The various regions in Africa and what they stand for

Africa, the second-largest and second-most-populous continent globally, comprises 54 countries, each with its unique culture, history, and geography.

To better understand this vast and diverse continent, the United Nations divides Africa into five distinct regions: Northern Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa.

Northern Africa

Northern Africa, the largest of the five regions by land area, comprises five countries: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. The overwhelming majority of the region's 250 million people live near the Mediterranean or Atlantic coast, due to the Sahara Desert covering much of the area. Arabic is the most prevalent language, and Islam is the dominant religion. The Berbers, indigenous to the region, have a significant presence, particularly in Morocco and Algeria.

West Africa

West Africa consists of 16 countries including Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Cote d'Ivoire with Nigeria being the most populous. The region is divided into two parts: the Sahel region in the north and the savannas near the Atlantic Ocean in the south. West Africa is home to over 411 million people, with a diverse array of ethnic groups and languages. Islam and Christianity are the dominant religions, with English and French being the official languages in former British and French colonies, respectively.

East Africa

East Africa is the most populous region, with 18 countries and an estimated 455 million people. Ethiopia is the most populous country in the region, with over 117 million people. East Africa host countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions, with some practising indigenous African religions.

Central Africa

Middle Africa, also known as Central Africa, comprises nine countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is the largest and most populous. The region is home to over 184 million people, with a diverse array of ethnic groups and languages. French is the official language in most countries, while Portuguese is spoken in Angola, Sao Tome and Principe.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa is the smallest and least populous region, with six countries and an estimated 68 million people. South Africa is the most populous country, with over 60 million people. The region is known for its diverse geography, from deserts to rainforests, and its rich cultural heritage.