē, Dirē Dawa, Bahir Dar south of Lake Tana, Gonder, Hārer, Jīma, Mek'elē, and Nazrēt. The Great Rift Valley stretches diagonally in a northeast-southwest direction. In southwestern Ethiopia, the valley boasts three large lakes: Abaya Hāyk' (northeast lake), Cha'mo Hāyk' (center lake), and the intermittent Ch'ew Bahir lake (southwest lake). Amharic is Ethiopia's official language. As you probably figured out, hāyk' (or hayk) is the Ethiopian word for lake. The Great Rift Valley encounters more lakes before traveling east of Addis Ababa, then northeast towards Djibouti. The currency Ethiopians use is the Ethiopian Birr, and its ISO 4217 currency code is ETB.
ERITREA is a East African country located in the peninsular Horn of Africa region, west of the Red Sea. There are 3 bordering countries: Djibouti to the southeast, Ethiopia to the south, and Sudan to the west. Eritrea has a population greater than 5.9 million, according to a 2014 estimate. The capital and largest-populated city in Eritrea is Asmara, inhabited by about 1.15 million residents in the metropolitan area with over 560,000 residents in the main city limits. The currency is the Eritrean Nakfa, and its ISO 4217 currency code is ERN.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA is located in West Africa; it is located barely above the Equator, hence its name. This country is also east of the Atlantic Ocean. There are 2 bordering countries: Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the south and east. The capital is Malabo, which lies on Bioko island. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF.
Known as مِصر (Miṣr) in the Arabic language, EGYPT is a well-known, predominantly Muslim country located in North Africa. Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea along its northern coast, and of course this country is known for its ancient history and structural wonders. The pyramids of Egypt are certainly remarkable architectural feats, and the methods in which ancient Egyptians built them were revolutionary and more efficient than ever before. There are 3 bordering countries: Israel located to the east and northeast, Libya to the west, and Sudan to the south. The capital is Cairo, with more than 10 million residents and growing. The currency is the Egyptian Pound, and its ISO 4217 currency code is EGP.
DJIBOUTI is a tiny country located in the Horn of Africa in eastern Africa. There are 3 bordering countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Eritrea is north and northwest of Djibouti, Ethiopia is west and southwest, and Somalia is southeast. Being a seaside country, Djibouti is found near the confluence of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Bab al-Mandab strait connects the Red Sea to the north with the Gulf of Aden to the east; it is located east of northern Djibouti. The Sawabi Islands (Seven Brothers Islands) in the Bab al-Mandab strait are found east of the village Fagal. The eastward-facing "mouth" of Djibouti is the Gulf of Tadjoura, and the Tadjura Trough extends from that gulf eastward to the larger Gulf of Aden. The Gulf of Tadjoura features the Maskali Islands. The capital of Djibouti is aptly named Djibouti! The currency is the Djiboutian Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is DJF.
COTE D'IVOIRE (Ivory Coast) is a French-speaking country located in West Africa. There are 5 bordering countries: Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, Guinea to the west, Liberia to the west, and Mali to the north. The capital is Yamoussoukro, while the most-populated city and unofficial economic capital is Abidjan. The currency is the West African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XOF.
Achieving independence from France on Monday, August 15th, 1960, REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO is a French-speaking country located in Western Africa. There are 5 bordering countries: Angola (the small exclave of Cabinda), Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo (a much larger country), and Gabon. The country's southwestern area borders the Atlantic Ocean. Located along the Congo River, the capital is Brazzaville. Other cities include Djambala, Gamboma, Kayes, Loubomo, Madingou, Ouesso, Owando, and Pointe-Noire. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF.
The DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, formerly known as Zaire, is the 2nd largest African country. It was formerly the 3rd largest until South Sudan became independent on July 9, 2011, decreasing the size of Sudan. it is located in Central Africa. There are 9 bordering countries: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Tanzania borders the DR Congo only if you consider that the border runs through Lake Tanganyika — not on land. The capital is Kinshasa. The currency is the Congolese Franc, and the ISO 4217 currency code is CDF.
COMOROS (Komori in the Comorian language) is an island country in southeastern Africa and surrounded by the Indian Ocean waters. The country is located about 80 kilometers northwest of Mayotte (Mayotte post link), an overseas territory of France. There are 3 major islands that make up Comoros: Njazidja (Grande Comore or Ngazidja), Ndzwani (Anjouan), and Mwali (Mohéli). Comorian residents speak Comorian, Arabic, and French, which are the country's official languages. Within Comorian are three main dialects, each of which are spoken mostly on the particular island it is named after: Mwali, Ndzwani, and Ngazidja. The vast majority of Comorian residents adhere to the tenets of Islam. The capital is Moroni, which is located on Njazidja island. Other communities include Fomboni, Foumbouni, M'Beni, M'Ramani, Mitsamiouli, Moya, Mutsamudu, and Sima. The currency is the Comoran Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is KMF.
Click here to enlarge the map in a new window. This map is available in a wall-poster size courtesy of Eric Olason at Maps.com.
CHAD is a country in Central Africa. There are 6 bordering countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. Located southeast of Lake Chad and near Cameroon, the capital and most-populated city is N'Djamena. Other cities and communities include Am Timan, Abéché, Aozou, Bol, Ati, Bongor, Doba, Fada, Faya-Largeau, Kélo, Koro Toro, Laï, Massenya, Mongo, Moundou, Pala, Sarh, and Zouar. According to Ethnologue (↗), over 130 languages are used for spoken and written communication throughout the country. French and Standard Arabic are official languages, while the Chadian Arabic dialect is considered a non-official language of common usage. Other major languages with more than 100,000 communicators include Daza (Dazaga), Adamawa Fulfulde, Bagirmi Fulfulde, Bargo (also known as Mabak or Ouaddai), Gor, Hausa, Kanembu, Central Kanuri, Marba, Masana, Mundang, Musey, Naba, Ngambay, Toubouri (Tupuri), and Zaghawa (Zorhaua). The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF.
