Lake Malawi is great place to travel while you in Africa, especially during spring or summer. The locals living there are very friendly and it is a not too crowded area. Lake Malawi is the county's centerpiece known locally as Lake Nyasa. Lake Malawi was formed 1-2 million years ago. Lake Malawi is the ninth largest lake in the world and the third largest lake in Africa. Malawi is a country located in south eastern Africa. It is bordered in the North and East by Tanzania, on the east, south and southwest by Mozambique and to the west by Zambia.
By Taraneh Naeimiyan
Contributed by http://www.malawitourism.com/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=70 and David Attenborough
Photo courtesy of http://www.aito.com/malawi/lake-malawi-holiday
By Taraneh Naeimiyan
Contributed by http://www.malawitourism.com/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=70 and David Attenborough
Photo courtesy of http://www.aito.com/malawi/lake-malawi-holiday
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins
Archeologists are fascinated by the 900 year old Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The ruins are made up of walls up to 36 feet high and 820 feet in length, it is a rare accomplishment to find ruins that are still preserved today. The ruins are so important, the city in where it is located was named after it. Built between 1050 and 1450 CE, the ruins were a flourishing city and it was an area for large cattle header’s because the walls were used as pens. The religious life was also rich in Zimbabwe, the ruins were used for spiritual grounds and sacrifices. There was a mythological legend that the ruins were once a playground for giants and spirits because it was an isolated environment away from civilization.
It was created by the indigenous Bantu-speaking Shona people with contracting granite slabs to stack row after row. The African people settled in that area because it was an area with trade routes and gold rich lands. Mining for gold was a key element to trade back then since it was used for jewelry, rituals, and riches. The mines were connected to the ruins getting them transported easier. The route faded once they found more areas open and gold was not as rare any more.
The first thing that draws to the eye is the amazing craftsmanship forming massive enclosures and narrow passageways. There are rows gravestones and tombs, it seems that every generation was barred there. The people of the city are know for there work of art, of the Soapstone Birds. The birds are served as an emblems of royal authority perhaps representing the past Great Zimbabwe’s rulers. Unfortunately, all of the riches and jewelry were taken at the site, signs of tomb raiders. Archeologists are so dazzled because they have never seen anything built as impressive in-between those time periods. They find connections leading to the same ruins in Zimbabwe on a daily bases, almost finding the whole city. Concluding, that Great Zimbabwe is home of the most impressive monuments in Africa.
By
Alexis Hawkins
Natural Sources
Africa has many natural resources, including oil, diamonds, gold, iron, cobalt, uranium, copper, bauxite, silver, petroleum, cocoa beans, wood, and tropical fruits. Many countries depend on Africa for resources, because Africa has “12% of the world’s oil reserves, 40% of its gold, and 80% to 90% of its chromium and platinum” (How Africa’s Natural Resources can drive Industrial Revolution). Africa also has lots of open land and many forests, which can supply countries with timber. South Africa has half of Africa’s total supply of gold. North Africa has lots of oil and natural gas. West Africa has timber, and along with South Africa, it has diamonds. East Africa has many copper mines, and that is where most of the copper is mined in Africa. Finally, Central Africa has some of all of these resources.
Many countries have mined out most of their natural resources, and are now relying on other countries for natural resources. They use these raw materials to mass produce products that they can sell in markets. Africa, out of all of the continents, has the most natural resources. This leads to multiple countries fighting with each other over these natural resources, and Africa is caught up in in the middle of this situation.
Although Africa has to support many countries with natural resources, they are benefited with a huge profit. Africa’s main natural resources that are sold around the world are gold, diamonds, uranium, natural gas, and oil (National Geographic Africa: Resources). Africa also makes good income from its fishing industry, and the selling of rare kinds of fish that only live in the Nile. Most likely, half of the gold and diamonds in your jewelry comes from Africa, and 20% of your electricity comes from using African natural resources!
By Christopher Derdena
Africa's economy was diverse, driven by extensive trade routes that developed between cities and kingdoms. Some trade routes were overland, some involved navigating rivers, still others developed around port cities. Large African empires became wealthy due to their trade networks, for example Ghana, Sudan, Asanti, and the Yoruba people.
