Country in East Africa. East African countries
The group of East African states demonstrates an even greater degree of differences, even contrast, and here individual countries stand out noticeably from the rest, as if they are out of the general range. This also applies to Ethiopia, and Somalia, and Tanzania, and some other countries. In general, the countries of the East African region deserve special attention in this sense.
1. Ethiopia is the largest and oldest of them. Its history goes back centuries and it has already been discussed more than once in the previous parts of the work. In the 60s of our century, Ethiopia was an independent and highly respected state in Africa, headed by the revered monarch Emperor Haile Selassie I. True, this populous (over 50 million people) and resource-poor country was constantly plagued by natural disasters, especially droughts, almost regularly brought her economy to a catastrophic state. Droughts, famine, failures with agrarian reform led the country in 1973 to an acute political crisis, which resulted in the deposition of the emperor. Since 1974, power passed to the Provisional Military Administrative Council, whose leaders in a sharp internecine struggle destroyed each other, until M. Haile Mariam came to power in 1977, who firmly set a course for development along the Marxist-socialist model.
The nationalization of industry and land, the strict control of the authorities over the population led the country's economy for a decade and a half to complete degradation. Droughts became more frequent, their consequences became more severe. Millions of people died from simple hunger and disorder in the country, while the ruling bureaucracy was mired in lawlessness and corruption. The decisive blow to the ruling party and its leadership was dealt by the events in our country associated with perestroika and a general change in the ideological and political orientation, as well as by suspending the flow of supplies from the USSR. The weakening of the government's positions, aggravated by defeats in the fight against separatists and rebels in the north, led in 1991 to the collapse of the regime. The dictator fled, and his successors inherited a difficult legacy. There was no more talk of the Marxist-socialist model. Ethiopia is now facing the difficult task of finding its new face, the exit to a normal life.
2. Somalia, located to the east of Ethiopia, on the coast, in the Horn of Africa, is a relatively small state (population of about 6 million people). The inhabitants of British Somalia gained independence in 1960; A democratic parliamentary multi-party republic was established, one of the first of its kind in Africa. But multi-party democracy has led to a weakening of the political structure, further undermined by tribalism and clan patronage-client ties. The coup of 1969 brought S. Barre to power with his dreams of a Greater Somalia and orientation towards the Marxist-socialist model of development. In 1977–1978 in the war with Ethiopia for the Ogaden, Somalia was defeated, and this affected the change of orientation: the Somali authorities abandoned their previous stakes on the USSR, whose leadership preferred to take the side of Ethiopia, and began to seek support in the West. In 1984, Somalia was forced to renounce its claims to the part of Kenya inhabited by Somalis. The idea of Great Somalia collapsed. The era of an acute internal crisis has begun, caused by military spending, devastation, and inflation that are unbearable for a small country. The rebels began to protest against the regime of S. Barre. In 1989, he tried to soften his regime, set a course for economic liberalization and privatization, promised a multi-party system and democracy, and even introduced a new constitution in October. But it was already too late. In early 1991, the Barre regime fell under the blows of the rebels. In 1992, a bloody civil strife began in the country. The instability of power in the course of the struggle for political domination by various ethno-political groups created a situation of dangerous instability in Somalia and led the country to famine.
3. Kenya, located south of Ethiopia and southwest of Somalia, in the past an English colony, gained quite wide popularity in the first post-war years, when a broad national movement led by D. Kenyatta unfolded here. This movement was closely connected with the terrorist actions of the Mau Mau society, which terrified the British. In 1953, the Mau Mau movement was crushed, and Kenyatta was behind bars. In 1960, the country gained independence, and Kenyatta became its president. In 1978, after his death, the country was headed by D. Moi. The one-party presidential system has given serious failures under this president: corruption has become noticeable, the opposition has become more active, demanding a multi-party system. In 1990, Moi made concessions and at the end of 1991 announced the introduction of a multi-party system. The country's economy is still in a difficult position, the standard of living of the population (about 25 million people) is low, but in the recent elections (1993), Moi was again elected president.
4. Uganda- a state to the west of Kenya with a population of 16-17 million people. In 1962 it gained independence and became a republic with former king Buganda Mutesa II as President and M. Obote as Prime Minister. In 1966, Obote took full power, and the constitution of 1967 abolished the monarchy in the country. In 1971, as a result of a military coup, the bloody dictator Idi Amin came to power. Amin's regime was overthrown in 1979 with the support of Tanzania, and in 1980 Obote won the election again became president. The 1985 military coup deposed Obote; since 1986 the country has been headed by I. Museveni. Uganda is one of the few states in Africa where for quite a long time, albeit with ^ breaks, the multi-party system has operated and is still operating. The economy of the country is undeveloped, the standard of living of the population is very low. The liberalization of the economy at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, however, began to give positive results (6–7% growth per year).