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Aptly located in the center of Africa, the CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (French: La République Centrafricaine, or Centrafrique) achieved independence from France in 1960. There are 6 bordering countries: Cameroon located to the west, Chad to the north, Republic of the Congo to the southwest, Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, South Sudan to the east, and Sudan to the northeast. The C.A.R. experiences a tropical climate in which winters are dry and hot, while summers are wet and mild or hot. Northeastern regions are typically arid, contrasting the humid tropical rainforests in the southwest. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF. Some of the country’s exports for global trade ↗ include diamonds, gold (small amount), petroleum (small amount), timber, and various crops. Speaking of crops, principal crops grown in the Central African Republic include bananas, cassava (manioc), coffee, corn (maize), cotton, diamonds, millet, tobacco, and yams.
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the C.A.R.’s population in the year 2020 is about 4,830,000 and is ranked 123rd among populations of the whole world’s countries, dependencies, and territories. Major cities of the Central African Republic include the national capital, Bangui, as well as Bambari, Bangassou, Berbérati, Bimo, Bossangoa, Bouar, Bozoum, Bria, Carnot, Kaga Bandoro, Mbaïki, and Nola. Visiting the C.A.R. is not recommended and strongly discouraged due to unfortunate conflicts and violence. Since traveling in the C.A.R. is risky and downright dangerous, it would be better to explore the country virtually and not in person. There are wonderful photographs and details about megalithic stone monuments near Bouar, national parks and reserves (listed below), and various waterfalls (also listed below). Designated due to natural importance, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the C.A.R. are the Manovo-Gounda Saint Floris National Park and Sangha Trinational Park.
The Central African Republic’s official language is French, while Sangho (Sango) is a Ngbandi-based Creole language and is known as a national language. As of 2023, over 80 ethnic indigenous languages are used for communication in the Central African Republic. Examples of these languages are Aka (Yaka), Ali, Arabic, Banda dialects, Birri, Bodo, Bofi, Bokoto, Buraka, Chadian Arabic, Dagba, Dendi, Fulah, Fulfulde Bagirmi, Furu, Ganzi, Gbanu, Gbanziri, Gbaya, Gbaya-Bozoum, Gbayi, Geme, Gula, Gundi, Kaba, Kaba Na, Kako, Kara, Kare, Kpagua, Kpatili, Laka, Langbashe, Lingala, Lutos, Manza, Mbangi, Mbati, Mbay, Mbum, Monzombo, Mpiemo, Ngam, Ngando, Ngbaka (Ngbaka Ma’bo, Ngbaka Manza, etc.), Ngombe, Nzakara, Pana, Pande, Runga, Sango, Sango Riverain, Sara Kaba, Suma, Togbo-Vara Banda, Ukhwejo, Vale, Yakoma, Yulu, and Zande. The C.A.R. is comprised of over 80 ethnic groups, some of which correspond with their namesake languages listed above. Ethnic groups include the Baya (33% of the total population), Banda (25%), Mandjia (13%), Sara (10%), Mboum (7%), M’Baka (4%), Yakoma (4%), Ba’Aka pygmy people, and Ngbandi. About 65% of Central African citizens are believers in Christianity, followed by animist and ethnic beliefs (19%), Islam (14%), and Bahá’í (0.23%).
● ● ● ● ● Land and Water Features ● ● ● ● ● The nation’s highest point is Mont Ngaoui which stands at an elevation of 4,659 feet and 1,420 meters on the border with Cameroon — northwest of the city of Bouar. The majority topography of the C.A.R. is not mountains but rather rolling plateaus with an average altitude of 600 meters and 2,000 feet. Vast savanna land and rainforests are typical landscapes of the C.A.R. Some rivers drain south to the mighty Congo river, while others flow north toward Lake Chad. Some of the dozens of rivers and tributaries winding throughout the country include the Bahr Aouk, Bamingui, Bomu (Mbomou), Chinko, Goro, Kadéï, Kameur, Kotto, Lobaye, Mambéré, Mbari, Ouaka, Ouandjia, Oubangui, Ouham, and Uele. Boali, Elephant Rapids, Mbeko, Mbi, Ngolo, and Touboutou are notable and picturesque waterfalls. Northern Central African Republic contains an assortment of national parks and reserves — many of them having hyphenated names — including Aouk-Aoukale, Bamingui-Bangoran, Gribingui-Bamingui, Konkourou-Bamingui, Nana Barya, Ouandja-Vakaga, Saint-Floris, Vassako-Bolo, and Yata-Ngaya. Dzanga-Ndoki National Park and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve both sit south of the city of Nola in the extreme southern tip of the country, while Zémongo National Park preserves land in the east near South Sudan.
This post was updated with more information in January 2024. GeoFact of the Day’s map of the Central African Republic was designed in August 2020.
Officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde, CABO VERDE (Cape Verde) is a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean in Western Africa. The archipelago is located about 400 miles west of Senegal. Since December 2013, the official name of the country is now known as Cabo Verde, the Portuguese spelling. The former official name was Cape Verde, the English spelling. This for-government-purposes name change reflects the fact that Portuguese is Cabo Verde's official language. Cabo Verde's currency is the Cabo Verdean Escudo, and its ISO 4217 currency code is CVE. Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5th, 1975.
