Africa occupies a fifth of the land on our planet - more than 30 million square kilometers. It is the second largest continent after Eurasia. There are 54 states on the mainland and adjacent islands, as well as dependent territories, where about a billion people live.
Decolonization and independence
Until the middle of the 20th century, most African countries were European colonies, mainly French and British. These states began to gain independence only after World War II - in the 50-60s of the last century, when a powerful anti-colonial movement began. Previously, South Africa (from 1910), Ethiopia (from 1941) and Liberia (from 1941) had the status of free countries.
In 1960, 17 states gained independence, so it was declared the Year of Africa. In the process of decolonization, a number of African countries changed their borders and names. Part of the territory of Africa, primarily insular, still remains dependent. Also, the status of Western Sahara has not been determined.
African countries today
The largest African state in terms of area today is Algeria (2,381,740 km²), in terms of population - Nigeria (167 million people).
Previously, the largest state in Africa was Sudan (2,505,810 km²). But after South Sudan separated from it on July 9, 2011, its territory decreased to 1,861,484 km².
The smallest country is Seychelles (455, 3 km²).
Previously, the largest state in Africa was Sudan (2,505,810 km²). But after South Sudan separated from it on July 9, 2011, its territory decreased to 1,861,484 km².
Today, all 54 independent African states are members of the UN and the African Union. The latter was founded on July 11, 2000 and became the legal successor of the Organization of African Unity.
The Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established on May 25, 1963. The leaders of 30 of the 32 independent states at that time signed the corresponding charter with the aim of socio-economic and political cooperation.
The Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established on May 25, 1963. The leaders of 30 of the 32 independent states at that time signed the corresponding charter with the aim of socio-economic and political cooperation.
Despite the newfound freedom and independence, mainly rich natural resources and a favorable climate, in most of Africa, the standard of living is low, the population suffers from poverty, and often hunger, as well as various diseases and epidemics. In addition, a turbulent situation persists in many of them, military conflicts and internecine wars break out.
At the same time, a high rate of natural population growth has been recorded in African countries. In a number of states, it exceeds 30 people per 1000 inhabitants per year. As of 2013, the number of inhabitants of African countries has reached 1 billion 033 million people.
The population is represented mainly by two races: Negroid and Caucasian (Arabs, Boers and Anglo-African). The most common languages are English, French and Arabic, as well as a large number of African dialects.
At present, in the African states, the colonial structure of the economy is preserved, in which consumer agriculture predominates, while industry and transport are underdeveloped.
