Algeria
Algeria is a country in north Africa, with an area of 2,381,741 square kilometres, making it the tenth largest country in the world and the largest in Africa.
Climate and Geography Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the Mediterranean basin-which includes a significant proportion of the Sahara region. To the south of Algeria, vast plains and highlands are visible, whilst the north contains more hilly and often mountainous regions. In this region, the climate depends on the location, with both exremes located in different parts of the country. The highest offical temperature recorded in Algeria was 50.6, with the average temperature situated at 25.3 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is plentiful, ranging from 400mm to 670mm annually, with the amount of precipitation increasing from west to east. Precipitation is heaviest in the north, where as much as 1,000mm of rainfall occurs each year. Population
Travel warnings Algeria is listed as a "Exercise a high degree of caution" country. The Australian government has regularly receive information indicating that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners and Western interests, as well as premises and symbols associated with the Algerian Government. Terrorists have in the past mounted attacks on significant dates and anniversaries, but attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Despite this, Algeria has a strong French and european police force, and travel should still advised, as long as proper safety is abided by. PS. Refer to the travel tips in the intro. History-Timeline
Facts
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Flag
The national flag of Algeria consists of two equal vertical bars of green and white, with a red star in the centre. The white represents peace, whilst the green represents Islam and the read represents all those killed in Algeria's war of independence. Things to do 1. Notre Dame d’Afrique- is a19th century Roman catholic church, located in Algiers, that combines Roman and Byzantine elements, that has similar constructions in France. The church is a symbol of multiculturalism in a country dominated by muslim beliefs. The exterior of this impressive structure is dominated by a large silver dome on the top and a number of smaller domes below. 2. Le Jardin d’ Essai du Hamma- The botanical gardens of Hamma is a 140 acre design located in Algiers that encompasses a range of local species- that have adapted to living in a industrialised and city environment. The gardens were first built in 1837, and was originally intended to be a farming area that was located in close proximity to the city- a way for local businesses to reduce shipping costs. 3. City of Constantine- Constantine is a city located in the north-eastern region of Algeria, that dates back to the Roman empire. Named after Constantine the conqueror, Constantine is a popular tourist destination, with a population close to 500,000- making it the third largest city in Algeria. The city is most famous for its hot climate, ranging, with very low levels of rainfall distributed along the main city. 4. Cashab of Algiers- Is a unique muslim city-overlooking the Islands whereby Carthaginians set up trading posts on the mediterranean. There are remains of old mosques, Ottoman style palaces and traditional urban structures located all over the city 5. Timgad- Was a roman colonial town in the Aures Mountains of Algeria. It was originally intended as a city for Roman veterans who would be granted land in return for years in service. The city encompasses 6 roads, with houses and cottages that only have their foundations remaining. Flora and fauna
With such a variety of environments, which includes coastal, mountainous and desert like ecosystems, Algeria’s flora and fauna is abundant and endemic. Most commonly, boars, jackals, gazelles, native monkeys, gazelles, leopard and cheetah populations are largely resourced within Algeria. Flora within Algeria is also a significant factor in the countries biodiversity, with olive trees, cedars, conifers and palm trees an abundant source. Culture and sports Most of Algeria is split between Arabic and french, from the influences that modern colonialism and the race for Africa had upon Algeria. The most popular sport in Algeria is soccer, with athletics and cycling in 2nd and 3rd. |
Cameroon
Due to the threat of potential terror, high frequency in crime rates and potential risk of disease, Cameroon is the only other country towards the northern side of west Africa that can be travelled to.
Travel Warnings (Smart traveller website)
In the two decades following independence, Cameroon was quite prosperous. The government initially concentrated on expansion of educational facilities, diversification of farm production, selective industrialization, rural development, and the introduction of rural cooperatives. In recent years, however, less central planning and more reliance on foreign enterprise and free trade has decreased job availability and has taken money away from Cameroon's GDP. Facts
The flag of Cammerron had three equal-sized vertical banners of green, red, and yellow. The green represents hope for the future and the rich vegetation especially the Southern forests. The yellow is for the soil and can represent the great savannah of the far north part of the country. Yellow is also for the sun as the source for the nation’s happiness. Red is the symbol of independence and unity. Things to do 1. Mount Cameroon- Mount Cameroon is an active mountain near the gulf of Mexico. It is the highest point in North/ western Africa. Mount Cameroon is one of Africa's largest volcanoes, rising to 4,040 metres above the coast of west Cameroon. It rises from the coast through tropical rainforest to a bare summit which is cold, windy, and occasionally brushed with snow 2. Waza national park- The Waza National Park covers an area of 170,000 hectares and includes lions, giraffes, elephants, cobs, ostriches, antelopes, leopards, waterbuck, etc. It is the most famous park in Cameroon and one of the most spectacular in French-speaking Africa. Located in the Far North Region, 120km from Maroua, it is a haven for the big cats and other animal species as well for many varieties of birds. 3. Korup national park- Korup National Park, located in Southwest Cameroon, covers 126,900 ha of forest, most of which is evergreen forest and has never been logged. Korup is located 60 km inland from the Atlantic Ocean, and 10 km from the border with Nigeria. It is 5 degrees above the equator. KNP is one of the wettest and most isolated remnants of the Atlantic coastal forest that once spread all the way from the Niger delta to Gabon. 4. Mile six beach- This is an unknown surfing spot that hasn't been recognised for bringing in large waves. It is most famous for its red sand, which occurs at sunset, when the sunlight reflects of the sand. |
