Top 30+Interesting Facts about Africa [2024] – History, Country etc (With Trivia Quiz)

Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent which has rich heritage and culture. It is also known as the “ Mother Continent”. From the vast Sahara Desert, which is larger than the United States, to the lush rainforests of the Congo Basin, Africa boasts a variety of landscapes that support an astonishing range of wildlife. There are many interesting facts about Africa along with fun and ancient facts also, which we will get to explore in this blog.

22 Interesting Facts about Africa Continent

Africa is the hottest continent which is filled with fascinating aspects that captivate visitors and scholars alike. Here are some interesting facts about the African continent given below – 

1. There are 5 regions of Africa – North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa.
2. Africa’s largest lake which stands as the second largest freshwater lake in Africa is Lake “Victoria”.
3. Africa is a home to a wide variety of iconic animals including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras and rhinos.

4. smallest country in Africa is the Republic of Seychelles
5. The best African countries to live in are Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia and Ghana.
6. The Africano Park in Alexandria is a beautiful urban green space located in the heart of the city.

Also Read – 17+ Continent-wise Interesting Facts About Countries

Facts about North Africa

1. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt are the main countries in North Africa.
2. While providing the amazing landscape of Northern Africa the Atlas Mountains stretch across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

3. North Africa has the largest coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, offering beautiful beaches and coastline cities.
4. Shara Dessert which is the largest dessert in the world is located in North Africa.

Facts about West Africa

1. The Niger, Senegal and Volta rivers are major waterways in the region.
2. West Africa was home to powerful ancient empires such as Mali, Ghana and Songhai.

3. Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso are some of the key countries in West Africa.
4. West Africa is rich in natural resources including oil, gas, gold and diamonds.

Facts about Central Africa

1. The second largest river in Africa which is the Congo River flows through several central African countries.
2. Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Libreville, and Yaoundé are among the most well-known cities in central Africa.

3. Grasslands and Savannas are also found in some parts of the region.
4. Natural resources in which central Africa is rich are minerals, timber and hydropower.

Facts about East Africa 

1. Africa Is the hottest continent in the world and It is believed that East Africa is the birthplace of modern-day humans. 
2. East Africa is home to the iconic Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants rhinoceroses and buffaloes.

3. In the 20th century, many East African countries experienced colonial rule followed by independence movements.
4. The most densely populated country in Africa is Burundi.

Also read, 30 Incredible Human Body Facts for Students to Understand Human Anatomy

Know all Ancient African Historical Facts

Ancient Africa is a treasure of fascinating history and remarkable civilisation that have shaped the world. In ancient times Africa better read the facts listed below – 

1. One of the most famous ancient civilizations, Egypt thrived along the Nile River.
2. Nubia which is located in the south of Egypt was a powerful and independent country civilisation.
3. Located in what is now Ethiopia and Eritrea, Aksum was a prosperous kingdom that traded with the Roman Empire and Arabia. It was known for its stelae and massive stone obelisks.

4.  The earliest known hominid fossils, such as Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), have been found in East Africa, dating back to around 3.2 million years ago.
5. West African Empires played a significant role in spreading Islam.

Also, read 45+ Funniest Animal Facts for Kids Worth Laughing Out Loud.

African Countries Facts

Africa is made up of 54 recognized countries. These countries vary greatly in terms of size, culture, and geography, ranging from the vast expanses of Algeria, the largest country in Africa, to small island nations like Seychelles. Read all the interesting African countries facts given below  –

1. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.
2.  Morocco has a rich Islamic heritage.
3. Morocco is home to the Atlas Mountains.

4. Benin shares a coastline with the Atlantic Ocean, providing beautiful beaches and opportunities for water sports.
5. Angola has several national parks, such as the Iona National Park and the Luengue-Luiana National Park, which are home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
6. Burundi is a land of rolling hills, often referred \as the “ Switzerland of Africa”.

Fun Facts about Africa

Do you know popular sports in Africa? Or the name of the largest lake located in Africa? To get the answers to all  these questions please read all the facts mentioned below – 

1. Football is a hugely popular sport in Africa.
2. Lake Volta in Ghana is the largest lake in the world. African music and dance are renowned for their energy, rhythm, and cultural significance.

3. African music and dance are renowned for their energy, rhythm, and cultural significance.
4. The deepest mine in Africa is the Mponeng Gold Mine.
5. Africa has a diverse culinary scene, with dishes like jollof rice, bobotie, and injera being popular.

Also Read – 16 Interesting Facts about Asia

Trivia Quiz on Africa with Answers

Read each question carefully. Choose the correct answer from the options provided. Once you have completed all the questions, check your answers against the answer key provided.

Q1: What is the largest desert in the world?

A. Kalahari Desert

B. Sahara Desert

C.Gobi Desert

D. Atacama Desert

Q2: Which is the longest river in Africa?

A. Nile River

B. Congo River

C. Niger River

D. Ganga River

Q3: What is the tallest mountain in Africa?

A. Mount Everest

B. Mount Kilimanjaro

C. Mount McKinley

D. Alps

Q4:  Name the largest country in Africa.

A. Egypt

B. Nigeria

C. South Africa

D. Morocco

Q5: Which animal is often associated with the African savanna?

A. Panda

B. Lion

C. Penguin

D. Deer

Check Your Answers Here!

Q1: B. Sahara Desert

Q2: A. Nile River

Q3: B. Mount Kilimanjaro

Q4: C. South Africa

Q5: B. Lion

FAQs

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Hope you had fun reading these interesting facts about Africa. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our Interesting Facts and General Knowledge page!