Chapter 19Chapter 19

Human Geography Human Geography

of Africaof Africa

►East Africa-East Africa- “Cradle of Humanity”, “Cradle of Humanity”, because of the number of prehistoric because of the number of prehistoric human remains found in the region.human remains found in the region.

►HominidsHominids- humans that walk upright.- humans that walk upright.

East AfricaEast Africa

►Scientists believe that the world’s first Scientists believe that the world’s first humans lived in this area.humans lived in this area.

ColonizationColonization► In the 1800s European nations wanted In the 1800s European nations wanted

to colonize and control parts of Africa to colonize and control parts of Africa to obtain the raw materials/resources.to obtain the raw materials/resources.

►Berlin Conference-Berlin Conference- was setup to was setup to divide Africa peacefully.divide Africa peacefully.

►Europe’s division of Africa is often cited Europe’s division of Africa is often cited as one of the root causes of the as one of the root causes of the political violence and ethnic conflicts in political violence and ethnic conflicts in Africa in the 20Africa in the 20thth century. century.

East African EconomiesEast African Economies

►Farming and tourism (wildlife parks) Farming and tourism (wildlife parks) are the foundation of East Africa’s are the foundation of East Africa’s economy.economy.

►More than 160 different ethnic groups More than 160 different ethnic groups live in this region.live in this region.

Health Care in AfricaHealth Care in Africa

►AIDS is the most critical health AIDS is the most critical health problem in the region. It began to problem in the region. It began to spread in the 1980s and 1990s. spread in the 1980s and 1990s.

North AfricaNorth Africa

►During the Middle Kingdom, Egyptian During the Middle Kingdom, Egyptian god-kings, called Pharaohs, ruled god-kings, called Pharaohs, ruled Egypt. Egypt.

►Pyramids were built to house the Pyramids were built to house the Pharaohs remains after they died, Pharaohs remains after they died, because it was believed that they because it was believed that they ruled after death. ruled after death.

EgyptiansEgyptians

►Pioneered geometry.Pioneered geometry.►Famous for their medicine.Famous for their medicine.►Trade and travel along the Nile River, Trade and travel along the Nile River,

Mediterranean and Red Sea help Mediterranean and Red Sea help spread these concepts.spread these concepts.

ReligionReligion

► Islam is the main religion of most Islam is the main religion of most North African countries. North African countries.

► It is based on the teaching of the It is based on the teaching of the prophet Muhammad.prophet Muhammad.

Economy of North AfricaEconomy of North Africa

►Early in history it was based on Early in history it was based on agriculture- Cash crops and mining. agriculture- Cash crops and mining. (Nile River)(Nile River)

►Centered around oil today.Centered around oil today.

Central Africa

European first began their African colonization in Central Africa.

Belgians and French colonized Central Africa

The slave trade occurred because Europeans wanted slaves for their plantation in the Americas.

King Leopold II

King of Belgium Wanted to develop Central Africa Paved way for the Berlin Conference Used forced labor to gather rubber, palm

oil, ivory and other resources

Borders set by Europeans; disrupted long-standing systems of government in Africa, did not consider ethnic regions and grouped traditional enemies together.

Today Central Africa is still struggling to get on it’s feet. Most leaders have been corrupt.

Education

Great hope is being placed to get education as a main priority of the region.

Problems: Few teachers, high drop out rate and a shortage of secondary schools.

Through education they hope to slow the spread of AIDS, the Ebola virus, cholera and other diseases.

South Africa and Botswana

What resources provided an economic basis for South Africa and Botswana?

How do the two countries compare today in terms of social divisions and distribution?

What might help both countries achieve greater economic growth?