5. Tanzania, located south of Kenya and Lake Victoria, was created in 1964 as a result of the unification of Tanganyika, independent since 1961, with the island of Zanzibar, which gained independence in 1963. This is perhaps the only case when such an association turned out to be viable. Population approx. 25 million people Tanzania is a presidential republic with a very stable political system. For many years, D. Nyerere was the president of the country, during which experiments were undertaken related to the orientation towards the Marxist-socialist model (nationalization, cooperation in the “ujamaa” style, etc.). President A.Kh., who replaced Nyerere in the late 1980s Mwinyi is inclined to support the program of economic revival adopted in 1986, associated with the liberalization of the economy and the departure from socialist experiments.
6–7. Rwanda(approx. 7 million) and Burundi(approx. 5 million people) in 1908–1912. were included in German East Africa, since 1923 they became a mandated territory of Belgium, and in 1962 - an independent republic and a monarchy, respectively. The republican structure of Rwanda proved to be stable. Burundi, having experienced a number of military coups, also became a republic. Both states have a one-party system, the economy is underdeveloped, and living standards are low.
8–12. Djibouti(0.5 million population), as well as a number of island states - reunion(0.6 million), Seychelles(0.07 million), Comoros(0.5 million), Mauritius(1.1 million) - are small independent countries of East Africa that gained their independence relatively late, in 1968-1977. (Reunion remains an overseas department of France). Mauritius is a multi-party parliamentary republic formally recognizing the Queen of England as head of state. Djibouti is a one-party presidential republic. In the Seychelles, a 1979 coup brought to power a party that was guided by the Marxist-socialist model. In the Comoros, a similar coup in 1975 had a different fate: another coup in 1978 returned the government of A. Abdallah to power, which then steadily ruled the country for many years. Common to all these small states is their comparative youth as independent structures (this does not apply to Reunion), a fairly noticeable degree of political stability and, apart from Djibouti, remoteness from the mainland, which to a large extent affects their destinies. It is significant to note that Arabs predominate in the Comoros, Indo-Pakistans in Mauritius, Creole Christians in the Seychelles and Réunion.
13. Madagascar, a large island to the east of Africa, gained its independence in 1960. The population is over 11 million people. Initially, the leader of the Social Democrats, F. Tsiranana, was the head of state and government. The coup of 1972 brought the military to power, in 1975 the Supreme Revolutionary Council, headed by D. Ratsiraka, set a course for development along the Marxist-socialist model. The National Front for the Defense of the Revolution, created by the council, united 7 political parties, banning the rest. The economy is nationalized, the public sector absolutely prevails. In the early 1990s, Ratsiraka's power and his political course collapsed. A powerful opposition movement unfolded in the country.
So, among the 13 large and small countries of the region, in four large (Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Madagascar) and at least two others (Seychelles, Comoros), attempts were made to develop according to the Marxist-socialist model, and in three cases (Ethiopia, Tanzania and Madagascar) these were long-term experiments, calculated in decades. The experiment could have been just as long in Somalia if the political situation had not prompted S. Barre to change his earlier orientation. And only in Uganda, and even then with interruptions, did a multi-party system function. All major countries in the region are poorly developed and have a low standard of living. Only a few of the islands (Mauritius, Reunion and the tiny Seychelles) stand out against the general bleak background in better side. With reservations, the same can be said about Djibouti. Slightly higher than others major countries region, the standard of living in politically relatively prosperous Kenya.
Africa is a part of the world with an area of \u200b\u200bwith islands of 30.3 million km 2, this is the second place after Eurasia, 6% of the entire surface of our planet and 20% of the land.
Geographical position
Africa is located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres (most), a small part in the Southern and Western. Like all large fragments of the ancient mainland Gondwana, it has a massive outline, large peninsulas and deep bays are absent. The length of the continent from north to south is 8 thousand km, from west to east - 7.5 thousand km. In the north it is washed by the waters mediterranean sea, in the northeast by the Red Sea, in the southeast by the Indian Ocean, in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Africa is separated from Asia by the Suez Canal, from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar.