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● According to Encyclopædia Britannica, Cabo Verde’s population in the year 2020 was about 557,400 and was ranked 174th among populations of the whole world’s countries, dependencies, and territories. The country's capital, located on the southern coast of Santiago island, is Praia. Based on previous years' data, GeoFact of the Day Blog estimates Praia's 2016 population to be almost 135,000. Attractions and landmarks in Praia and surrounding areas include the Archaeology Museum, Farol de D. Maria Pia lighthouse on Ponta (Point) Termosa, Mercado de Sucupira street market, Praca Alexandre Albuquerque town square, Prainha Beach, Presidential Palace (Palácio Presidencial), and Quebra Canela Beach. Other cities and towns in Cabo Verde include Igreja, Mindelo, Nova Sintra, Pedra Badejo, Santa Maria, São Filipe, and Tarrafal. About three-fifths of residents live in a city or other urbanized setting.
In addition to Portuguese, a Cabo Verdean Creole language known as Kabuverdianu is widely used for communication. About 500,000 Cabo Verdean citizens (2016 estimate) and a total of about 875,000 people around the world can communicate in Kabuverdianu. Split into the Barlavento (northern islands) and Sotavento (southern islands) dialects, Kabuverdianu is a statutory language of national identity according to the nation's Constitution. Most Cabo Verdean natives are multiracial, often descended from a mix of Caucasian, African, and/or Arab ancestors. Over 90% of Cabo Verdeans identify as Christians (mostly Roman Catholic), and about 3% are Muslims. Cabo Verdeans also believe in indigenous beliefs, the Bahá'í Faith, Judaism, and other minority religions.
● ● ● ● ● Land Features ● ● ● ● ● Major islands include Santiago (largest), Boa Vista, Fogo, Maio, Sal, Santo Antão, and São Vicente. Some small islands and islets — including Ilhéu Branco, Ilhéu de Cima, Ilhéu Grande, Ilhéu Raso, and Santa Luzia — are not inhabited by people. Cabo Verde's highest point is Pico do Fogo ("Fire Peak"), an active stratovolcano towering over the northeastern portion of Fogo island. Most of Cabo Verde's lakes are filled with little to no water, hence they are salt lakes. One salt lake with a reasonable amount of water sits in the Pedra de Lume ("Stone of Fire") crater, located on Sal island (northeastern area). The country lacks major rivers, existing rivers have relatively little water, and some rivers and streams have wide river beds — such as the central river on Boa Vista island.
This post was updated with more information on October 11th, 2016.
Officially known as the République du Cameroun in French, CAMEROON is a French-speaking country located in Western Africa. Cameroon is home to over 24 million residents in 2017. There are 6 bordering countries: Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, and the Republic of the Congo. The capital is Yaoundé. Cameroon features a diverse climate, varying from a semiarid north to the tropical coastal and southern regions. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF. Some of the country’s exports for global trade ↗ include aluminum, bauxite, cassava (manioc), cocoa beans, coffee, cotton, crude oil and petroleum products, grain, iron ore, lumber, oilseeds, okra, rubber, and textiles. Principal crops grown in Cameroon include bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, oilseed, root starches, and various types of grain.
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● According to Encyclopædia Britannica, Cameroon’s population in the year 2020 is about 24,918,000 and is ranked 56th among populations of the whole world’s countries, dependencies, and territories. Highlighted and labeled on the map below, Cameroon’s major cities include Bafoussam, Bamenda, Bertoua, Douala, Ebolowa, Edea, Garoua, Kousséri, Kumba, Loum, Maroua, Meiganga, Mokolo, Ngaoundéré, Nkongsamba, Yagoua, and Yaoundé (national capital). While major cities are labeled on the major cities map, smaller communities with population data are displayed on this map with light orange dots. For example, Ekundukundu — located beside the border with Nigeria in southwestern Cameroon — had only 221 residents in the year 2005.
Notable places and sites of interest all across the country include the Adamawa Plateau in central Cameroon near the towns of Belel and Martap; Chutes de la Lobé waterfalls in the southwest near Akom (on map) and Kribi (not on map); la Dent de Mindif (Mindif Tooth) rocky peak near the communities of Gadjia, Maroua, and Mindif; Espace Doual'art art gallery in Douala; Marché Central (Central Market) and Musée National (National Museum) in Yaoundé; Palais Royal (Royal Palace) in Foumban; and several beaches along the Atlantic coast. Two Cameroonian places of environmental importance are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Dja Faunal Reserve and Sangha Trinational conservation preserve.
As of 2023, over 250 languages belonging to 24 language groups are used for communication in Cameroon. English and French are Cameroon’s official languages. Other languages include but are definitely not limited to Aghem, Akoose, Ambele, Bafia, Bafut, Bakaka, Bakoko, Bamum, Bassa, Bulu, Chadian Arabic, Duala, Eton, Ewondo, Fe’fe’, Fulfulde, Ghomala, Kako, Kom, Mafa, Medumba, Meta’, Ngiemboon, Nso’, Oroko, Psikye, Toupouri, Usaghade, Wandala, Wushi, Yamba, Yemba, and Zulgo-Gemzek. People and ethnic groups of Cameroon include East Nigritic, the Equatorial Bantu, Fulani, Highlanders, Kirdi, and Northwest Bantu. About 57% of Cameroonian citizens are believers in Christianity, followed by animist and ethnic beliefs (23%), Islam (20%), and Bahá’í (0.42%).
