55 Interesting Fun Facts About Africa

This article reveals various information and facts about Africa.

1. The most populous country in Africa is Nigeria.
2. There are at least 3000 distinct ethnic groups in Africa; Nigeria alone has more than 370 recognized tribes.
3. The largest island in Africa is Madagascar off the East coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It covers over 1,000 miles long and 350 miles wide. It is the fourth largest in the world.
4. The tallest mountain in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It is of 19,340 feet / 5895 meters.
5. Africa is the most centrally located of all the continents.
6. The largest living animals are the African Elephants weighing up to 6-7 tons
7. Tanzania has the highest proportion of women aged 15-24 in its labor force.
8. South Sudan is the newest country in Africa. It was officially born on July 9, 2011.
9. South Africa has the highest proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. There are about 5.3 million victims.
10. The first African female president was Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.
11. In Burundi, 39% of children under the age of 5 are underweight.
12. Mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa, three thousand kids die a day from Malaria.
13. Seychelles is the lowest densely populated country in Africa.
14. In 1960 alone, 17 African countries got independence.
15. The lowest point in Africa is Lake Assai in Djibouti, which is 155m below sea level.
16. Sudan used to be the largest country by area before it was divided, now Algeria is Africa’s largest country
17. There are 15 landlocked countries in Africa and these countries are among the world’s most poor and underdeveloped countries.
18. Africa is as long as it is broad. It measures approximately 7,500 km South to North as well as in its east-west extent.
19. The desert, jungles, and plains of Africa are home to some of the Earth’s most extraordinary animals.
20. In 2009, the population of Africa was estimated to be 1 billion.
21. 18 people from 6 countries in Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, and Kenya) have been awarded prizewinners.
22. Namibia is the most densely populated country in Africa.
23. The hottest place in the world is recorded at Al’Azizyah in Libya.
24. The two countries with minimal HIV/AIDS occurrence are Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea.
25. The world’s fastest animal; the cheetah is home to Africa.
26. Lake Malawi has the largest number of fish species in the world. There are over 500 species.
27. Liberia was the first country in Africa to gain independence.
28. Zimbabwe has the highest adult literacy rate at 92%. Chad has the lowest (33%).
29. There are 15 landlocked countries in Africa.
30. Cairo, in Egypt, is the most populated city in Africa with approximately 17 million people.
31. The largest desert in Africa is the Sahara desert. It spans virtually 3.5 miles square.
32. Africa is the most tropical of all continents.
33. Three of the world’s largest gold producers have their primary operation in Africa- Harmony Gold, Gold Fields, and Anglo Gold Ashanti.
34. The top 10 poorest countries in the world are all located in Africa.
35. There are about 2,399 bird species in Africa.
36. About half of the world’s diamonds come from Southern and Central Africa.
37. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world after Asia.
38. The highest mountain in Africa is Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. It is 19,300 ft (5895m) above sea level.
39. The largest island in Africa is Madagascar off the East of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is 1580km long and 570km wide.
40. In 2008, South Africa utilizes the most electric power per person (4,759.5 KW/h) while Ethiopia utilizes the least electric power per person (42.3 KW/h).
41. The second world’s largest canyon is located in Namibia.
42. There are 2000 languages spoken in Africa, Arabic has the highest number of speakers.
43. In 2000-2009, Rwanda and Uganda have made the greatest gain in life expectancy with 8 and 7 years respectively.
44. Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa.
45. The poorest country in Africa is the Congo Democratic Republic.
46. The second fastest-growing economy in the world is Chad
47. Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in Africa. It is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe with a width of 1.7km and a height of 108m.
48. The biggest frog in the world comes from Cameroon.
49. The cheapest place in the world to get an open-water diving certification is Lake Malawi.
50. The longest river in the world is the Nile in Egypt. It has a length of 6,670km and it passes through four countries.
51. Uganda has the highest proportion of men aged 15-24 in its labor force (83%)
52. Africa’s population is estimated to be about 1 billion
53. The richest country in Africa is Equatorial Guinea; the GDP per capita is $30,200.
54. Egypt is the most popular tourist destination in Africa.
55. Angola has the world’s highest infant mortality rate at 192.5 deaths per 1000 live birth.
56. More than 40% of the Africa population is below 15 years of age.
57. Soccer is the most popular sport in Africa.
58. The world’s fastest land snake, the black mamba resides in Africa.