Main geographical features
Africa lies on an ancient platform, which determines its flat surface, which in some places is dissected by deep river valleys. On the coast of the mainland there are few lowlands, the northwest is the location of the Atlas Mountains, the northern part, almost completely occupied by the Sahara desert, is the Ahaggar and Tibetsi highlands, the east is the Ethiopian highlands, the southeast is the East African plateau, the extreme south is the Cape and Draconian mountains The highest point in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m, Masai plateau), the lowest is 157 meters below sea level in Lake Assal. Along the Red Sea, in the Ethiopian Highlands and to the mouth of the Zambezi River, the world's largest fault stretches earth's crust, which is characterized by frequent seismic activity.
Rivers flow through Africa: Congo (Central Africa), Niger (West Africa), Limpopo, Orange, Zambezi (South Africa), as well as one of the deepest and longest rivers in the world - the Nile (6852 km), flowing from south to north (its sources are on the East African plateau, and it flows, forming a delta, into the Mediterranean Sea). The rivers are high-water only in the equatorial zone, due to the large amount of precipitation there, most of them are characterized by a high flow rate, have many rapids and waterfalls. In lithospheric faults filled with water, lakes formed - Nyasa, Tanganyika, the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second largest after Lake Superior ( North America) - Victoria (its area is 68.8 thousand km 2, length 337 km, max depth - 83 m), the largest saline drainless lake - Chad (its area is 1.35 thousand km 2, located on the southern outskirts of the world's greatest desert Sahara).
Due to the location of Africa between two tropical belts, it is characterized by high total solar radiation, which gives the right to call Africa the hottest continent on Earth (the most heat on our planet was registered in 1922 in El-Azizia (Libya) - +58 C 0 in the shade).
On the territory of Africa, such natural zones are distinguished as evergreen equatorial forests (the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, the Congo depression), in the north and south turning into mixed deciduous-evergreen forests, then there is a natural zone of savannahs and light forests, extending to Sudan, East and South Africa, to Sevre and southern Africa savannas are replaced by semi-deserts and deserts (Sahara, Kalahari, Namib). In the southeastern part of Africa there is a small zone of mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains - a zone of hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs. natural areas mountains and plateaus are subject to the laws of altitudinal zonation.
African countries
The territory of Africa is divided among 62 countries, 54 - independent, sovereign states, 10 dependent territories belonging to Spain, Portugal, Great Britain and France, the rest - unrecognized, self-proclaimed states - Galmudug, Puntland, Somaliland, Saharan Arab Democratic Republic(SADR). For a long time, the countries of Asia were foreign colonies of various European states and only by the middle of the last century gained independence. Africa is divided into five regions based on geographic location: North, Central, West, East and South Africa.
List of African countries
Nature
Mountains and plains of Africa
Most of the African continent is a plain. Available mountain systems, uplands and plateaus. They are presented:
- the Atlas Mountains in the northwestern part of the continent;
- the Tibesti and Ahaggar uplands in the Sahara Desert;
- Ethiopian highlands in the eastern part of the mainland;
- Dragon Mountains in the south.
The highest point in the country is Mount Kilimanjaro, with a height of 5,895 m, belonging to the East African Plateau in the southeastern part of the mainland ...
Deserts and savannas
The largest desert zone of the African continent is located in the northern part. This is the Sahara desert. On the southwestern side of the continent is another smaller desert, the Namib, and from it, inland to the east, is the Kalahari Desert.
The territory of the savanna occupies the main part of Central Africa. In terms of area, it is much larger than the northern and southern parts of the mainland. The territory is characterized by the presence of pastures typical for savannahs, low shrubs and trees. The height of grassy vegetation varies depending on the amount of precipitation. It can be almost desert savannas or tall grasses, with grass cover from 1 to 5 m in height...
Rivers
On the territory of the African continent is the longest river in the world - the Nile. Its direction of flow is from south to north.
In the list of major water systems of the mainland, Limpopo, Zambezi and the Orange River, as well as the Congo, which flows through the territory of Central Africa.
On the Zambezi River is the famous Victoria Falls, 120 meters high and 1,800 meters wide...
lakes
The list of large lakes of the African continent includes Lake Victoria, which is the second largest freshwater reservoir in the world. Its depth reaches 80 m, and its area is 68,000 square kilometers. Two more large lakes continents: Tanganyika and Nyasa. They are located in the faults of the lithospheric plates.
There is Lake Chad in Africa, which is one of the world's largest endorheic relict lakes that have no connection with the oceans ...
Seas and oceans
The African continent is washed by the waters of two oceans at once: the Indian and the Atlantic. Also off its coast are the Red and Mediterranean Seas. From the side Atlantic Ocean in the southwestern part of the water form the deep Gulf of Guinea.