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Cameroon’s topography is as varied as its climate. Southern Cameroon features a low coastal plain; central Cameroon is predominantly plateaus; northern Cameroon’s grasslands give way to marshes around Lake Chad, an important and struggling lake located at the tippy top of Cameroon; and western Cameroon is dominated by forested mountains. Cameroon’s highest point, Fako, stands with an elevation of 13,435 feet and 4,095 meters and is located on a volcano, Mount Cameroon. Some resources list the peak elevation as 13,451 feet and 4,100 meters. Nicknamed the “mountain of greatness,” Mt. Cameroon is geographically located in southwestern Cameroon and immediately northwest of Buéa, a city between Boa and Douala. Mount Oku (3,011 meters) is another major peak; it is found in the Bamenda Mountains near the town of Mbem by southeast Nigeria. Prominent peaks in the Mandara Mountains of extreme northern Cameroon include Rhumsiki Peak (1,224 meters) near the towns of Gawar and the namesake Rhumsiki, while Tourou Peak (1,442 meters) is geographically situated near the town of Mora.
Cameroon has over 400 kilometers and 250 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Coastal areas near Nigeria in extreme western Cameroon contain dozens of islands — named and unnamed, habited and uninhabited. Akwabana, Douala Edea, Ewuru, Fiari, Inikoi, Masonjo, Mboza Bombe, Miandjou, and Moukouke are some of the named islands. Various rivers and tributaries throughout Cameroon include the Bek, Bénoué, Boumba, Dja, Faro, Lobé, Logone, Mbam, Ngoko, Ntem, Nyong, Sanaga, and Wouri. The Bakassi and Erong peninsulas are located in the islands’ vicinity. The picturesque Memve’ele Waterfalls are located immediately north of Equatorial Guinea and east of the town of Campo in southwestern Cameroon. Lake Chad is not the only lake within the borders of Cameroon. Other notable lakes include Bamendjing, Lagdo, Mbakaou, and Nyos. The following are national parks and reserves located mostly near the borderlands of Cameroon: Bénoué, Bouba Ndjida, and Waza in the north; Biosphère du Dja, Boumba-Bek, and Lobéké in the southeast; Méfou (Mfou) in south-central Cameroon; Campo-Ma’an in the southwest; and Korup and Takamanda in the west.
This post was updated with more information in December 2023. GeoFact of the Day’s map of Cameroon was designed in June 2020.
Home to about 12 million residents (year 2023 estimate), BURUNDI is a central African country located along the East African Rift zone. There are 3 bordering countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the north, and Tanzania to the east and south. Burundi is north and east of the long and skinny Lake Tanganyika. The currency is the Burundi Franc, and the ISO 4217 currency code is BIF. Burundi’s climate is equatorial and typically includes two wet and two dry seasons, while temperature ranges are stratified depending on altitude. Major food sources and crops include bananas, cassava (manioc), coffee, cotton, maize (corn), sorghum, sweet potatoes, and tea. Some of the country’s exports for global trade ↗ include blankets and textiles, kaolin, limestone, niobium, platinum, rare earth oxides, and vanadium.
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● According to Encyclopædia Britannica, Burundi’s population in the year 2020 is about 12,499,000 and is ranked 76th among populations of the whole world’s countries, dependencies, and territories. At the northeast edge of Lake Tanganyika, Bujumbura is the economic capital and largest city with a population near 500,000 in 2023. Starting in January 2019, the national capital was switched over to Gitega with all or most government functions planning to transition to the central Burundi city. The population of Gitega in 2012 was almost 23,000 then grew to over 162,000 in 2023. Other major Burundian cities with over 100,000 residents include Bugendana, Busoni, Giteranyi, Muyinga, Ngozi, Nyanza-Lac, and Rumonge.
Notable places and sites of interest all across the country include the Burundi French Institute (Institut Français Burundi) in Bujumbura, Chutes de la Karera waterfalls near Gihofi, Geological Museum in Bujumbura, Jardin Public (Public Garden) in Bujumbura, National Museum of Gitega, and Saga Beach near Bujumbura. Places of cultural and natural importance listed on the Tentative List of UNESCO in the year 2007 include Gasumo, a southern source of the Nile; Karera Falls and the Nyakazu Fault; Rwihinda, lake of birds; the Royal Residence of Burundi (Gishora Drumming Palace); and the sacred natural landscapes of Muramvya, Mpotsa, and Nkiko-Mugamba.
Kirundi (Rundi) and French are official languages used for communication; Swahili is another major language. Partly due to a relatively small geographic size, Burundi has relatively few languages compared to several African countries — including Cameroon, Chad, D.R. Congo, Nigeria, and Tanzania — that have over 100. Religions in Burundi include Christianity (especially the Roman Catholic and Anglican Communion denominations), ethnic religions, Islam, Hinduism, and Bahá’í. People and ethnic groups include the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa (Pygmy).
● ● ● ● ● Land and Water Features ● ● ● ● ● The general landscape consists of grassy highlands with mountains towering almost 9,000 feet. Burundi’s highest point is Mount Heha, standing with an elevation of 8,760 feet and 2,670 meters and situated west of Ruko in western Burundi. Other prominent mountains throughout Burundi include Kikizi, Umusozi Twinyoni, Camabari, Mikiko, Nyaruyaga, Karavyi, Gitwe, Rubaribari, Karama, Shaga, Manga, Mutwe, Taba, Nyakibugwe, Musumba, Mugongo, Nyankware, and Rutemba. The major national parks throughout Burundi are Kibira, Rusizi, and Ruvubu.
