Africa is considered by most archeologists to be the oldest inhabited territory on earth. Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent on earth with about 30.2 million square kilometres and about 1.1 billion people. It has 54 soviet nations, nine territories, and two independent states. Africa is not only rich in natural beauty but also houses some of the most endemic and rare species in the world.
Disease and sickness Socioeconomically, Africans are some of the most disadvantages people in the world. The most common and deadly diseases found in Africa are Malaria and HIV aids. 85% of Malaria cases and 90% of Child deaths from Malaria. HIV aids is just as potent with over 6,000 people dying in Africa each day- more than wars, famines or floods. Equally as potent is Bilzharzia- a parasitic disease, were small worms develop inside the human body-attacking the kidneys and major organs. Despite the modernisation of vaccines, access to such resources is a difficult accosting for African countries, who either cannot afford or access the benefits of new medical technologies. Language and Culture There are 1,250 to 2, 100 and by some accounts over 3,000 languages spoken in native Africa, the most of which are cultural based. Only about 100 languages are used for wider communication. Only Arabic, Somali, berber, Oromo, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani Impact of Europeans on culture Historically, Both spanish and french influences drastically changed the way African cultures interact -instead relying on Africa for agriculture and the exploitation of minerals. European colonialists took advantage of Africans, destroying their way of life and the vast majority of animistic religions. Economically, Europeans not only took away sources of income, but also took vast areas of land away from local cultures. Despite the european influence most commonly being associated with a negative effect, Most european cultures had positive influences. Europeans brought service and technologies, that were never previously associated with local tribes, including education, healthcare, new farming techniques and new political systems Travel tips
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Geography and climate With such a large landmass, Africa has a diverse range of climates, biomes and biodiversity. Temperatures range from high desert areas, like the sahara, to medium areas covered in a range of rain forests. Rainfall varies dramatically across Africa. The northern half of the continent contains large areas of arid desert, where annual rainfall can be just 50mm. But in central areas of the continent, tropical rain forests can receive over 4,000mm each year. Africa is divided into 5 distinct climate regions; Tropical rain forests Humid Sub-tropical areas Areas in the Mediterranean Insurance With such an expensive adventure planned and the risk of disease and warfare higher than other continents, travel insurance is an expensive exercise. Many insurance policies don’t cover areas of medium to high risk foreign office warnings and areas that are subject to adventures like boat riding and touring. Personally, the best travel insurance is issued by lonely planet, which can be found under the following link; https://www.lonelyplanet.com/africa/travel-insurance Flora and Fauna The african landscape holds some of the most diverse and expansive vegetation and wildlife on the planet. 70% of African plant species are endemic- meaning they cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. There are a a record 22,000 different flora species that are either located in some of the most remote desserts or some of the most abundant rain forests. In a sub-tropical climate, most plant life is adapted to account for rainfall and climate. Africa also boasts perhaps the world’s largest largest diversity of wildlife- with endemic populations that include herbivores, carnivores and treasury consumers. Facts (http://www.interesting-africa-facts.com/)
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