Despite the location of the African continent, coastal waters are cool. This is influenced by the cold currents of the Atlantic Ocean: the Canary in the north and the Bengal in the southwest. From the side indian ocean currents are warm. The largest are Mozambique, in the northern waters, and Needle, in the southern ...
Forests of Africa
Forests from the entire territory of the African continent make up a little more than a quarter. Here are subtropical forests growing on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains and the valleys of the ridge. Here you can find holm oak, pistachio, strawberry tree, etc. Coniferous plants grow high in the mountains, represented by Aleppo pine, Atlas cedar, juniper and other types of trees.
Closer to the coast there are forests of cork oak, in the tropical region evergreen equatorial plants are common, for example, mahogany, sandalwood, ebony, etc...
Nature, plants and animals of Africa
The vegetation of the equatorial forests is diverse, there are about 1000 species of various tree species: ficus, ceiba, wine tree, olive palm, wine palm, banana palm, tree ferns, sandalwood, mahogany, rubber trees, Liberian coffee tree, etc. . It is home to many species of animals, rodents, birds and insects living right on the trees. Live on earth: bush pigs, leopards, African deer - a relative of the okapi giraffe, large great apes- gorillas...
40% of the territory of Africa is occupied by savannahs, which are huge steppe areas covered with forbs, low, thorny shrubs, milkweed, and stand-alone trees (tree-like acacias, baobabs).
Here there is the largest accumulation of such large animals as: rhinoceros, giraffe, elephant, hippopotamus, zebra, buffalo, hyena, lion, leopard, cheetah, jackal, crocodile, hyena dog. The most numerous animals of the savanna are such herbivores as: bubal (antelope family), giraffe, impala or black-footed antelope, different kinds gazelles (Thomson, Grant), blue wildebeest, in some places there are still rare jumping antelopes - springboks.
The vegetation of deserts and semi-deserts is characterized by poverty and unpretentiousness, these are small thorny shrubs, separately growing bunches of herbs. In the oases, the unique Erg Chebbi date palm grows, as well as plants that are resistant to drought conditions and the formation of salts. In the Namib Desert, unique velvichia and nara plants grow, the fruits of which feed on porcupines, elephants and other animals of the desert.
Of the animals, various species of antelopes and gazelles live here, adapted to the hot climate and capable of traveling great distances in search of food, many species of rodents, snakes, and turtles. Lizards. Among mammals: spotted hyena, common jackal, maned ram, Cape hare, Ethiopian hedgehog, dorcas gazelle, saber-horned antelope, Anubis baboon, wild Nubian donkey, cheetah, jackal, fox, mouflon, there are permanently living and migratory birds.
Climatic conditions
Seasons, weather and climate of African countries
The central part of Africa, through which the equator line passes, is in the area of low pressure and receives sufficient moisture, the territories north and south of the equator are in the subequatorial climate zone, this is a zone of seasonal (monsoonal) moisture and an arid desert climate. The extreme north and south are in the subtropical climate zone, the south receives precipitation brought by air masses from the Indian Ocean, the Kalahari Desert is located here, the north receives the minimum amount of precipitation due to the formation of the region high pressure and the peculiarities of the movement of the trade winds, the largest desert in the world is the Sahara, where the amount of precipitation is minimal, in some areas it does not fall at all ...
Resources
African Natural Resources
In terms of water resources, Africa is considered one of the least prosperous continents in the world. The average annual volume of water is only enough to meet primary needs, but this does not apply to all regions.
Land resources are represented by large areas with fertile land. Only 20% of all possible land is cultivated. The reason for this is the lack of the proper volume of water, soil erosion, etc.
The forests of Africa are a source of timber, including species of valuable varieties. The countries in which they grow, the raw materials are exported. Resources are misused and ecosystems are slowly being destroyed.
In the bowels of Africa there are deposits of minerals. Among those sent for export: gold, diamonds, uranium, phosphorus, manganese ores. There are significant reserves of oil and natural gas.
Energy-intensive resources are widely represented on the continent, but they are not used due to the lack of proper investments...
Among the developed industrial sectors of the countries of the African continent, one can note:
- the mining industry that exports minerals and fuels;
- the oil refining industry, distributed mainly in South Africa and North Africa;
- chemical industry specializing in the production of mineral fertilizers;
- as well as the metallurgical and engineering industries.
main products Agriculture are cocoa beans, coffee, corn, rice and wheat. In the tropical regions of Africa, oil palm is grown.
