Africa Physical Geography

Africa: One of the largest masses of land in the world. It is a land of many different creations, both living and not. Unfortunately, the people that call this land home is seen as less than their counterparts who call other lands their home. Although to most outsiders Africa is seen as a barren land full of wild animals and ravenous, uncivilized tribes, in reality, it is a plentiful continent inhabited by bustling cities and diverse cultures.
The continent of Africa contains more than just dusty deserts and savannas. National Geographic says, “Africa is sometimes nicknamed the ‘Mother Continent’ due to its being the oldest inhabited continent on Earth. Humans and human ancestors have lived in Africa for more than 5 million years” (“Africa: Physical Geography”). To support different lifeforms, a continent needs more than just deserts. By having provided a home for humans for over five million years, this proves that Africa contains more than just sandy deserts.

Many assume that those who inhabit Africa call hand-made huts and the wildernesses of the land home, but the opposite actually applies.

According to an article from Popular Connection, “Africa is currently the least urbanized continent, but its urbanization rate of 3.5 percent per year is the fastest in the world” (Shannon, Lisa). Although it isn’t highly urbanized, its urbanization has the fastest growth rate in the country. A prime example of this is Lagos, Nigeria. Home to more than sixteen million people, Lagos is the largest city in all of Africa. Even still, the city grows, expanding more and more into the wilds of Africa (“Lagos”). This shows that even though they aren’t up to the standards of some continents/countries, Africa is on the urban rise. Many people view African civilizations as what they were in the past, rather than what they are now. Now, Africa is full of bustling cities and energetic towns, and more are coming into

existence.
From the outside, people see all Africans as one in the same; but, in reality, Africa is full of people ranging from all different cultures and heritages. A web post about African people states, “Africa has 3000 distinct ethnic groups, 2000 languages. Home to the most genetically diverse people on Earth” (“Beja”). Africa isn’t a place of one type of people, it is full of people from all walks of life. There are also many traditions unique to each group of Africans. The Chewa people of Malawi have a festival that to them, is their version of a funeral. During this ceremony, the deceased’s body is washed, inside and out. They pour water over the body then slit the throat of the body and pour the water inside. The body is then drained and the water is used to cook a meal for the community (Murori, Kajuju). But this is only one such example of diversity. Other communities may simply have a funeral, or they may have their own ceremony. Contrary to the ideas of some people, not all Africans are the same. Africans come from all different cultures and ethnicities.
Although to most outsiders Africa is seen as a barren land full of wild animals and ravenous, uncivilized tribes, in reality, it is a plentiful continent inhabited by bustling cities and diverse cultures. Africa is full of plentiful land ranging from deserts to mountains to rainforests. The people who call the continent home live in all the same types of housing as those who live in North America or Asia. The inhabitants of the country are also vastly unique; all the citizens claiming a unique heritage and religion as their own. Contrary to the beliefs of many people, Africans are just like themselves; smart, urbanized, and diverse.