9 Fascinating Facts About Africa History That You Don’t Know
There are a lot of facts about Africa history that is still like a myth to many people, yes, even till today. We’ve all heard this before, and by now, it is no longer news that Africa is a vast continent, rich in diversity and culture. One continent which is blessed with stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and most importantly, unique traditions and various fascinating cultures.
However, despite being one of the most intriguing continents in the world, there are still many things that people may not know about Africa. In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating facts about Africa that may surprise you. These facts are sure to open you up to the world of possibilities inherent within the continent.
9 Fascinating Facts about Africa History
1. A Unique African Writing System
Have you ever heard of the Ethiopic alphabet? It’s pretty special because it’s the only writing system in Africa that has its alphabet. Originating in Ethiopia, these distinct alphabets are used within the country and Eritrea and have been around for ages.
The Ethiopic alphabet has deep roots in the ancient Semitic languages of the region. It’s used to write languages like Amharic and Tigrinya. But it’s not just about functionality; the Ethiopic alphabet carries immense cultural value too. It helps preserve Ethiopian literature, religious texts, and their unique heritage. Ethiopians take a lot of pride in their alphabet—it’s a symbol of their national identity.
2. The Land of Twins
Ever heard about the land of twins in Africa? Then you’re not far from learning about the “Land of Twins”? Well, to get this right, it is known that Benin has an extraordinary rate of twin births. On average, there are 27.0 twins born per 1,000 births in Benin. That’s way higher than the global average of 13.6 twins per 1,000 births.
What’s even more fascinating is that there’s no hypothesis to prove why this is common amongst these sets of people. And science has tied these occurrences to something in their genetics, environment, or diet. Certain ethnic groups in Benin have a higher chance of having twins.
3. The World’s Largest Desert Is In Africa
A lot of individuals are familiar with the Sahara(an Arabic word for desert or red), which is the largest hot desert in the world. However, did you know that it is also the third-largest desert overall in the world? The two larger deserts are both in Antarctica.
The Sahara covers an area of approximately 3.6 million square miles, which is almost the size of the entire United States. It is the largest hot desert in the world, with one of the harshest climates ever. The Sahara Desert is also located in North Africa and covers an area of approximately 9,200,000 square kilometers with an average of 2 million people who are majorly nomads. Despite its harsh conditions, people have lived in the Sahara for thousands of years.
4. Africa is The Second Most Populous Continent
After Asia, Africa is the second most populous continent in the world, with over 1.2 billion people. It is also the continent with the youngest population, with around 60% of its population under the age of 25. Is the second-largest continent in the world, both in terms of land area and population. It covers 20% of the Earth’s land area and is home to a variety of cultures.
5. Africa is Home to The Largest River in The World
The Nile River, which runs through 11 countries in Africa, is the longest river in the world, stretching over 4,100 miles. The Nile has played a crucial role in the development of human civilization in Africa, providing water for irrigation and transportation. The Egyptians believed that the Nile served as a path that could connect the living and the dead, a passageway between life and death. The west side of the Nile has tombs built as it was considered the side of death. The Nile flows through 11 countries in Africa, including Egypt, Sudan, and Uganda.
6. The World’s Oldest Human Remains Were Found in Africa
The oldest known human fossils were discovered in Ethiopia and date back thousands of years ago, and this suggests that Africa is the birthplace of humanity. The fossils were discovered in the Afar region of Ethiopia and include the partial skeleton of a species called Australopithecus afarensis.
The discovery of these fossils has also shown us that multiple species of early humans coexisted in Africa for millions of years before Homo sapiens, our species, emerged. Overall, the discovery of the world’s oldest human remains in Ethiopia, is a significant milestone in our understanding of human history and highlights the important role that Africa played in our origins.
7. Africa Has The Largest Number of French Speakers in the World
You might be surprised to learn that French is the official language of many African countries, and Africa has the largest number of French speakers in the world. More people speak French in Africa than in France itself.
According to the International Organization of La Francophonie, as of 2021, there were over 300 million French speakers worldwide. Out of that number, approximately 76 million are native speakers, while the rest are second-language speakers. When it comes to French speakers in Africa, the continent indeed has a significant number.
In fact, according to the same organization, approximately 54% of all French speakers in the world live in Africa, making it the continent with the highest number of French speakers. The countries with the most French speakers in Africa are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Cameroon.
It is also worth noting that while French is an official language in many African countries, it is not the only official language. For instance, in countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, Arabic is the official language, and in South Africa, there are 11 official languages, including English and Afrikaans.
8. The First Known University In The World Was In Africa
When we think of prestigious institutions of higher learning, images of esteemed European and Asian universities often come to mind. However, it may come as a surprise to you that the first known university in the world had its roots in Africa.
Africa’s ancient university, known as the University of Al Quaraouiyine, holds a significant place in history, showcasing the continent’s profound intellectual contributions. The University of Al Quaraouiyin is Located in Fes, Morocco, the University of Al Quaraouiyine was founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, a Muslim woman from a prominent family. Initially established as a mosque, the institution gradually evolved into a center of learning, attracting scholars from across the Muslim world.