Fishing is poorly developed and accounts for only 1-2% of the total volume of agriculture. The indicators of animal husbandry are also not high, and the reason for this is the infection of livestock with tsetse flies ...
culture
The peoples of Africa: culture and traditions
About 8,000 peoples and ethnic groups live on the territory of 62 African countries, which in total is about 1.1 billion people. Africa is considered the cradle and ancestral home of human civilization, it was here that the remains of ancient primates (hominids) were found, which, according to scientists, are considered the ancestors of people.
Most of the peoples in Africa may number from several thousand people to several hundred living in one or two villages. 90% of the population are representatives of 120 peoples, their number is more than 1 million people, 2/3 of them are peoples with more than 5 million people, 1/3 - peoples with more than 10 million people (this is 50% of the total population of Africa) - Arabs , Hausa, Fulbe, Yoruba, Igbo, Amhara, Oromo, Rwanda, Malagasy, Zulu...
There are two historical and ethnographic provinces: North African (the predominance of the Indo-European race) and Tropical-African (the majority of the population is the Negroid race), it is divided into such areas as:
- West Africa. The peoples speaking the Mande languages (Susu, Maninka, Mende, Wai), Chadic (Hausa), Nilo-Saharan (Songhai, Kanuri, Tubu, Zagawa, Mawa, etc.), Niger-Congo languages (Yoruba, Igbo, Bini, nupe, gbari, igala and idoma, ibibio, efik, kambari, birom and jukun, etc.);
- Equatorial Africa. Inhabited by Buanto-speaking peoples: Duala, Fang, Bubi (Fernandese), Mpongwe, Teke, Mboshi, Ngala, Komo, Mongo, Tetela, Cuba, Kongo, Ambundu, Ovimbundu, Chokwe, Luena, Tonga, Pygmies, etc.;
- South Africa. Rebellious-speaking peoples, and speaking Khoisan languages: Bushmen and Hottentots;
- East Africa. Bantu, Nilotic and Sudanese groups of peoples;
- North East Africa. Peoples speaking Ethio-Semitic (Amhara, Tigre, Tigra.), Cushitic (Oromo, Somalis, Sidamo, Agau, Afar, Konso, etc.) and Omotian languages (Ometo, Gimirra, etc.);
- Madagascar. Malagasy and Creoles.
In the North African province, the main peoples are considered to be Arabs and Berbers, belonging to the South Caucasian minor race, mainly practicing Sunni Islam. There is also an ethno-religious group of Copts, who are direct descendants of the Ancient Egyptians, they are Monophysite Christians.
East Africa from A to Z. Population, countries, cities and resorts of East Africa. Map, photo and video, descriptions and reviews of tourists.
- Tours for the New Year around the world
- Hot tours around the world
The real, primordial and genuine cradle of mankind and, in addition, the ancestral home of Alexander Sergeevich, East Africa is a region dear to the entire 7 billion population of our planet in general and to 180 million of our fellow citizens in particular. However, such an outstanding past of the region is not the only subject of interest. There is also a whole bunch of wonderful destinations in terms of tourism for every taste: a lot of exotic animals run around, and the ocean is amazingly beautiful, and beaches with the finest loose sand are considered one of the best on the planet. Therefore, East Africa is considered the second most visited region of the continent after the Mediterranean north. Among the tourist lucky ones are Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and the pearls of "island" tourism: Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius.
Journey through East Africa
There are two secrets of such popularity: firstly, the richest nature and, as a result, picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, and secondly, recreational wealth "for idlers", that is, warm water, soft sand and the sun generously gilding the skin. Let's add to this a wise policy in the field of inviting potential customers: hotel and excursion service is at a very low level. high level. Of course, along with the achievements, there are also certain disadvantages - take at least Somali pirates or periodically flashing here and there local conflicts, however, in general, the region can be called very attractive, hospitable and pretty.
For fans of wildlife in East Africa is a real expanse. Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda have long ceased to be perceived as exotic and hard-to-reach corners of the planet. Every year, whole armies of tourists arrive here, ready to snap the big African five from a photo gun: rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes and leopards. Of course, there are enough other representatives of the animal world here - from giant mountain gorillas to handsome lemurs of Madagascar. In addition, the surrounding expanses amaze even the most daring imagination with their diversity: what are the savannas trembling in the midday heat with rare umbrellas of acacias or the “moon mountains” of Rwenzori, forever covered with clouds, on the slopes of which you can immediately see the vegetation of almost all climatic zones known to science.
Immersion in Tanzania
The title of the king of the beaches of East Africa is deservedly held by the Seychelles, whose lush tropical nature framed by azure water has become the inspiration for more than a dozen artists and writers. In addition, this is a real earthly paradise for surfers and fishermen: the first excitedly talk about two-meter waves, the second - about two-meter tuna and sharks. And if you want to combine the tropics with amazing animals and a distinct European flair, you have a direct road to the former colonial islands - Mauritius and Madagascar.