Burundi features a vast network of rivers and tributaries throughout the whole country. Borderland rivers include Kagera, Kanyaru, Lugusi, Maragarazi, Ruhwa, Rumpungwe (Rumpungu), Rusizi, and Ruvubu. Inland rivers include Kabulantwa, Mpanda, Mubarazi, Mulembwe, Murarangaro, Muyovozi, Ndurumu, Nyamuswaga, Rukoziri, Ruvubu (borderland and inland), and Ruvyironza. The White Nile river’s southernmost source is found in southern Burundi; the other known southernmost source is located in Rwanda. Straddling the Burundian border from the towns of Gatumba (north) and down to Nyanza-Lac (south), Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second-deepest lake. Northeast of the community of Bugabira, Lac Cohoha and Lac Rweru are the two major lakes along the border with Rwanda in northern Burundi — between the towns of Bururi (west) and Bigugo (east).
This post was updated with more information in March 2024. GeoFact of the Day’s map of Burundi was designed in June 2020.
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● With about 2.27 million people (2017), the capital and most-populated city is Ouagadougou. Ouagadougou is considered a primate city in the state because of the following criteria: (1) it is the dominant financial and economic hub of Burkina Faso, and (2) there is not another city rivaling Ouagadougou's population. Other cities in Burkina Faso include Banfora, Bobo Dioulasso, Dédougou, Djibo, Fada-N'Gourma, Garango, Koudougou, Ouahigouya, Pouytenga, Tenkodogo, and Zorgo. Attractions and sites of interest throughout Burkina Faso include the Banfora Falls (Les Cascades de Banfora), Bobo Dioulasso Grand Mosque, Laongo Sculpture Symposium (Ouagadougou), Mare aux Hippopotames (Lake of Hippopotamuses) in Bobo Dioulasso, Nazinga Reserve, Ruins of Loropéni (blog post ↗), and Sindou Peaks (Les Pics de Sindou) in Banfora.
While French is Burkina Faso's only official language used for government purposes, about 70 total languages are spoken throughout the state. According to Ethnologue (↗), the three recognized languages of national identity are Fulfulde (over 1,1870,000 people in B.F.), Jula (over 3,600,000), and Mòoré (over 6,400,000 Mossi people). Other major (and minor) languages and their respective ethnic groups/tribes — populations of communicators are listed in parentheses — include Birifor (110,000), Bisa (400,000), Buamu (270,000), Hausa (500), Koromfé (200,000), Lobi (220,000), Lyélé (215,000), Marka (140,000), Ninkare (25,000), Northern Dagara (250,000), Southern Bobo Madaré (185,000), Téén (2,000), and Zarma (600). About half the population believes in the tenets of Islam, followed by animist ethnic religions (30%), Christianity (almost 20%), and Bahá'í (0.03%). The Burkinabé people (people of Burkina Faso) use the West African CFA Franc (ISO 4217 currency code: XOF) as their currency.
● ● ● ● ● Land Features ● ● ● ● ● The generally flat country sits on a vast plateau and mostly includes grassy savanna land. With an area of about 16,000 km², Sahel Reserve is the country's largest park and the major protector of savanna habitat — the type of ecosystem suitable for large mammals and migratory birds. Three major north-south rivers — Black Volta (Mouhoun), Red Volta (Nazinon), and White Volta (Nakambé) from west to east — cut through the plateau's lateritic iron rock. The continuous savanna landscape transitions into here-and-there forests in southern Burkina Faso, especially south of Bobo Dioulasso city. Protected forestland and other areas of savanna land include the Arli National Park, Deux Bale Forest, Forest of the Mou, Kaboré Tambi National Park, Nakambé Forest, Singou Reserve, Sissili Forest, and W National Park. The transnational W National Park is named after the Niger River's W-shaped meander, located in southwestern Niger.
The lakes of Burkina Faso are certainly not as large as Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, etc. However, several substantial lakes provide crucial water to people and animals. Burkinabé lakes include Bam, Dem, Higa, Kompienga, Oursi, and Tengrela. The country's first dam was constructed in the late 1980s on the southeast end of Lake Kompienga. Located along the Koulpeleogo (Koul Péolgo) river, the Kompienga Dam can generate up to 14 electrical megawatts (MWe) of energy for Ouagadougou and surrounding communities. Generating up to 16 megawatts of electricity, Bagré Dam was completed in the 1990s and later expanded to create a 7,000,000,000 m³ reservoir along the White Volta river. Finally, Burkina Faso's highest point is Mount Tena Kourou (Tenakourou). In the Cascades region of southwestern Burkina Faso near Mali, Tena Kourou stands 749 meters and 2,457 feet tall in elevation.
This post was updated with more information on April 14th, 2017.
The map of Burkina Faso was added on June 13th, 2017.
The Republic of BOTSWANA is a rather vast Southern African country which achieved independence from the United Kingdom in September 1966. The landlocked country is a neighbor to four bordering countries: Namibia in the west, South Africa in the south and southeast, Zambia at a tiny boundary in the north near the town of Kasane, and Zimbabwe in the northeast. The climate of Botswana is typically semiarid with hot summers and warm winters. Botswana’s currency is the Pula, and its ISO 4217 currency code is BWP. Some of the country’s exports for global trade (↗) are beans, copper, diamonds, grain (maize, millet, and sorghum), groundnuts, meat, nickel, soda ash, sunflowers, and textiles.
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● According to Encyclopædia Britannica, Botswana's population in the year 2020 is about 2,383,000 and is ranked 145th among populations of the whole world’s countries, dependencies, and territories. With a population of about 247,000 (year 2022), Gaborone serves as the national capital of Botswana. Other major Botswanan cities include Francistown, Kanye, Mahalapye, Maun, Mochudi, Mogoditshane, Molepolole, Palapye, Selibe Phikwe, and Serowe. Notable places and sites of interest all across the country mostly relate to the natural environment and ecosystems. Some recreational examples include the Caracal Biodiversity Centre in Kasane, Nata Bird Sanctuary, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Gemsbok National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, Kutse Game Reserve, Mabuasehube Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Northern Tuli Game Reserve, and Nxai Pan National Park. The easternmost point of Botswana is an arrowhead-shaped region known as Tuli Block, a “Land of Giants” known for its towering trees, enormous rock formations, and private nature reserves featuring quintessential “zoo animals” like the aardvark, antelope, cheetah, crocodile, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, and zebra.
