Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, covering approximately 30 million square kilometers, or 20% of the Earth’s land area. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Indian Ocean to the east, and the Red Sea to the northeast. Africa is known for its diverse landscape, including vast deserts, lush rainforests, savannas, and mountain ranges.
Countries of Africa
There are 54 recognized countries in Africa, each with its unique history, culture, and geography. Here is a list of all the countries in Africa, organized by region:
North Africa:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Western Sahara
West Africa:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (British Overseas Territory)
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Central Africa:
- Angola
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Congo-Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Sao Tome and Principe
East Africa:
- Burundi
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mayotte (French Overseas Department)
- Mozambique
- Réunion (French Overseas Department)
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Southern Africa:
- Botswana
- Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- South Africa
Detailed description of each country in North Africa:
Algeria: Located in the northern part of the continent, Algeria is the largest country in Africa, covering an area of over 2.3 million square kilometers. The country is home to diverse landscapes ranging from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The capital city, Algiers, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. Algeria is also known for its vibrant music scene and delicious cuisine.
Egypt: Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, dating back to the pharaohs and ancient pyramids. Located in the northeastern part of Africa, Egypt is known for its rich history, culture, and landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Nile River. The country is also home to bustling cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, as well as beautiful coastal resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh.
Libya: Situated in the Maghreb region of North Africa, Libya is a country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. The capital city, Tripoli, is a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, while other cities like Benghazi offer a glimpse into Libya’s ancient past. The country is also home to breathtaking landscapes such as the Sahara Desert and the Green Mountains.
Morocco: Morocco is a diverse country with a rich history and culture, located in the northwestern part of Africa. The country is known for its vibrant cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat, as well as its stunning natural landscapes such as the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast. Morocco is also famous for its delicious cuisine and vibrant music scene.
Sudan: Located in the northeastern part of Africa, Sudan is the third-largest country on the continent and is home to diverse cultures, religions, and languages. The country is known for its ancient history, with notable landmarks such as the pyramids of Meroe and the ancient city of Naga. Sudan is also home to the Nile River, one of the longest rivers in the world, and the beautiful Red Sea coastline.
Tunisia: Situated in the Maghreb region of North Africa, Tunisia is a country with a rich history and culture. The capital city, Tunis, is a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, while other cities like Sousse and Monastir offer beautiful Mediterranean beaches and a glimpse into Tunisia’s ancient past. The country is also home to stunning natural landscapes such as the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the stunning blue and white buildings in the town of Sidi Bou Said.
These are descriptions for each of the countries in West Africa:
Benin: Benin is a small country located in West Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The country’s economy is primarily agricultural, with crops such as cotton, palm oil, and yams being major exports. Benin is also known for its vibrant culture, including traditional Vodun religion, music, and festivals.
Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered by Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the south-east, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d’Ivoire to the south-west. The country is primarily agricultural, with subsistence farming being the main economic activity. Burkina Faso is also known for its rich culture, including music, dance, and traditional crafts.
Cape Verde: Cape Verde is an island nation located off the coast of West Africa, consisting of 10 volcanic islands and 5 islets. The country’s economy is primarily based on tourism and fishing, with its tropical climate and beautiful beaches attracting visitors from all over the world. Cape Verde is also known for its music, including the popular genre of morna, as well as its unique blend of African and Portuguese influences.
Côte d’Ivoire: Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Guinea and Liberia to the west, Mali and Burkina Faso to the north, Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The country’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, industry, and services all playing important roles. Côte d’Ivoire is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and art.
The Gambia: The Gambia is a small country located in West Africa, surrounded by Senegal on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with peanuts, rice, and cotton being major crops. The Gambia is also known for its vibrant culture, including traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
Ghana: Ghana is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The country’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, mining, and services all playing important roles. Ghana is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and festivals such as the colorful Homowo festival.
Guinea: Guinea is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Guinea-Bissau and Senegal to the north, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire to the east, Liberia and Sierra Leone to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and mining, with bauxite, iron ore, and gold being major exports. Guinea is also known for its vibrant culture, including traditional music, dance, and art.
Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau is a small country located in West Africa, bordered by Senegal to the north, Guinea to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing, with cashew nuts and fish being major exports. Guinea-Bissau is also known for its unique blend of African and Portuguese influences, including its music, dance, and cuisine.
Liberia: Liberia is a West African country bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a diverse population of over 16 ethnic groups, with the Kpelle being the largest group. English is the official language, and the majority of the population practices Christianity or Islam. The country has a long history of political instability, including a civil war that lasted from 1989 to 2003. The economy is largely based on agriculture, particularly rubber and palm oil production, as well as mining.
Mali: Mali is located in West Africa and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, art, and literature. The country’s economy is based on agriculture and mining, and it has faced significant challenges in terms of political instability and security threats. Mali was once the center of the powerful Mali Empire, which had a significant impact on West African history and culture.