Some parts of Africa had close trade relationships with Arab kingdoms, and by the time of the Ottoman Empire, Africans had begun converting to Islam in large numbers. This development, along with the economic potential in finding a trade route to the Indian Ocean, brought the Portuguese to sub-Saharan Africa as an imperial force in the 15th century. Christian missionary activities were supplemented by economic imperialism.
After the Scramble for Africa in the 1880s and the partitioning of the continent among European powers, the continent's former economy and trade routes were destroyed in large measure and replaced with new ones. Colonial interests created new industries to feed European appetites for goods such as palm oil, rubber, cotton, precious metals, spices and other goods.
Following the independence of African countries during the 20th century, economic, political and social upheaval consumed much of the continent. An economic rebound among some countries has been evident in recent years, however.
The dawn of the African economic boom (which is in place since 2000s) was the Chinese economic boom that had emerged in Asia since late 1970s. Currently, South Africa and Nigeria ranks among the continent's largest economies, with Egypt economically scrambling and suffering from the recent political turmoil. Equatorial Guinea possessed Africa's highest GDP per capita albeit allegations of human rights violations. Oil-rich countries such as Algeria, Libya and Gabon, and mineral-rich Botswana emerged among the top economies since the 21st century, while Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, potentially among the world's richest nations, have sunk into the list of the world's poorest nations due to pervasive political corruption, warfare and braindrain of workforce. Botswana remains the site of Africa's longest and one of the world's longest periods of economic boom (1966-1999)
By Julianna Heldt
Image courtesy of: http://www.mrdowling.com/603mesopotamia.html
Africa is where the first Homo sapiens (humans) originated, and where Egypt originated (“The Fertile Crescent”). The first Homo sapiens were nomads, and they existed in the Stone Age (lasted 3.4 million years). They moved from area to area searching for food. The men hunted animals using stone weapons, and the women gathered fruit, seeds, nuts, and grains. The nomads usually traveled in groups of 20, and they mainly traveled in North Africa and in the Fertile Crescent (Middle East).
According to the article “Early Modern Homo Sapiens,” the earliest fossils of Homo sapiens were found in East Africa, North Africa, and the Fertile Crescent. The oldest fossil ever was found in East Africa, and it is here that researchers think the species of humans began. After many years, these humans set up cities and civilizations. Along with Mesopotamia, which was located slightly north of Africa, Egypt and Babylonia were some of the first civilizations created. Somehow, and somewhere down the line your roots can be traced back to someone from Africa, because that is where the first humans ever originated!
By Christopher Derdena
Works Cited
1. Dowling, Mike. “The Fertile Crescent” http://www.mrdowling.com/603mesopotamia.html
2. Palomar College. “Early Modern Homo Sapiens” http://anthro.palomar.edu/homo2/mod_homo_4.htm
Africa is where the first Homo sapiens (humans) originated, and where Egypt originated (“The Fertile Crescent”). The first Homo sapiens were nomads, and they existed in the Stone Age (lasted 3.4 million years). They moved from area to area searching for food. The men hunted animals using stone weapons, and the women gathered fruit, seeds, nuts, and grains. The nomads usually traveled in groups of 20, and they mainly traveled in North Africa and in the Fertile Crescent (Middle East).
According to the article “Early Modern Homo Sapiens,” the earliest fossils of Homo sapiens were found in East Africa, North Africa, and the Fertile Crescent. The oldest fossil ever was found in East Africa, and it is here that researchers think the species of humans began. After many years, these humans set up cities and civilizations. Along with Mesopotamia, which was located slightly north of Africa, Egypt and Babylonia were some of the first civilizations created. Somehow, and somewhere down the line your roots can be traced back to someone from Africa, because that is where the first humans ever originated!