Climate and Geography At 475,440 km2, Cameroon is the world's 54th largest country. The country is located in central and western Africa bordering nigeria, Chad and the Congo region. The climate varies with terrain, from tropical along the coast to semiarid and hot in the north. Exceedingly hot and humid, the coastal belt includes some of the wettest places on earth. The dry season is from November to February with a low rainy season from March to June and a heavy rainy season from August to the end of October, with the Average temperature being 26°C. Population
Flora and fauna Located just 2° above the equator in Central Africa, Cameroon is among the richest countries in Africa in terms of biodiversity resources. Cameroon supports over 900 species of birds, over 300 mammals and many other stunning creatures. Its forests harbour not one but two subspecies of the western gorilla – the Cross River gorilla and the western lowland gorilla. The wildlife consists of 8,260 recorded plant species including 156 endemic species 409 species of mammals of which 14 are endemic, 690 species of birds which includes 8 endemic species, 250 species of reptiles, and 200 species of amphibians. Culture and sports As might be expected from the large number of ethnic groups, Cameroon’s people follow different religions. Around half are Christian (Catholics and Protestant), mostly in the south. In the North, Muslims dominate, accounting for nearly a quarter of the population. The remaining 25% of the population follow variations of traditional animist beliefs, who believe in spirits and ancestors. Like Algeria the most popular sport in Cameroon is soccer. |
Nigeria
Culture and sports
Nigeria is divided into 36 states. In the 13 northern states, the vast majority of people are Muslim. The Hausa have been Muslims for almost a thousand years, having been converted to Islam by Arab traders and merchants from the 10th century. Extremist groups have grown more popular in the north, mainly because of widespread poverty and frustration over corruption. The most popular sports are football, boxing and baseball. Flag The national flag of Nigeria has three equal vertical bands - white in the middle and two green bands on either side of the white ban. The green represents the forests and abundance of natural wealth, whilst the white represents peace and unity. facts
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Flora and fauna
Nigeria has a diverse and widespread array of flora and fauna as a result of the countries diverse plain dominated landscape. Nigeria is dominated by low lying swamp and open woodlands areas. African elephants, hippopotamus and buffalo are among the larger animals, whilst. Lions, now rare in West Africa, cling to survival in the more coastal and grassland areas of Nigeria. In the low-lying coastal regions, mangroves are found, whilst further inland, this vegetation gives way to tropical forest, with its many species of tropical hardwood trees. Things to do
Population
Climate and Geography The climate of Nigeria is tropical, however there are wide climatic variations in different regions of the country. Near the coast temperatures rarely exceed 32 degrees Celsius, but humidity is very high and nights are very hot. Inland there are two different seasons. A wet season from April to October, with lower monthly temperatures and the wettest month being June. Also a dry season from November to March, with midday temperatures that rise above 38° Celsius but relatively cool nights, dropping as low as 12° Celsius. |
Egypt
Flag
The flag of Egypt has three equal horizontal bands of red, white and black with the national emblem. Red- represents the struggle against the British occupation of Egypt. White- Symbolises the advent of the 1952 revolution which ended the monarchy without bloodshed. The Eagle- represents power and strength Things to do 1. Pyramid of Giza-Giza is located west and south of modern Cairo, in the vast desert imagined by the ancient Egyptians to be the land of the dead. Guarded by the Great Sphinx, the site is now one of the seven wonders of the world as it incorporates some of the most sophisticated building and burial techniques in all of history. 2. Valley of the kings- Located in the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is home to the tombs of the great pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Most famous is the tomb of tutankhamun- a tomb that for years was a mystery to historians 3. Great sphinx of Giza- The Sphinx of Giza is a symbol that has represented the essence of Egypt for thousands of years. The Great Sphinx is believed to be the most immense stone sculpture in the round ever made by man. Population
Climate and Geography Egypt weather is generally hot and dry, with hardly any rain or clouds. November through to January are definitely the most comfortable months for Egypt travel. Days are commonly warm or hot, and nights are cool. Egypt has only two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. The only differences between the seasons are variations in daytime temperatures and changes in prevailing winds. In Cairo, temperatures can rise as high as 35°C in summer and drop to as low as 7°C in winter. Egypt is located in the northern part of Africa and has shorelines on the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It borders Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and the Gaza Strip and Palestine to the east and covers 1,001,450 square km of land. |
Facts
Flora and fauna Plants are those common in dry subtropical and tropical lands, such as papyrus. Egypt has no forests but does have date palm and citrus areas; eucalyptus and cypress have been introduced. Sheep, goats, and donkeys are found throughout the country, and camels are found in all the deserts. Egypt has some 300 types of birds, with about half of them being breeding species within the country. The Nile is adequately stocked with fish, but crocodiles have been reduced to a few along the shores of Lake Nasser. Reptiles include the horned viper and the hooded snake. |