Niger: Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa, known for its diverse ethnic groups and rich cultural heritage. The country’s economy is based on agriculture and mining, and it has made progress in reducing poverty in recent years. Niger has faced significant challenges in terms of political instability, security threats, and environmental issues, including desertification and drought.
Nigeria: Nigeria is located in West Africa and is the most populous country in Africa. It has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of African, Arab, and European influences. Nigeria is known for its vibrant music scene, Nollywood film industry, and diverse cuisine. The country’s economy is based on oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing, and it has made significant progress in reducing poverty in recent years. However, Nigeria has faced challenges related to political instability, security threats, and corruption.
Senegal: Senegal is located in West Africa and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It has a diverse culture, with a mix of African, Arab, and European influences. Senegal is known for its vibrant music and dance scene, as well as its cuisine, which includes dishes such as thieboudienne and yassa. The country’s economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and mining, and it has made significant strides in improving its infrastructure and reducing poverty in recent years.
Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone is a coastal West African country known for its stunning natural scenery and diverse culture. Its capital and largest city is Freetown. Sierra Leone’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, mineral resources, and tourism. However, the country has faced significant challenges, including a decade-long civil war, which ended in 2002. The country is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture, and traditions.
Togo: Togo is a small West African country situated between Ghana and Benin, with a population of around 8 million people. The country has a diverse geography, including mountains, forests, and coastline. Its economy is largely agricultural, with crops such as coffee, cocoa, and cotton being major exports. Togo is also known for its vibrant music scene and traditional festivals.
Here is a detailed description of each country in Central Africa:
Cameroon – Located on the Gulf of Guinea, Cameroon is known for its diverse geography, which includes beaches, rainforests, and mountains. The country is home to over 250 different ethnic groups and has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance.
Central African Republic – Bordered by Chad, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic is a landlocked country known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, gorillas, and hippos. The country has a tumultuous political history, with frequent coups and unrest.
Chad – Another landlocked country in Central Africa, Chad is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups and languages. The country is known for its Saharan landscape, which includes desert, mountains, and oases, and has a significant population of nomadic people.
Congo – Also known as the Republic of Congo, this country is located on the western coast of Central Africa and is known for its tropical rainforests and diverse wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants. The country has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance.
Democratic Republic of the Congo – The largest country in Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is known for its vast rainforests, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bonobos, gorillas, and forest elephants. The country has a tumultuous political history, with ongoing conflicts and instability.
Equatorial Guinea – Located on the western coast of Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea is a small, oil-rich country known for its pristine beaches and tropical rainforests. The country is one of the wealthiest in the region, but is also known for its authoritarian government.
Gabon – Known for its stunning natural beauty, Gabon is home to vast tropical rainforests, savannas, and a long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The country is known for its diverse wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants, and has a rich cultural heritage.
Here are detailed descriptions of each country in East Africa:
Burundi: Located in the heart of Africa, Burundi is a landlocked country bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its capital and largest city is Bujumbura. Burundi is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mountains, forests, and lakes. However, the country has also experienced political turmoil, civil war, and ethnic conflicts, leading to poverty and limited economic development.
Djibouti: Located in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is a small country bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, with the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden on either side. Its capital and largest city is Djibouti City. Djibouti is known for its strategic location and serves as a gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The country also hosts several foreign military bases, including those of the United States, France, and China.
Eritrea: Located in the Horn of Africa, Eritrea is a small country bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, with the Red Sea on its eastern coast. Its capital and largest city is Asmara. Eritrea is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Danakil Depression, the Dahlak Archipelago, and the coastal plains. However, the country has also experienced political repression, limited press freedom, and border disputes with neighboring countries.
Ethiopia: Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is a large country bordered by Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, and Djibouti. Its capital and largest city is Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the ancient city of Aksum, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the birthplace of coffee. The country is also home to the Rift Valley, a region of great natural beauty and biodiversity.
Kenya: Located in East Africa, Kenya is a large country bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, with the Indian Ocean on its eastern coast. Its capital and largest city is Nairobi. Kenya is known for its wildlife and safari parks, including the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Parks. The country is also a hub for technology and innovation, with a vibrant startup ecosystem and a growing middle class.
Rwanda: Located in Central Africa, Rwanda is a small country bordered by Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its capital and largest city is Kigali. Rwanda is known for its remarkable recovery from the 1994 genocide, with a focus on economic development, good governance, and environmental sustainability. The country is also home to the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains and the beautiful Lake Kivu.
Somalia: Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia is a large country bordered by Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, with the Indian Ocean on its eastern coast. Its capital and largest city is Mogadishu. Somalia has experienced decades of political instability, civil war, and insecurity, leading to a humanitarian crisis and limited economic development. However, the country is also known for its rich cultural heritage, including the ancient city of Harar and the nomadic pastoralism of its people.
South Sudan: Located in East-Central Africa, South Sudan is a young country bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its capital and largest city is Juba. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after years of civil war, but has since experienced political instability, ethnic conflicts, and humanitarian crises.