By Christopher Derdena
Works Cited
1. Dowling, Mike. “The Fertile Crescent” http://www.mrdowling.com/603mesopotamia.html
2. Palomar College. “Early Modern Homo Sapiens” http://anthro.palomar.edu/homo2/mod_homo_4.htm
Photo courtesy of http://www.irvingisd.net
Color in African clothing gives even more meaning! Here's what a few of these colors represent in African fashions. Yellows, gold, and mustard these colors represent wealth and fertility both. Gold represents both precious metal; and the yolk of an egg. Gold is one of the most popular colors in the African fashions. This color is used in both the fabric and the embroidery. Blue is a harmonious color of peace and love and is used to symbolize the sky where creation came from. Green is a medicinal color that symbolizes life and prosperity. Many African societies weave cloth from locally grown cotton. In North Africa and the Sahel, women also spin and weave camel and sheep wool. Other sources of fiber include the raffia palm in Central and West Africa, jute and flax in West Africa and Madagascar, and silk in Nigeria, Madagascar, and East Africa. All these fibers can be dyed using vegetable and mineral dyes.
Contributed by Muhonjia Khaminwa, Africana.com and http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00726/index_files/Page1187.htm
By Taraneh Naeimiyan
Color in African clothing gives even more meaning! Here's what a few of these colors represent in African fashions. Yellows, gold, and mustard these colors represent wealth and fertility both. Gold represents both precious metal; and the yolk of an egg. Gold is one of the most popular colors in the African fashions. This color is used in both the fabric and the embroidery. Blue is a harmonious color of peace and love and is used to symbolize the sky where creation came from. Green is a medicinal color that symbolizes life and prosperity. Many African societies weave cloth from locally grown cotton. In North Africa and the Sahel, women also spin and weave camel and sheep wool. Other sources of fiber include the raffia palm in Central and West Africa, jute and flax in West Africa and Madagascar, and silk in Nigeria, Madagascar, and East Africa. All these fibers can be dyed using vegetable and mineral dyes.
Contributed by Muhonjia Khaminwa, Africana.com and http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00726/index_files/Page1187.htm
By Taraneh Naeimiyan
The continent of Africa there is an enormous variety of food taboos. In many parts fresh milk is avoided by adults it is thought to represent a particularly wholesome food for young men and warriors. Beans are one of the plant species that are not eaten, because they are believed to cause stomach disorders.
In Nigeria, meat and eggs are not given to children, because parents believe it will make the children become pickpocketers. Pregnant women are restricted from eating pawpaw and jackfruit as substances in these fruits are feared to have abortive influences. They say coconut milk and liver is bad for children, because it is believed that the milk turns them unintelligent and the liver causes damage to their lungs.
There are a lot of taboos on what pregnant woman should eat and not to eat.In some parts of Africa tribes, pregnant women avoid snails, eggs, or drink milk because it is feared the children will develop bad habits after birth. The central african tribes are forbidden to consume porcupine as that is thought to cause a delay in labour.
Interestingly, Men have fewer food taboos to keep in mind. They say eating snail will weaken a warrior's strength to kill and hunt. Also eat some legendary animals that have helped a particular tribe in the past during intertribal warfare is totally forbidden. Thus, in some areas the partridge or bush fowl,water reptile, the porcupine or even the sheep that are protected by the tribal food taboo.
The food taboos depend on each tribe since they are myths that are passed down from generation to generation. Most of the taboos are brought up by the tribe’s medicine man since he has “connection with the gods”
By
Alexis Hawkins
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2009; 5: 18.
http://www.hillmanwonders.com Hillman Quality Publications
In Nigeria, meat and eggs are not given to children, because parents believe it will make the children become pickpocketers. Pregnant women are restricted from eating pawpaw and jackfruit as substances in these fruits are feared to have abortive influences. They say coconut milk and liver is bad for children, because it is believed that the milk turns them unintelligent and the liver causes damage to their lungs.
There are a lot of taboos on what pregnant woman should eat and not to eat.In some parts of Africa tribes, pregnant women avoid snails, eggs, or drink milk because it is feared the children will develop bad habits after birth. The central african tribes are forbidden to consume porcupine as that is thought to cause a delay in labour.
