• Unit 7: Sub-Saharan Africa

    Sub-Saharan Africa includes the countries south of the Sahara Desert, and many of the countries in the African Transition Zone. This area is further broken down into the regions of Central, East, West, and Southern Africa. The Horn of Africa is at the eastern end of the African Transition Zone, which we include in the region of East Africa. Maps vary in terms of which countries are included in each region, but this geographic breakdown will help us identify the locations and characteristics of the countries in this region. Madagascar is a large island off the southeastern coast of Africa, and is usually not included with the other regions since its geographic qualities and biodiversity are very different from the mainland.

    We will begin our look at Sub-Saharan Africa with an analysis of its physical characteristics. We will then see which kingdoms and empires shaped its culture and people, and review look at how colonialism affected the region. As our journey through the regions of the world has shown, we cannot escape the cultural, political, and economic impact of European colonialism, no matter where we go.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • identify the basic physical geography of Sub-Saharan Africa;
      • identify the countries within Sub-Saharan Africa;
      • identify and explain the African Transition Zone;
      • explain the impact of European colonialism in Africa and the significance of the Berlin Conference;
      • explain how countries have transitioned from colonies to independent nations;
      • explain the relationship between family size, urbanization rates, and income levels;
      • describe the diversity of languages and religions in Sub-Saharan Africa;
      • explain the origins of some of the lingua francas of Sub-Saharan Africa;
      • identify the geographical pattern of HIV infections in Sub-Saharan Africa;
      • summarize the main geographic aspects of each country in West Africa;
      • compare and contrast mainland Africa and Madagascar; and
      • discuss the effect of apartheid on South Africa, both culturally and economically.

    • MapCheck: Sub-Saharan Africa

    • 7.1: Introducing Sub-Saharan Africa

      • Introducing the Realm: Sub-Saharan Africa URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the nations of Sub-Saharan Africa, including the African Transition Zone. It also explores how early kingdoms flourished in Sub-Saharan Africa before to the colonial era, analyzes the effects of European colonialism in Africa, and discusses the significance of the Berlin Conference.

      • The Powerful Stories That Shaped Africa Page

        Watch this video, which gives a sweeping history of Africa and explores an ancient city whose origins and advanced architecture continue to confound archeologists. It also discusses Mansa Musa, the ruler of the Mali Empire whose vast wealth built the legendary libraries of Timbuktu.

      • Geoinquiry: Africa's Bounty and Borders File

        In this exercise, you will study the reasons for European colonization in Africa. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.

      • Geoinquiry: African Independence File

        In this exercise, you will explore the chronology of African independence. Follow the instructions and answer the questions in this document.

    • 7.2: Human Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa

      • Human Geography of Subsaharan Africa URL

        This section analyzes the human geography of Sub-Saharan Africa and explores the relationship among family size, urbanization rates, and income levels. It also covers the diversity of languages and religions in the region, identifies areas that have experienced recent civil war and political conflict, studies the geographical pattern of HIV infection, and discusses why it is difficult to contain and prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.

      • The Age-Old Sharing Economies of Africa and Why We Should Scale Them Page

        Measuring job growth in the Africa has geographic significance. Watch this video, which discusses Africa's sharing economy.

      • How Farming Could Employ Africa's Young Workforce Page

        Watch this video, which discusses how opportunities in agriculture could employ Africa's young workforce and help build peace.

    • 7.3: West Africa

      • West Africa URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the nations of West Africa. It also explores how family size and economic activities in the region relate to its population growth.

      • A Tour of Nollywood, Nigeria's Booming Film Industry Page

        Watch this video, which describes Nigeria's film industry.

      • Filming Democracy in Ghana Page

        Watch this video, which discusses lessons about democracy learned from filming the 2008 elections in Ghana.

    • 7.4: Central Africa

      • Central Africa URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the nations of Central Africa, discusses the role of women in the region, and outlines some of the region's major conflicts.

    • 7.5: East Africa

      • East Africa URL

        This section introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the nations of East Africa, including Somalia. It also explores the region's vibrant ecosystem.

    • 7.6: Southern Africa

      • Southern Africa URL

        This section  introduces the physical, cultural, and economic characteristics of the nations of Sub-Saharan Africa. It also explores the role that ethnicity plays in the region's politics, and analyzes apartheid's cultural and economic effect on South Africa.