By the way, East Africa is much calmer in the epidemiological sense than West and Central: vaccinations are forced to be done when visiting only a few countries (but
desert with goats and camels. But tourism is one of the modern fields of activity in which Tuareg men show themselves as drivers, guides, drivers, cooks. These people bring plasticity, rhythm and plots of a different reality to the journey across the Sahara. It's not just staff. These people will let you into their lives a little, smile at everyone and call everyone by name. Desertification, it would seem, is a global ecological problem. But even here you can find a rational grain. This is extreme tourism, which is one of the elements due to which the desert is transformed and begins to serve for the benefit of man.
The capital of Algeria is the city of Algiers. The most beautiful waterfront in Algiers is a mirror image of Marseille. Algerians relax in the wonderful Liberte Park, surrounded by tropical trees and many flowers.
2.3.2. South East and South Africa
Southeast and South Africa is a relatively young, dynamically developing region of international tourism. The most popular destinations here include the following countries: Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Seychelles, Mauritius. You can also talk about other tourist destinations, in particular Namibia.
KENYA is located in East Africa bordering the Indian Ocean. According to physical and geographical indicators, Kenya consists of several zones. The Great Rift Valley stretches from north to south. This is the most beautiful part of the country, dotted with lakes, on the banks of which the world's largest colony of pink flamingos lives. The rift valley turns into the savannah, which is used as an endless pasture. Kenya in terms of tourism is primarily known for its national parks (Masai Mara, Ambo-seli, Tsavo). Masai Mara National Park is a continuation of the famous Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). One of the most memorable sights to see in Amboseli National Park is a huge herd of 600-700 elephants. Tourists also get acquainted with endemic species of fauna, for example, with the black rhinoceros, which is on the verge of extinction. Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya, which covers an area of about 21 thousand square meters. km. It is located in the southeastern part of the country and is divided into the western and eastern parts of the automobile and railways Nairobi - Mombasa. The dream of every tourist is the highest point in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro, covered in snowfields at the top. Kilimanjaro is located on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. The natural complexes of Kilimanjaro replace each other according to the schemes of altitudinal zonation.
A promising type of tourism for Kenya is ecological tourism. Thus, according to some estimates, the development of eco-tourism in Kenya
led to an increase in the cost of travelable land from 0.8 to 40 US dollars per 1 ha. The development of tourism can complement the traditional agricultural specialization of the country, which is known in the international division of labor primarily as a supplier of crops - coffee, tea, rice, cotton, etc.
The capital of Kenya is Nairobi The largest city in East Africa, has a number of attractions: the National Museum, a snake farm. Nairobi is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Africa. It should be noted that travel African countries unsafe
in infection plan infectious diseases. Since 1999
in Kenya's malaria outbreak led to an epidemic throughout the country. More than 100 thousand people fell ill with the so-called "mountain malaria". This form of malaria requires treatment with expensive drugs, as traditional remedies are powerless against it.
The territory of the Republic of South Africa (South Africa) is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. In economic terms, it is the most developed country in Africa. Geographical position in the very south of Africa, at the crossroads of trade routes, contributed to economic development countries. However, the main driver of economic growth was Natural resources: diamonds, gold, platinum, uranium, iron ores, coal. The history of mining in South Africa has created a unique tourist attraction. So, in the center of the city-museum of Kimberley, gem seekers dug the "Great Hole" - the world's largest man-made diamond mine, which goes almost a kilometer deep into the earth. Diamonds are found here to this day. Therefore, tourists for a small fee can try their luck to find one of the largest diamonds here.
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria. In South Africa, there are many nature reserves, national parks (Kruger Park), an extraordinary variety of landscapes - deserts, mountains. Along the coast there are many
the gesture of seaside resorts. The most famous among them is the city of Sun City. The predominant direction is ecological tourism. In 1997 about 60% of the 6 million tourists who visited South Africa opted for a national park or reserve.
South Africa is a major wine producing country. Wine is exported to more than 50 countries. In South Africa, the production of wines is being stimulated and official wine-growing regions have been established, the name of which is indicated on the label. The corresponding label means that 100% of the grapes from which the wine is made are grown in a certain area. The administrative territorial winemaking unit in South Africa is the estate (estate). The best South African wines have logos on the label
the respective farm. The absence of a logo means that the wine is of lesser quality. A significant area of the country and the presence of various natural and climatic zones allow the development of railway tourism. So, in South Africa, the Train Blue train, which runs through the whole country, from Pretoria to Cape Town, is a success.
