Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent with 55 sovereign states, including Madagascar and various island groups, with a total population exceeding 1 billion. Africa's largest country is Algeria, and its smallest country is the Seychelles, an archipelago off the east coast. The smallest nation on the continental mainland is Gambia.
Africa was the birthplace of the human species between 8 million and 5 million years ago. Today, the vast majority of its inhabitants are of indigenous origin. People across the continent are remarkably diverse by just about any measure: They speak a vast number of different languages, practice hundreds of distinct religions, live in a variety of types of dwellings, and engage in a wide range of economic activities. Africa is therefore a very diverse continent, with each country, or even each part of a country having its own unique culture.
Over the centuries, peoples from other parts of the world have migrated to Africa and settled there. Historically, Arabs have been the most numerous immigrants. Starting in the 7th century ad, they crossed into North Africa from the Middle East, bringing the religion of Islam with them. A later movement of Arabs into East and Central Africa occurred in the 19th century. Europeans first settled in Africa in the mid-17th century near the Cape of Good Hope, at the southern end of the continent. More Europeans immigrated during the subsequent colonial period, particularly to present-day South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Algeria. South Asians also arrived during colonial times.
For tourist traveling to Africa there are many options. Among the most popular countries to visit are Egypt and South Africa, but Kenya, Tanzania and some of the island nations such as Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles are also very popular destinations. In Northern Africa, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia offer some very popular seaside resorts along the Mediterranean Coast. The more adventurous traveler will not find it difficult to find many other exotic, interesting and exiting destinations in Africa. |
