Key Elements of African Geography
1. Size
a. Second Largest Continent
b. Three times the size of the United States
c. Divided in half by the equator
2. Great Rift Valley
a. U-shaped
b. 2,000 feet deep, 30-50 miles wide
c. Major geographic barrier, transportation was to difficult
3. Coastline
a. Smooth coastline = few natural harbors
b. Shallow coastal areas, boats must anchor a mile or two offshore
c. Prevented exploration
4. Rivers
a. Excellent potential for hydroelectric power
b. Nile – worlds longest river
c. Many of the rivers are navigable
5. Natural Resources
a. Gold (Ghana, Zaire)
b. Oil (Nigeria, Libya, Algeria)
c. Diamonds – 80% of worlds supply
6. Deserts
a. 40 % of Continent
b. Sahara – worlds largest desert, the size of the United States
c. Geographic barrier – divides the country north / south
d. Kalahari desert in the south
7. Effects of geography
a. Transportation is difficult
i. Rivers have rapids and waterfalls
ii. Smooth coastline
b. Climate
i. Sahara is a cultural barrier
ii. Farming is difficult due to scarcity of farmland and hot temperatures
iii. Poor soils
c. Resources are plentiful
i. Need money and skilled laborers to develop
ii. Hydroelectric potential