ZIMBABWE is located in southern Africa between the Limpopo and Zambezi lakes. The territory of Zimbabwe, the former British Rhodesia, is located within the famous "copper belt of the world", the location of the world's largest copper deposits. Like other countries in this region, Zimbabwe is best known in terms of international tourism for its national parks (Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Great Zimbabwe). The capital of the country is the city of Harare.
NAMIBIA is a country in South Africa. The mining industry is developed here, in particular, the extraction of uranium ores. The natural and climatic features of the country are determined by the Namib Desert, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The origin of the desert is associated with a cold current passing off the coast of the country. The wind blowing from the ocean does not bring precipitation.
The capital of the country is Windhoek. Namibia is often characterized as a "community tourism" country. Under ambitious government plans developed in the early 1990s, local communities can take legal responsibility for zoning farmland, wilderness areas, and tourism activities in multi-use areas called sanctuaries, and then reap financial benefits from it.
TANZANIA today is actually a union of two pre-existing states - Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Tanzania has the longest coastline of any East African country. She, like other countries in this region, is known primarily for its national parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, etc.). The Serengeti is the largest park in Tanzania. It was founded in 1951. and covers an area of about 15 thousand square meters. km. Of great interest is the annual migration of thousands of animals, especially wildebeest. Ngorongoro National Park is located in a huge crater of an extinct volcano with a diameter of about 20 km. The edges of the crater are located at an altitude of about 2.5 thousand km above sea level, and its bottom is 600 m below the edges of the crater. Therefore, inside the crater formed its own habitat. Many species of animals are born, live and die here.
International tourism is developing in the country. There are beautiful beaches along the coast of Tanzania. Especially popular is the sea resort of Tanga, where there are sulfur springs and picturesque caves. Zanzibar is often referred to as the "Fair Island". In the 19th century Zanzibar
was the largest supplier of cloves. The country's economy in to a large extent depends on the export of agricultural crops: coffee, tea, cotton, etc.
UGANDA, located on the equator, is considered the pearl of Africa. The main and most famous attraction of the country is the Bwindi National Park. It is home to 300 of the 600 remaining gorillas in the world. Murchinson Falls is also a natural landmark of Uganda. The waters of the Nile, whose sources are located here, seeping through a narrow gap in the rocks, formed several foaming cascades. Water rushes down from a height of 50 m, creating one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located on the equator in the northwestern part of the country. The fauna of the park is diverse: hippos, tree-dwelling lions, elephants, buffaloes, marsh goats, red-tailed monkeys, etc. The park is also known for the variety of birds living here. There are about 500 species of them: cormorants, giant herons, eagles, etc. Among other attractions of Uganda is Lake Victoria - one of the world's largest reservoirs of fresh water.
Uganda has a dramatic history. Civil wars continued here even after gaining independence in 1962. Incessant conflicts, difficult living conditions, famine were the reason that here is one of the lowest in the world, the average life expectancy of the population: for men - 36 years, for women - 37 years.
Coffee is the main export crop providing most state revenue.
In the southeast of the African continent, the state of MOZAMBIQUE is located - a predominantly agrarian country. Traditionally, the country was considered a Portuguese enclave in Africa. Back in 1498. Vasco da Gama reached the coast of Mozambique. Educated in 1962.
the armed organization FRELIMO (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) fought against Portugal, which in 1975. recognized the country's independence.
The country's capital, Maputo, was founded on the site of a late XVIII in. Portuguese fort. Among the sights of the city should be noted the Museum of Natural History and the train station, designed and built with the participation of the architect Eiffel, the author of the project of the famous tower in Paris. Before civil war tourists to Mozambique were attracted mainly by the beautiful sandy beaches located in the areas of Tofu, Langos, Lurno and Cape Barra Falsa. Mozambique is also known for its national parks and original African culture (sculpture, fresco painting, music).
The Comoros (Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros) are located in the north of the Mozambique Channel. The capital of the state is Moroni. Once the Comoros had an advantageous transport and geographical position on the way from India to Europe.
Therefore, until the middle of the 19th century, many sailors visited the islands. Teams of whaling ships, merchants, and pirates landed on the Comoros. These islands were a great place to replenish food supplies. However, after opening in 1869. Suez Canal, the shortest route from India to Europe began to pass through the Red Sea. The decline of business activity in the Comoros was associated with this.