Interestingly, Men have fewer food taboos to keep in mind. They say eating snail will weaken a warrior's strength to kill and hunt. Also eat some legendary animals that have helped a particular tribe in the past during intertribal warfare is totally forbidden. Thus, in some areas the partridge or bush fowl,water reptile, the porcupine or even the sheep that are protected by the tribal food taboo.
The food taboos depend on each tribe since they are myths that are passed down from generation to generation. Most of the taboos are brought up by the tribe’s medicine man since he has “connection with the gods”
By
Alexis Hawkins
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2009; 5: 18.
http://www.hillmanwonders.com Hillman Quality Publications
Image courtesy of http://sageography.myschoolstuff.co.za/geogwiki/grade-11-caps/grade-11-caps-climate-and-weather/3-africas-weather-and-climate/1-africas-climate-regions/
The climate of Africa ranges from tropical to subarctic on its highest peaks. Its northern half is primarily desert or arid, while its central and southern areas contain both savanna plains and very dense jungle (rainforest) regions. Temperatures are highest in desert areas, particularly the Sahara. They are coolest across the south and in mountainous areas and plateau highlands. 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 rainforests can receive over 4,000mm each year. However, patterns of weather are changing, both locally and across the continent. Africa is one of those places that contains a multitude of climate regions.
By Taraneh Naeimiyan
Contributed by: http://uaps.org/african-population/african-climate-zones/ and Kieran Cooke, Climate News Network
The climate of Africa ranges from tropical to subarctic on its highest peaks. Its northern half is primarily desert or arid, while its central and southern areas contain both savanna plains and very dense jungle (rainforest) regions. Temperatures are highest in desert areas, particularly the Sahara. They are coolest across the south and in mountainous areas and plateau highlands. 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 rainforests can receive over 4,000mm each year. However, patterns of weather are changing, both locally and across the continent. Africa is one of those places that contains a multitude of climate regions.
By Taraneh Naeimiyan
Contributed by: http://uaps.org/african-population/african-climate-zones/ and Kieran Cooke, Climate News Network
Image from cite-http://www.our-africa.org/games-and-sports
Games & Sport
Board games
Africa is home to two of the oldest board games and one is still played today all across the continent.
Count and capture
Mancala/Mankala is played by transfering stones, counters or buttons around a number of dips in the ground. There are more than 200 different versions of the game, which is called by many different names in Africa.
Another board game which dates back to ancient times is Mancala/Mankala, which remains popular in Africa today. Different versions are found in nearly every African country. Played with carved boards of wood, the game is enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Children’s games
Unlike in the West, children’s toys in Africa are often home-made rather than shop-bought. For example, boys may play with hoops from the rims of tyres. Girls might skip with ropes or play with home-made dolls.
Sports
Football is the most popular sport throughout Africa. Anywhere in Africa children can be found kicking a football, many dreaming of becoming a great player. Africa has its own Olympic Games. The All Africa Games (originally known as the Friendship Games and then the Pan-African Games) were first held in Madagascar in 1960.
Wrestling
Wrestling is the most popular sport in Senegal. Matches are televised and watched by millions. Since stars of the sport earn large amounts of money, many young Senegalese boys dream of becoming a popular wrestler when they're older.
Capoeira
The Afro-Brazilian sport of capoeira is a martial art combined with elements of dance, acrobatics and music. Played in a circle on the ground, it requires nothing more than a of flat space.
Unusually for this sport, there are no winners or losers. Through its combination of kicks and acrobatics, capoeira is all about controlling energy and aggression through physical play.
By Alexis Hawkins
cited- http://www.our-africa.org/games-and-sports
http://www.southafrica.info/about/sport/
Games & Sport
Board games
Africa is home to two of the oldest board games and one is still played today all across the continent.
Count and capture
Mancala/Mankala is played by transfering stones, counters or buttons around a number of dips in the ground. There are more than 200 different versions of the game, which is called by many different names in Africa.
Another board game which dates back to ancient times is Mancala/Mankala, which remains popular in Africa today. Different versions are found in nearly every African country. Played with carved boards of wood, the game is enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Children’s games
Unlike in the West, children’s toys in Africa are often home-made rather than shop-bought. For example, boys may play with hoops from the rims of tyres. Girls might skip with ropes or play with home-made dolls.