Tanzania: Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is home to several famous natural reserves, such as the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country has a population of around 60 million people, with the majority speaking Swahili and English. The largest city and commercial capital is Dar es Salaam, while Dodoma is the political capital. Tanzania has a varied economy, with agriculture being the mainstay, along with mining, fishing, and tourism.
Uganda: Uganda is a country located in East-Central Africa, bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country has a population of around 44 million people, with English and Swahili being the official languages. The capital and largest city is Kampala. Uganda has a varied economy, with agriculture being the mainstay, along with mining, tourism, and services. The country is known for its natural beauty, including the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is home to mountain gorillas.
Zambia: Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa and is known for its rich copper deposits. The country has a population of over 18 million people and is home to over 70 ethnic groups. English is the official language, but many Zambians also speak Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga. Zambia’s economy is based mainly on copper mining, but the country has also made progress in developing its agriculture and tourism industries. The country faces challenges related to poverty, healthcare, and education, but has made progress in recent years.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa and is known for its diverse wildlife and the Victoria Falls. The country has a population of over 14 million people and is home to over 16 ethnic groups. English, Shona, and Ndebele are the official languages. Zimbabwe’s economy has faced challenges in recent years, including hyperinflation and political instability. The country’s main exports are tobacco, gold, and diamonds, and there is potential for growth in the country’s tourism industry. Zimbabwe faces challenges related to poverty, healthcare, and education, but has made progress in reducing poverty levels in recent years.
Comoros: Comoros is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa. It is made up of three main islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from African, Arab, and French traditions. Comoros is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and volcanic mountains. The economy is largely based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
Madagascar: Madagascar is an island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth-largest island in the world and is known for its unique flora and fauna, including lemurs and baobab trees. The country has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from African, Asian, and European traditions. Madagascar’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with exports of vanilla, cloves, and other spices.
Malawi: Malawi is a landlocked country in southeastern Africa. It is known for its scenic landscapes, including Lake Malawi, the third-largest lake in Africa. Malawi’s culture is a mix of African and European influences, with traditional dance and music playing a significant role in the country’s cultural heritage. The economy is largely based on agriculture, with tobacco, tea, and sugar being major exports.
Mauritius: Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and lush forests. The country has a diverse cultural heritage, with influences from Indian, African, and European traditions. Mauritius is a developed economy, with a thriving tourism industry and a strong financial sector.
Mayotte (French Overseas Department): Mayotte is an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa. It is made up of two main islands and several smaller ones. Mayotte’s culture is a mix of African, Indian, and French influences. The economy is largely based on agriculture and fishing, with tourism also playing a growing role.
Mozambique: Mozambique is a country located on the southeastern coast of Africa. It is known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife reserves, and national parks. Mozambique’s culture is a blend of African, Arab, and Portuguese influences. The economy is largely based on agriculture, with exports of cashew nuts, cotton, and sugar being major sources of income.
Réunion (French Overseas Department): Réunion is an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and volcanic mountains. Réunion’s culture is a blend of African, Indian, and French influences. The economy is largely based on agriculture, with sugar, vanilla, and rum being major exports.
Seychelles: Seychelles is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of mainland Africa. It is known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and rare wildlife. Seychelles’ culture is a blend of African, Indian, and European influences. The economy is largely based on tourism and fishing, with a growing financial services sector.
Here are detailed descriptions of each country in South Africa:
Botswana: Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Its landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which is one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Botswana is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes, and is home to several national parks and game reserves. The country has a relatively stable political environment and a growing economy based on mining, tourism, and agriculture.
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland): Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the west and Mozambique to the east. It has a diverse landscape that ranges from mountainous to savanna and is known for its wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinoceros. Eswatini is a monarchy and has a traditional culture that is still very much alive, with the majority of the population speaking the Swazi language. The country has a developing economy based on agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Lesotho: Lesotho is a landlocked country in southern Africa, completely surrounded by South Africa. It is known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” because of its high altitude, with its lowest point being 1,400 meters above sea level. Lesotho is a mountainous country with a temperate climate and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Maloti Mountains and the Maletsunyane Falls. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with the majority of the population speaking Sesotho. Its economy is largely based on agriculture and textile manufacturing.
Namibia: Namibia is a country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south and east, Botswana to the east, Angola to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It has a diverse landscape that includes the Namib Desert, the Kalahari Desert, and the Fish River Canyon, which is one of the largest canyons in the world. Namibia is known for its wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants, lions, and cheetahs, and is home to several national parks and game reserves. The country has a developing economy based on mining, tourism, and agriculture.
South Africa: South Africa is a country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, with coastlines on both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It has a diverse landscape that ranges from beaches to mountains to savanna, and is known for its abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinoceros. South Africa is a multicultural country with 11 official languages and a rich cultural heritage that is influenced by its history of colonialism and apartheid. Its economy is the most developed in Africa, with a mix of industries including mining, manufacturing, and services.