As of 2022, about 35 languages are used for communication. English is the official language, while Tswana is a native and widely spoken language. Other languages include Afrikaans, ǂ’Amkhoe, ǁAni, Birwa, Chichewa, ǁGana, Gciriku, ǀGwi, Haiǁom, Herero, Juǀ’hoansi (Ju’hoan), Kalanga, Kgalagadi, Khoekhoe, Khoisan (umbrella category for multiple languages), Khwedam, Kua, Kuhane, Kung-Ekoka, Kwangali, Lozi, Mbukushu, Nambya, Naro, Ndebele, Nossob, Setswana, Shua, Sotho (Northern and Southern), Taa (!Xóõ), Tshuwau, Tswapong, Xhosa, Yeyi, Zezuru, and Zulu. Two-thirds (67%) of the Botswanan population have Tswana ethnic heritage. Other ethnic groups among Botswanan people include Afrikaner, Basarwa, Bushman (San), Herero, Kalanga (Western Shona), Kgalagadi (Khalagari or Western Sotho), Khoisan, Mbanderu, Mbukushu, Ndebele, Northern Sotho (Birwa, Tswapong, etc.), Subiya, and Yei. About 64% of Botswanan citizens are Christians, followed by believers in Badimo and other ethnic religions (34%), Bahá’í believers (0.8%), Muslims (0.3%), Hindus (0.14%), and Buddhists (0.06%).
● ● ● ● ● Land and Water Features ● ● ● ● ●
If you ask a Botswana enthusiast to say the country’s most notable landscape feature, a response would likely mention either the Kalahari Desert or Okavango Delta. Both of these contrasting features are part of a Botswanan paradox: while the vast and dry Kalahari Desert in western Botswana encompasses much of the country (80%) and is inapt for the livelihoods of people and animals, the Okavango Delta of northern Botswana is a comparative oasis that many species benefit from. In fact, the Okavango Delta is a relatively rare interior delta that does not flow into an ocean or sea and contains 95% of all the surface water in Botswana! Tourists love the delta region because of the area’s safari opportunities. The delta is listed since 2014 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (↗). While areas near the delta have a greater biodiversity then the desert, the Kalahari Desert provides bush areas and grasslands with suitable habitat and resources for particular organisms. Other notable landscape features are found in Botswana, such as the Mababe Depression east of the delta and south of Chobe National Park, the Moremi Gorge near Serowe in the southeast, and variously sized salt pans — see the last paragraph for a short list and details of Botswana’s major salt pans. Marshes and farmland are predominantly located in northern Botswana, and rolling plains in the east provide grazing land and delicious grass for livestock to eat.
In addition to the Okavango Delta’s UNESCO designation, the Tsodilo Hills of northwestern Botswana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (↗) encompassing “one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world” and is therefore nicknamed the “Louvre of the Desert”! These quite inhospitable surroundings in the Kalahari Desert feature thousands of rock paintings within a small 10 km² (3.9 mi²) area, and archaeology studies make note of contemporaneous human civilization and environmental conditions starting more than 100,000 years ago. Situated in Botswana’s southeastern area and more specifically to the southwest of Gaborone, Monalanong Hill (Manyelanong Hill) is arguably the highest point in Botswana with an estimated height of 1,494 meters and 4,902 feet. Several other high points in southeastern Botswana include Kgale Hill, Otse Hill (1,469 meters and 4,822 feet), and Thamaga Hill. High points in the central area of Botswana include Matuba (1,167 meters and 3,829 feet), Daily's Koppie, Malauwe Koppies, Oppie Koppie, and the Tswapong Hills. High points in the northwestern region include Male Hill and Mount Aha (1,250 meters and 4,100 feet). Other hilly regions include the Aha Hills in the northwest, Chinamba Hills in the northeast, Koanaka Hills in the west, and Kgwebe Hills in north-central Botswana.
There are multiple salt pans, lakes, streams, rivers, and other water features of Botswana. Many of these are in close proximity to the Okavango Delta, while others are hundreds of kilometers/miles away. Most of Botswana’s salt pans sit in the northeast near the circular formation of towns and villages such as Gweta, Kumaga, Mosetse, Nata, Orapa, and Rakops (see map for geographic orientation). Here are four examples of salt pans found in northeastern Botswana: Makgadikgadi, Ntwetwe, Nxai, and Sua. One of the largest lakes in Botswana, Lake Ngami is generally located in northwestern Botswana but specifically south of the Okavango Delta, west of the Kgwebe Hills, and near the towns of Sehithwa and Tsau (Tsao). Lake Xau is another lake, and it is found about 250 kilometers and 155 miles east and slightly southeast of Lake Ngami. Known as the Kwando River in Namibia, the Chobe River flows along the north-central border of Botswana and the southeastern border of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip region. The river is north of Chobe National Park and immediately north of the Linyanti Swamp. The Molopo River forms the southwestern Botswana-South Africa border, while the Nosop River forms the southern border with South Africa. Botletle (Botete), Limpopo, Marico, Motloutse, Ngotwane, Okavango, Shashe, and Thaoge are other rivers flowing in various territories of Botswana. Intermittent rivers include Eiseb, Lotsane, Moselebe, Ncamasere, Okwa, Serurumi, and Xaudum.
This post was updated with more information in November 2022. GeoFact of the Day’s map of Botswana was designed in June 2020.