Sports
Football is the most popular sport throughout Africa. Anywhere in Africa children can be found kicking a football, many dreaming of becoming a great player. Africa has its own Olympic Games. The All Africa Games (originally known as the Friendship Games and then the Pan-African Games) were first held in Madagascar in 1960.
Wrestling
Wrestling is the most popular sport in Senegal. Matches are televised and watched by millions. Since stars of the sport earn large amounts of money, many young Senegalese boys dream of becoming a popular wrestler when they're older.
Capoeira
The Afro-Brazilian sport of capoeira is a martial art combined with elements of dance, acrobatics and music. Played in a circle on the ground, it requires nothing more than a of flat space.
Unusually for this sport, there are no winners or losers. Through its combination of kicks and acrobatics, capoeira is all about controlling energy and aggression through physical play.
By Alexis Hawkins
cited- http://www.our-africa.org/games-and-sports
http://www.southafrica.info/about/sport/
Image courtesy of: “Basic Maps of Africa” http://www.catsg.org/cheetah/07_map-centre/7_1_entire-range/basic-maps/africa_vegetation.gif
Africa has many biomes and a wide variety of wildlife. Africa’s main biomes are deserts, savannahs, grasslands, tropical and subtropical forests, semi-desert (semiarid), and deciduous forests. Deserts, savannahs, and semi-desert make up almost half of Africa with the biggest desert being the Sahara desert, which is located in North Africa. The other biomes and many smaller ones make up the rest of Africa. Grasslands, savannahs, and forests all receive 90-150 centimeters of rain per year, which is a lot of rain (World Wildlife Fund). Some of these biomes are unfortunately being destroyed due to bad farming methods, and the process of clearing trees. Desertification, over many years, has created the Sahara desert, and the desert is not shrinking but expanding.
Many animals’ lives are also being affected by human beings. This is because people are destroying the animals’ environments. Most animals in Africa live in grasslands and savannahs. Some animals also live in forests. The most famous African animals are lions, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, leopards, zebras, and the wildebeest population (“African Wildlife”). Zebras and the wildebeest population have been declining over the past years, and deforestation has resulted in fewer exotic animals that only live in Africa. If you ever go on an African safari, tell the guide to point these animals out to you, because they may become more rare in the future!
By Christopher Derdena
Works Cited
1. Africa Guide Group, “African Wildlife” http://www.africaguide.com/wildlife/
2. World Wildlife Fund “Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannahs, Shrublands” http://worldwildlife.org/biomes/tropical-and-subtropical-grasslands-savannas-and-shrublands
Africa has many biomes and a wide variety of wildlife. Africa’s main biomes are deserts, savannahs, grasslands, tropical and subtropical forests, semi-desert (semiarid), and deciduous forests. Deserts, savannahs, and semi-desert make up almost half of Africa with the biggest desert being the Sahara desert, which is located in North Africa. The other biomes and many smaller ones make up the rest of Africa. Grasslands, savannahs, and forests all receive 90-150 centimeters of rain per year, which is a lot of rain (World Wildlife Fund). Some of these biomes are unfortunately being destroyed due to bad farming methods, and the process of clearing trees. Desertification, over many years, has created the Sahara desert, and the desert is not shrinking but expanding.
Many animals’ lives are also being affected by human beings. This is because people are destroying the animals’ environments. Most animals in Africa live in grasslands and savannahs. Some animals also live in forests. The most famous African animals are lions, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, leopards, zebras, and the wildebeest population (“African Wildlife”). Zebras and the wildebeest population have been declining over the past years, and deforestation has resulted in fewer exotic animals that only live in Africa. If you ever go on an African safari, tell the guide to point these animals out to you, because they may become more rare in the future!
By Christopher Derdena
Works Cited
1. Africa Guide Group, “African Wildlife” http://www.africaguide.com/wildlife/
2. World Wildlife Fund “Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannahs, Shrublands” http://worldwildlife.org/biomes/tropical-and-subtropical-grasslands-savannas-and-shrublands