Africa

Africa

Bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Atlantic to the west and Mediterranean to the north; lies the continent as we know called Africa. The longest river, which runs about 4,160 miles, is the Nile River and is the survival source for the African people. It provides mode of transportation, food and fertile land.
Providing a route between the coast and the Sahara Desert, the slopes contain cedar, pine, cork and oak trees. The Sahara Desert separates northern Africa from the rest of the continent. South of the northern Africa is an area known as sub-Sahara. There are several countries that make up West Africa and are contained by dense forests of desert and grassland, which is important to the environment.
Eastern Africa includes places such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Uganda to name a few. Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro are mountains in east Africa and includes Lake Victoria. The rich wildlife is the home to many in east Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in central Africa. South Africa, Namibia, islands of Madagascar is located in South Africa. Rich in diamonds and the world’s biggest supplier of platinum is part of South Africa’s land.
Outside cultures such as the Arabs of the Middle East slowly penetrated Africa. It was divided into European colonies by the late 1800’s. Succumbing to brutal dictators and economic progress, many African countries are in poverty, hopelessness and violence is more prevalent. The continent as a whole is a developing region but many countries have their own levels of economic development.
There are several different ethnic groups in Africa. They enrich the various groups and have great influence on one another. With over 50 countries some have more than 20 or more ethnic groups. With the majority of the people being of African descent, several ethnic groups are affected by the migration of the Arabs. There are even people of Asian descent. Africa is urbanizing at a fast pace although many people live a rural life. Their opportunities are not as great as one living in the cities and their schools have far less resources than most. Their rich cultural heritages were passed down from generation to generation. There are people who have plenty of food and there are some who suffer from droughts and live in extreme poverty. Over half of the population is involved in farming but growing is just not enough to feel their villages.
Starch accompanied by vegetables and stew is the prime characteristic of the Africa people. Meat is used as a flavoring rather than a main ingredient. Each region has its own traditional way of cooking. In North Africa, which is largely Muslims their diet is more of Islamic traditions. So pork or any animal product that has not been butchered according to their standards is not part of their diet. Lamb, prepared over an open fire is a popular dish in Algeria and Tunisia.
Yams are an important part of the Western Africa diet. Meat sources include chicken, goat and sheep. The popular fruits such as oranges, melons, limes, mangoes are a part of Nigeria. Eastern Africa main dish is potatoes and rice but the coastal area is a spicy coconut based stew. Very spicy food can be found in Somalia and Ethiopia. Central Africa consists of edible leaves such as Kale, collard greens and mustards. South Africans are known for seafood; cod, oysters, calamari, mussels, shrimp and crayfish. Traditional dishes also include stews like many of the other countries. African desert is made of sour cream pastry, a mix of milk, flour and eggs and is known as “Melktert”.