Officially known as the République du Bénin in the French language, the Republic of BENIN is a geographically slender country in West Africa that achieved independence from France in August 1960. Benin is not landlocked due to its small albeit important access to the Atlantic Ocean. The country is a neighbor to four bordering countries: Burkina Faso towards the northwest, Niger towards the north, Nigeria towards the east, and Togo towards the west. The climate of Benin is typically semiarid in the north and tropical in the south; coastal areas are frequently hot, humid, and rainy. Benin’s currency is the West African CFA Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XOF. Some of the country’s exports for global trade ↗ are cashews, construction materials, cotton, limestone, marble, okra, seafood, shea butter, and textiles. In addition to cashews, cotton, and okra, chief crops grown throughout Benin include beans, cassava, maize (corn), palm oil, peanuts, and yams.
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● According to Encyclopædia Britannica, Benin’s population in the year 2020 is about 12,252,000 and is ranked 79th among populations of the whole world’s countries, dependencies, and territories. With a population of about 267,191 (year 2014) within the city limits and more than one million in the metropolitan area, Porto-Novo serves as the national capital of Benin. Other major Beninese cities include Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi located 12.3 kilometers northwest of Cotonou, Godomey located 10.1 kilometers west of Cotonou, Aplahoué, Bohicon, Djougou, Kandi, Malanville, and Parakou. Notable places and sites of interest all across the country include Agongointo-Zoungoudo Archaeological Park in Bohicon, the Artisanal Center in Cotonou, Fidjrosse Beach, the lake village of Ganvié, La Porte du Non-Retour in Ouidah, the bustling Marche Dantokpa in Cotonou, the mighty Monument Amazone in Cotonou, Musée de la Fondation Zinsou in Ouidah, and Musée en Plein Air (Open-Air Museum) in Parakou. UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated throughout Benin include Koutammakou (Land of the Batammariba), the Royal Palaces of Abomey, and the transnational W-Arly-Pendjari Complex.
As of 2022, over 50 languages are used for communication. French is the official language, and Fon and Yoruba are additional major languages. Other languages include Aguna, Aja, Anii, Anufo, Ayizo Gbe, Baatonum, Bariba, Biali, Boko, Borgu Fulfulde, Ci Gbe, Defi Gbe, Dendi, Ditammari, Ede Cabe, Ede Ica, Ede Idaca, Ede Ije, Ede Nago, Foodo, Gbesi Gbe, Gen (Mina), Gorgal Fulfulde, Goun, Gourmanchéma, Hausa, Ifè, Kabiyè, Kotafon Gbe, Kyanga, Lama, Lukpa, Maxi Gbe, Mbelime, Miyobe, Mokole, Nago (Northern and Southern), Nateni, Ngangam, Notre, Saxwe Gbe, Songhai, Tchumbuli, Tem, Tofin Gbe, Waama, Waci Gbe, Weme Gbe, Xwela Gbe, Xwla Gbe (Eastern and Western), and Yom. Benin is comprised of about 42 ethnic groups, including Adja (Aja), Aizo, Bariba, Dendi, Fon (about 40% of Beninese people), Fulani (Peul), Goun, Holi, Mina, Otammari (Ditamari/Somba), Pilapila, Yoa-Lokpa, and Yoruba (Nagot). About 47% of Beninese citizens are believers in ethnic religions and beliefs, followed by Christians (32%), Muslims (20%), and Bahá’í believers (0.21%).
● ● ● ● ● Land and Water Features ● ● ● ● ● The highest point in Benin is typically considered to be Mont Sokbaro. Not far from Togo, the peak stands 658 meters and 2,159 feet high between the towns of Aledjo-Koura and Bassila in the Atakora Mountains — known in French as the Chaîne de l’Atacora and sometimes called the Togo Mountains. Several other high points in Benin include Soubakpérou (619 meters), Dimansenntari (602 meters), Tanatouta (547 meters), and Koulé Ekou (456 meters). Extending into portions of neighboring Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo, the Sahel is a vast grassland region known for being south of the Sahara Desert. National parks include Pendjari near Burkina Faso and “W” National Park near Burkina Faso and Niger.
Benin has an approximately 121-kilometer and 75-mile coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, specifically the Gulf of Guinea. The Bight of Benin is a smaller bay within the Gulf of Guinea. Navigation from land to the ocean and vice versa is difficult due to Benin’s various sandbanks and sandbars. Several notable rivers connect interior communities of Benin with the coastline. Beginning close to the northern Beninese town of Malanville near the border with Niger, the Alibori River veers westward off from the mighty Niger River situated along the Benin-Niger border. The Alibori then flows past Bembéréké and eventually makes way for the Ouémé River near the town of N’Dali. The Ouémé River then flows toward Lake Nokoué near Cotonou. The Okpara River forms the central section of Benin’s border with Nigeria — flowing past communities such as N’Dali, Parakou, Tchaouru, Kilibo, Kaboua, Okio, Savé, and Djabata before reconnecting with the Ouémé River. Other rivers and tributaries include the Donenga, Gona, Kara, Kouffou, Mekrou, Momongou, Oli, Pendjari, Tami, and Tigou.
This post was updated with more information in December 2023. GeoFact of the Day’s map of Benin was designed in September 2019.
