AFRICA AS ONE COUNTRY

Africa as a continent. Africa is a continent of 54 different countries spread over five regions - central, east, north, south and west . Travelling around Africa, you will notice that the people are different in each region, You will also notice that within each country, there are many ethnic group living together. Each ethnic group practices their own traditions and customs. Some people think Africa is one country because they are more familiar with "Africa" than the name of individual countries in Africa. furthermore, you will be able to identify similarities and differences between them. ETHNIC GROUPS Although there are 54 countries in Africa today, it is important to understand that Africans are first and foremost members of an ethnic group. This was the case before Africa was colonised by Europe. It was the leaders of Belgium 🇧🇪, Britain 🇬🇧, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪 , Italy 🇮🇹, Portugal 🇵🇹, and Spain 🇪🇸 who divide Africa into different countries.

Prior to that, African society was built around ethnic group s. People did not consider themselves as citizens or countries but members of ethnic groups who were ruled by emperors, Kings and Queens. Thought out the ages, different powerful Empires and Kingdom ruled different parts of the land.

Example are

GHANA EMPIRES

The Ghana empire ( 6th - 11th century in what is now the northern part of Senegal, southern part of Mauritania and western part of Mali)

The Ghana Empire, also known as the Wagadou Empire, was a powerful and influential West African state that existed from around the 6th to the 13th century. Despite its name, the Ghana Empire was located in what is now southeastern Mauritania and western Mali, rather than the modern country of Ghana. The name "Ghana" means "warrior king," and it was the title given to the ruler of the empire.

GREAT ZIMBABWE EMPIRE

The Great Zimbabwe Empire (11th - 15th century is what is now the southern part of Zimbabwe )

The Great Zimbabwe Empire was a prominent civilization. in Southern Africa that flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries. It is best known for the impressive stone ruins known as Great Zimbabwe, located near the modern-day town of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. These ruins are the largest and most significant precolonial structures in sub-Saharan Africa.

MALI EMPIRE

The Mali empire ( 13th - 17th century in part of the presentday Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania andNiger )

The Mali Empire was one of the greatest and most influential empires in West Africa, flourishing from the 13th to the 16th century. At its height, the empire was a powerful cultural, economic, and military force, stretching across vast territories that now include parts of modern-day Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, and Mauritania. The Mali Empire is particularly famous for its wealth, its sophisticated system of governance, and its role in the spread of Islam in West Africa

SONGHAI EMPIRES

The Songhai empire ( 15th - 16th century in partof the presentday Mali, Niger, Nigeria )

The Songhai Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in West African history, flourishing during the 15th and 16th centuries. It succeeded the Mali Empire as the dominant force in the region and became known for its military prowess, sophisticated administration, and promotion of Islamic culture and education.

KINDOOM OF AKSUM

The Kingdom of Aksum ( 3rd - 6th century in the present day Ethiopia, Eritrea and part of Sudan )

The Kingdom of Aksum, also known as the Aksumite Empire, was a powerful and influential ancient kingdom in East Africa. It flourished from around 100 CE to the 7th century CE, primarily located in what is now northern Ethiopia and Eritrea. Aksum is considered one of the great civilizations of the ancient world, known for its advanced culture, trade networks, and early adoption of Christianity.

KINGDOM OF KONGO

The Kingdom of Kongo ( 14th - 19th century in what is now called AngolaandCentral Republic ofAfrica )

The Kingdom of Kongo was a powerful and influential kingdom located in Central Africa, primarily in what is now northern Angola, the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and parts of Gabon. The kingdom flourished from the 14th century until the late 19th century and played a significant role in the history of Central Africa, particularly in its interactions with European powers.

KINGDOM OF KUSH

The Kingdom of Kush ( in what is now Sudan from 1069bce to 3rd century )

The Kingdom of Kush was an ancient African civilization that thrived along the Nile River in what is now Sudan, from around 1070 BCE to 350 CE. It was one of the earliest and most powerful kingdoms in Africa, known for its rich culture, military prowess, and interactions with ancient Egypt. The Kingdom of Kush is also recognized for its impressive contributions to architecture, art, and its role in the spread of ironworking in Africa.

Thus although there are now 54 countries in Africa, ethnicity is key to defining who an Africa is, There are four major ethnic groups; Afro-Asiatic Khoisan Niger=Congo Nilo=saharan

Africa is the second-largest and second-most-populous continent in the world, comprising 54 recognized sovereign states. It is a continent of remarkable diversity, with over 1.3 billion people speaking more than 2,000 languages. Africa is often viewed as a single entity due to its shared historical experiences, such as colonization and the struggle for independence, as well as its shared challenges like poverty, health crises, and underdevelopment.

However, Africa is incredibly diverse in terms of culture, geography, religion, and political systems. The continent is home to various ecosystems, from deserts like the Sahara to rainforests in Central Africa, and diverse cultural traditions and practices.

Economically, Africa is rich in natural resources, including oil, minerals, and arable land. However, these resources have often been exploited under systems that do not benefit the majority of the population, leading to persistent economic challenges. In recent years, there has been a push for greater economic integration among African nations, exemplified by initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent.

Africa also has a growing youth population, which presents both challenges and opportunities. With the right investments in education and infrastructure, this demographic could drive significant economic growth.

In international relations, African countries often work together through organizations like the African Union (AU) to address common issues and represent the continent's interests on the global stage. Despite the challenges, Africa is a continent of immense potential, with a rich history and a promising future.