These "forgotten islands" have unique wildlife. Lives only here bat Livingston with wings connecting all four limbs. The Comoros are islands of volcanic origin. At the southern tip of the largest island, Ngazidzha, there is an active Kargala volcano with a height of over 2000 m. The islands are characterized by a mountainous landscape. Endemic species of insects, birds and animals live here. Comoros is an agricultural country. The main exports are vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang essence used in the perfume industry. Islamic traditions, established on the islands since the Middle Ages, are manifested in the architecture of beautiful old mosques, as well as in noisy oriental bazaars. In the country
there are some restrictions. So, in the Comoros, for wearing mini-skirts, you can get to the police station.
In southern Africa, on the border between Mozambique and South Africa, the kingdom of SWAZILAND is located - a patriarchal monarchy, where the king performs ritual dances, samples the new crop, and chooses a new wife at festivals among young unmarried women. Swaziland is inhabited by more than 90% of the African Swazi people, migrating here from South Africa.
The country has a developed mining industry (extraction of asbestos, coal, iron ore, gold, diamonds). A local attraction is one of the oldest mines in the world, which began to function several tens of thousands of years ago. An important contributor to the local economy is agricultural production. Main crops: sugar cane, corn, cotton, citrus fruits, tobacco, peanuts. The absence of modern resorts, which are available in neighboring South Africa, is a consequence of the country's patriarchal way of life. However, this circumstance is more than compensated wildlife. The country has reserves, many archaeological sites. Swaziland has earned fame as one of the world centers of equestrian tourism.
Among the attractions of the country's capital, Mbabane, should be noted Olister Miller Street, Swazi Square and the Mbabane Craft Market. Tourists come to Swaziland predominantly from neighboring South Africa. Fever vaccination is recommended for travelers. Unlike neighboring South Africa, Swaziland has a relatively low crime rate.
East Africa differs from other regions of the mainland in the predominance mountainous terrain. Being within the most tectonically mobile part of the mainland, which experienced a particularly strong activation of tectonic processes in the Cenozoic, East Africa is an area of stretching of the earth's crust with the formation of cracks. deep and manifestations of ancient and modern inland rift volcanism.
The entire territory of East Africa (with the exception of a narrow strip of the coastal lowland of the Indian Ocean) is occupied by the arched-blocky East African Plateau with a height of more than 1000 m, broken by tectonic faults. The relief alternates elevated basement plains, deep and narrow fault depressions, large fault ledges, blocky mountains, lava plateaus, and isolated volcanic cones.
The East African Plateau serves as a watershed between the basins of the Nile, Congo, Zambezi and a number of less significant rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean; there are drainless territories (in some closed fault depressions).
East African countries include:
- Burundi(capital of Bujumbura)
- Djibouti(capital of Djibouti)
- Kenya(capital Nairobi)
- Comoros (capital Moroni)
- Madagascar(capital of Antananarivo)
- Mauritius(capital Port Louis)
- Mozambique(capital of Maputo)
- reunion(capital Saint-Denis)
- Rwanda(capital of Kigali)
- Seychelles (capital Victoria)
- Somalia(capital of Mogadishu)
- Sudan(capital Khartoum)
- Tanzania(capital of Dodoma)
- Uganda(capital Kampala)
- Eritrea(capital of Asmara)
- Ethiopia(capital of Addis Ababa)
The borders of many states were set arbitrarily by the former colonial powers, without taking into account natural ethnic and cultural boundaries. Due to the large cultural and social differences in East Africa, there is a significant potential for conflict, which has repeatedly expressed itself in past and current wars, including civil ones.
East Africa occupies a marginal position on the mainland on both sides of the equator. Within its limits, there are trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres and active monsoon activity is manifested. The ruggedness of the relief and high altitudes complicate the system of atmospheric circulation and create a wide variety of landscapes within East Africa, from hot tropical deserts near the ocean to humid equatorial forests on the slopes of massifs crowned with snowy peaks.
In East Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean, the largest number of endemic species of mammals (55%), birds (63%), reptiles (49%) and amphibians (40%) are found. At the same time, in this region, the largest number of animal species are threatened with extinction: 149 species of mammals, 107 species of birds, 27 species of reptiles, 6 species of amphibians and 60 species of fish.
The vegetation is dominated by various types of savannas and light forests; in the mountains - altitudinal zonality of vegetation (mountain-forest, Afro-subalpine, Afro-alpine belts). Animal world very rich and diverse (especially the fauna of large mammals), in its composition is characteristic of the East African subregion of the Ethiopian zoogeographic region.
population of East Africa. On the basis of language, the population is divided into 3 linguistic megagroups - Bantu, Nilotic and Cushitic. The most widely spoken European language English language. According to religion, the population is divided mainly into Christians and Muslims.