Map scale: 1 centimeter = 151 kilometers and 1 inch = 238 miles
The seventh-largest African country with an area of 1,246,701 km² (481,354 mi²), ANGOLA is a Portuguese-speaking country in Southern Africa, formerly colonized by Portugal until 1975. Angola's independence day is celebrated November 11th every year. There are 4 bordering countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo (northeast of Angola), Republic of the Congo (north), Namibia (south), and Zambia (east). Angola also borders the South Atlantic Ocean on the west coast. Cabinda is a tiny exclave north of Angola, separated from the rest of Angola by a strip of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Angola has eighteen provinces (províncias), and you can find more details with my Angola Provinces post ↗ (March 25, 2015). The Angolan Kwanza (Kz) is the national currency (ISO 4217 currency code: AOA).
● ● ● ● ● People and Places ● ● ● ● ● About 29.8 million residents call Angola their home, a stark contrast compared to Namibia's 2.53 million people (2017 estimates). The provinces of Cuando Cubango (southeast) and Moxico (east) are relatively sparsely populated compared to the other provinces. This is hinted by the distribution of major towns and cities depicted on the GeoFact of the Day map above. Comprising almost two-fifths (40%) of the population, Ovimbundu is the largest ethnic group, followed by Kimbundu (25%) and Bakongo (about 13%). About half of Angolans believe in indigenous beliefs, while others are predominantly Roman Catholics and Protestants. Portuguese is the country's official language. Along the Atlantic coast, the capital is Luanda which has a metropolitan population greater than 6,000,000. Other communities include Benguela, Caxito, Luena, M'Banza Kongo, Namibe, Sumbe, and Uíge.
● ● ● ● ● Land Features ● ● ● ● ● Some rivers flow westward into the Atlantic Ocean, including Bengo, Cunene, Cuanza, Dande, and Mbridge rivers. The mighty Congo River flows less than 60 kilometers and 40 miles westward along the northern border of Zaire Province in "main" Angola — not Cabinda, the exclave to the north. Some eastward-flowing rivers — such as Cuando and Luena — are connected to Zambezi River, which empties into the Indian Ocean. Moxico Province in eastern Angola is near the Zambezi River's source, which is in northern Zambia. Unlike the previously-mentioned east rivers, the Cubango (Okavango) River and Cuito River flow to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. This delta is located in an endorheic basin, meaning the rivers do not flow to a sea or ocean. Instead, river water evaporates in the arid Kalahari Desert region.
Cuando Cubango Province's sparse population results in a perfect setting to protect the environment and animals in national parks. Cuando Cubango's three prominent national parks — Longa-Mavinga, Luengué, and Luiana — are tucked near the country's southeastern triangle. Angola's highest point — Morro de Moco (Mount Moco) — stands above western Huambo Province in western Angola at 2,620 meters (8,596 feet). South of Namibe (Moçâmedes) and Tombua in the South Atlantic Ocean lies the country's largest island, (Ilha do) Tigres, which is typically uninhabited by humans. The sandy, desert-like island located west of the Baía dos Tigres (Bay of Tigers) once was a peninsula and village area. Today, the ghost town is visible due to its abandoned architectural ruins, which includes a steepled church and several bygone shops.
This post was updated on January 10th, 2019, the same day that the map above was uploaded to this blog post.
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GABON is a country along the equator in West Central Africa, below the Bight of Biafra. There are 3 bordering countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Republic of the Congo. The capital is Libreville. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF.
ERITREA is a East African country located in the peninsular Horn of Africa region, west of the Red Sea. There are 3 bordering countries: Djibouti to the southeast, Ethiopia to the south, and Sudan to the west. Eritrea has a population greater than 5.9 million, according to a 2014 estimate. The capital and largest-populated city in Eritrea is Asmara, inhabited by about 1.15 million residents in the metropolitan area with over 560,000 residents in the main city limits. The currency is the Eritrean Nakfa, and its ISO 4217 currency code is ERN.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA is located in West Africa; it is located barely above the Equator, hence its name. This country is also east of the Atlantic Ocean. There are 2 bordering countries: Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the south and east. The capital is Malabo, which lies on Bioko island. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF.
Known as مِصر (Miṣr) in the Arabic language, EGYPT is a well-known, predominantly Muslim country located in North Africa. Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea along its northern coast, and of course this country is known for its ancient history and structural wonders. The pyramids of Egypt are certainly remarkable architectural feats, and the methods in which ancient Egyptians built them were revolutionary and more efficient than ever before. There are 3 bordering countries: Israel located to the east and northeast, Libya to the west, and Sudan to the south. The capital is Cairo, with more than 10 million residents and growing. The currency is the Egyptian Pound, and its ISO 4217 currency code is EGP.
DJIBOUTI is a tiny country located in the Horn of Africa in eastern Africa. There are 3 bordering countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Eritrea is north and northwest of Djibouti, Ethiopia is west and southwest, and Somalia is southeast. Being a seaside country, Djibouti is found near the confluence of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Bab al-Mandab strait connects the Red Sea to the north with the Gulf of Aden to the east; it is located east of northern Djibouti. The Sawabi Islands (Seven Brothers Islands) in the Bab al-Mandab strait are found east of the village Fagal. The eastward-facing "mouth" of Djibouti is the Gulf of Tadjoura, and the Tadjura Trough extends from that gulf eastward to the larger Gulf of Aden. The Gulf of Tadjoura features the Maskali Islands. The capital of Djibouti is aptly named Djibouti! The currency is the Djiboutian Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is DJF.
Achieving independence from France on Monday, August 15th, 1960, REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO is a French-speaking country located in Western Africa. There are 5 bordering countries: Angola (the small exclave of Cabinda), Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo (a much larger country), and Gabon. The country's southwestern area borders the Atlantic Ocean. Located along the Congo River, the capital is Brazzaville. Other cities include Djambala, Gamboma, Kayes, Loubomo, Madingou, Ouesso, Owando, and Pointe-Noire. The currency is the Central African Franc, and its ISO 4217 currency code is XAF.