The university became renowned for its emphasis on a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, law, and theology. Its rigorous curriculum fostered an environment of intellectual exchange and innovation. Scholars from diverse backgrounds flocked to Al Quaraouiyine, ensuring the dissemination of knowledge throughout the region and beyond.
The establishment of Al Quaraouiyine displays academic excellence that predates many well-known universities in Europe for several centuries. This stands as a testament to Africa’s long-standing intellectual tradition and the contributions made by its scholars. The university played a vital role in the preservation and translation of ancient Greek and Roman texts, contributing to the wider dissemination of knowledge during the Islamic Golden Age.
Till date, the University of Al Quaraouiyine remains operational, continuing its legacy as an important educational institution. It has expanded to include various faculties, modern research centers, and libraries. Moreover, its rich history has inspired other institutions across the African continent to foster academic excellence and promote intellectual growth.
9. Africa is the Only Continent to Span all Four Hemispheres
Africa is the only continent that stretches across all four hemispheres – the northern, southern, eastern, and western. The continent is often regarded as the only one that spans all four hemispheres because it is crossed by both the Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) and the Equator (0 degrees latitude). The Prime Meridian divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, while the Equator separates the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This makes it a truly unique and diverse continent, with a wide range of climates, landscapes, and cultures.
15 More Interesting Facts About Africa
1. The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Great Pyramid of Giza, which is located in Egypt, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex. It was built over 4,500 years ago and is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
2. Africa Has The Largest Concentration of Elephants in tThe World
Elephants are some of the most magnificent animals on earth, and Africa is home to more of them than any other continent. According to recent estimates, there are around 415,000 elephants in Africa, spread across 37 countries.
3. Lake Victoria is the Largest Lake in Africa
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. It is shared by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and provides a vital source of water for millions of people.
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4. Africa is Home to The World’s Largest Waterfall
Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is acknowledgeable the largest waterfall in the world by volume of water. They are nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls and are one of the most spectacular natural wonders on earth.
5. Africa Has The Highest Number of Megafauna
Megafauna refers to large animals weighing over 1000 kg, and Africa has the highest number of them. Some examples include the hippopotamus, the rhinoceros, the giraffe, and the gorilla. Some of the world’s most iconic animals, such as lions, elephants, and giraffes, are native to Africa. The continent is also home to many species of primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and baboons.
6. Africa Has Over 25% of the World’s Bird Species
With over 2,600 species, Africa has more bird species than any other continent. The ostrich, which is the largest bird in the world, is also native to Africa. Africa is indeed known for its rich birdlife and diverse avian species.
7. Africa is The Only Continent With An Active Underwater Volcano
Mount Nyiragongo, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an active volcano that sits beneath Lake Kivu. It is the world’s largest lava lake and has erupted several times in the past few decades.
8. Africa Has The Longest River in The World Without a Bridge
The Congo River, which is the second-longest river in Africa after the Nile, and popularly referred to as the “lungs of Africa” has no bridge that spans its entire length. It flows through the heart of the Congo Basin and is home to many unique and endangered species of wildlife running across over 6 countries.
9. Africa Has The Largest Population of Wild Gorillas
The African continent is home to the largest population of wild gorillas in the world, with around 1,000 mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
10. The World’s Largest Diamond Was Found in Africa
The Cullinan Diamond, which was discovered in South Africa in 1905, is the largest rough diamond ever found. It weighed over 3,000 carats and was later cut into nine large stones, including the Great Star of Africa, which is the largest clear-cut diamond in the world that sits in the King of Britain’s crown.
11. Africa Has The Highest and Lowest Points on The Continent
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest point on the African continent, standing at 19,341 feet. The lowest point is the shore of Lake Assal, located in Djibouti, which sits 515 feet below sea level.
12. The First Known Civilization in Africa Was The Ancient Civilization of Egypt
The first civilization in Africa which emerged around 3100 BC is in Africa. It was one of the most advanced civilizations of its time, with innovations in agriculture, art, and architecture.
13. Africa Has a Rich Musical Heritage
The African continent has a rich musical heritage, with many different styles of music, including traditional drumming, jazz, and Afrobeat. Some famous African musicians include Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour, Burna Boy, amongst many
14. The African continent is the only place in the world where you can find the baobab tree, which can live for thousands of years.
15. The African continent is the birthplace of coffee, which was first discovered in Ethiopia.
In conclusion, Africa has given the world some amazing things, and the examples we’ve talked about are just the tip of the iceberg. From the Ethiopic alphabet as a prime example of Africa’s linguistic diversity and a testament to the ingenuity of ancient African civilizations in developing sophisticated writing systems to the first human fossils discovered.
These examples remind us of Africa’s unique contributions to our world. From art and music to science and literature, Africa has played a significant role in shaping global culture and history. And It is important to recognize and celebrate the richness and diversity of the African heritage.
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