Africa is the only black and most populous continent. In spite of the delayed development in Africa, it is still a fascinating continent to visit. There is a lot of known and interesting information, but still there are some unknown facts about Africa that are worth knowing. The following are some 7 Africa facts that will interest you.
9 Interesting & Unknown Africa Facts
1. Africa Is The Second Largest Continent
The continent is the second biggest in the world. It is the second largest both regarding population and land mass. Africa covers nearly a fifth of the total land area of the earth. Its land mass is 11.7 million square miles and covers 6% of the total surface area of the earth.
2. In Africa, Hippos Kill More People Than Crocodiles and Lions
The African hippo is liable for more human deaths in the continent than any other large animal. Male hippos will vigorously defend their territories that often run alongside the river banks. Female hippos can be quite aggressive and protective especially if they anticipate any kind of threat towards their cubs. Cubs usually stay in the water while the mother feeds on the river banks.
3. Africa Is Home To The Human Species
Early humans first migrated out of the continent about 2 million years ago and entered Europe around 1 to 1.5 million years ago. Species of modern humans populated other parts of the world much later. For example, people first came to the Americas within the last 30,000 years or so and in Australia within the last 60,000 years.
4. Africa Is Home To The World’s Largest Desert- The Sahara
The world’s biggest non-polar desert is the Sahara situated in the northern part of Africa. The desert has a surface area of about 3.5 million square miles.
5. Africa Is Home To The Elephant – The Largest Known Mammal
The largest living land mammal in the world is the African elephant, and it can weigh between 6 to 7 tons and is found in Africa. The Male African elephant stands at 10 to 13 feet in height at the shoulder while the female African elephant stands at 7 to 9 feet in height. You will typically find African elephants in Eastern, West, and Southern Africa.
6. Africa Is Home To Lake Victoria – One Of The Wonders Of The World
Africa is a continent blessed with numerous natural wonders and fantastic tourist destinations, and Lake Victoria is one of them. The lake is the largest in Africa and the second-biggest freshwater lake in the world. It covers an area of 26,830 square miles and regarding area it contains the largest sheet of falling water.
7. The Nile – The Longest River In The World Is Found In Africa
The longest river in the world is the Nile measuring about 4,160 miles in length. Even though the river is mostly associated with Egypt, only 22% of the river’s course actually runs through the country. The rest of the Nile flows through Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The banks of the river Nile saw the origin of one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
8. Africa Is Origin To A Quarter Of The Languages and Makes Up 15% Of The World’s Population
Africa is home to about 1 billion people, which is roughly 15% of the people of the world. Due to the population explosion and low life expectancy rates on the continent, youth below 30 years of age makes up most of the population. The diversity of Africa supports over 1,500 different languages that represent a quarter of the languages spoken in the world.
9. Lake Assal Is The Lowest Point In Africa
Lake Assal is the lowest point in Africa. It is situated in central-eastern Djibouti in the Tadjoura Region in the western end of Gulf of Tadjoura, at the top of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Assal is a crater lake and lies 155 meters below sea level. Lake Assal is the largest salt reserve in the world.
Conclusion
Africa is a continent rich in culture, sights, and wonders of the world. Now that you have learned some new Africa facts why don’t you share them with someone who might not know all this about Africa?