Africa has eight major physical regions: the Sahara , the Sahel, the Ethiopian Highlands, the savanna, the Swahili Coast, the rain forest, the African Great Lakes, and Southern Africa.
What landform covers most of West Africa?
AFRICA’S PLATEAU
A huge plateau covers most of Africa. It rises inland from narrow lowlands along the coast. Except for the coasts of Mozambique and Somalia, much of the continent lies at least 1,000 feet above sea level. This plateau is Africa’s most prominent physical feature.
What landforms are in West Africa?
Most of West Africa’s mountain massifs and highlands, such as the Aïr Mountains, the Tibesti Mountains, the Adrar des Ifoghas , and the Fouta Djallon, originated as Precambrian folds (Church, 1966). Much later, volcanic activity in many of these highlands deposited additional layers of igneous rock.
What is the land like in West Africa?
Most of West Africa lies in the African Transition Zone, with portions north and south of the transitional region. Dry, desert conditions exist to the north and tropical conditions exist to the south. The main economic activity in the region is subsistence agriculture.
What are some major landforms in Africa?
- Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls. ...
- The Namib. Namib desert. ...
- East African Rift System. Kenya: Great Rift Valley. ...
- Congo River. Congo River: hydroelectric dam at Inga Falls. ...
- The Sahara. sand dunes. ...
- Lake Victoria. ...
- Ituri Forest. ...
- Nile River.
Is there a savanna in West Africa?
The West Sudanian Savanna stretches in a band across West Africa south of the Sahel, from Senegal and Gambia to the eastern border of Nigeria. It lies between the Guinean Forest-Savanna Mosaic to the south, and the Sahelian Acacia Savanna to the north.
What is West Africa known for?
West Africa is famous for its cultural diversity and rich history . Unique mud architecture and landscapes dominate Niger and Mali’s major sights. Slave forts on Goree Island and along Ghana’s coast attract many visitors.
What are the major landforms in West Africa?
Most of West Africa’s mountain massifs and highlands, such as the Aïr Mountains, the Tibesti Mountains, the Adrar des Ifoghas , and the Fouta Djallon, originated as Precambrian folds (Church, 1966). Much later, volcanic activity in many of these highlands deposited additional layers of igneous rock.
What is the biggest landform in Africa?
The Ethiopian Highlands form the largest continuous area of its altitude in the whole continent, with little of its surface falling below 1500 m (4,921 ft), while the summits reach heights of up to 4550 m (14,928 ft). It is sometimes called the Roof of Africa for its height and large area.
What are the 4 major landforms?
Mountains, hills, plateaus, and plains are the four major types of landforms. Minor landforms include buttes, canyons, valleys, and basins.
What is the main religion in West Africa?
Close to half of all West Africans are Muslim and it’s very much a north–south divide: the countries of the Sahel and Sahara are predominantly Muslim, while Christianity is more widespread in the southern coastal countries.
What is the relief of West Africa?
Relief and Drainage
Most of West Africa consists of an undulating low plateau below 500m asl, fringed on the west and south by a coastal plain ; this plain is widest in Senegal, the southern Ivory Coast, the Niger delta and the lower valleys of the Volta and Niger rivers.
Which country is the best in West Africa?
The Gambia
Despite being the smallest country in Africa, The Gambia is regarded as West Africa’s best-kept secret. Surrounded by golden beaches backed by swaying palms sprinkled with scenic lagoons, an abundance of wildlife, vibrant history and culture, it offers visitors an opportunity to get in touch with nature.
What plants are unique to Africa?
- Fever tree (Vachellia xanthophloea)
- Baobab (Adansonia)
- Saugage tree (Kigelia africana)
- Quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma)
- Leadwood (Combretum imberbe)
- Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea)
- Whistling thorn (Vachellia drepanolobium)
- Mopane tree (Colophosphermum mopane)
How many countries does Africa have?
There are 54 countries in Africa today, according to the United Nations. The full list is shown in the table below, with current population and subregion (based on the United Nations official statistics).
Where is Africa located?
Africa is a continent south of Europe, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean . Africa is a continent south of Europe, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
