The easternmost point of Africa. Countries of East Africa. East Africa - description, countries and features East African countries list

In eastern Africa - Somalia

Africa is the most mysterious continent of planet Earth, and it has not been possible to unravel its secrets for many years. The second largest continent of our planet is famous for its beauty, and one of them is Cape Ras Hafun, the easternmost point of Africa.

Which traveler has not dreamed of Africa? This is probably the most intriguing continent on Earth due to its unknown nature. Those who lack adrenaline in life tend to go there, and the thirst for adventure does not allow them to sit quietly at home in front of the TV.

The large territory of Africa is not as densely populated as Europe or Asia, but the continent is home to 57 countries that are united in the international African Union, where joint political decisions are made.

The largest peninsula in Africa is Somalia, the state of which actually does not exist due to a long civil war. The easternmost point of Africa, a small peninsula, Cape Ras Hafun, is located there. If you look at a map of Africa, you can see that Cape Hafun looks like an inverted mini copy of the large continent.

Cape Ras Hafun

The flat location of the main part of the peninsula, the lack of water, as a result of which there is abundant vegetation, and the dry and hot climate are not conducive to economic development. Most of the inhabitants of the peninsula are nomadic pastoralists, while the rest settled in coastal cities and engage in fishing.

In the eastern point of Africa, on Cape Ras Hafun, which is located in the Gulf of Aden and juts out into the Indian Ocean, the city is inhabited mainly by Ottoman Mahmuds, who are engaged in fishing and do not disdain to engage in piracy; all over the world they are called Somali pirates and they have their own laws - the main thing is loot and money, so pirates steal entire ships.

Local currency of Somalia

The nature of the coastal areas of the Somali Peninsula, and in particular Cape Hafun, is very beautiful; the diversity of the animal world enriches the perception of the African continent and provides the opportunity for entertainment, such as safaris for tourists or hunters. Recently, European tour operators have been offering special tours called "Somali Safari - Pirate Hunt", which includes several pirate yacht hijackings and weapons rentals.

It is difficult to imagine a person who, at this time and of his own free will, would decide to visit the country of Somalia, in which the easternmost point of Africa, Cape Ras Hafun, is located. If you take a chance and end up there, then stock up on the Somali currency, the Somali shilling, since it will not be possible to change your money on the territory of this African state, and paying by credit card is not in fashion there.

Disaster in Somalia

Euros and US dollars have been used as means of payment in Africa for quite a long time, especially in Somalia; local residents also accept Egyptian, Yemeni and even Kenyan currencies for payment.

You can find Cape Hafun as the easternmost point of Africa using geographic coordinates on any map if you apply the following calculations - 10 degrees 25"00* north latitude and 51 degrees 16"00* east longitude.

In the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, earthquakes and, as a result, tsunamis are not uncommon, so you need to know how to escape from the “coastal wave that brings death.” Having seen a tsunami in the ocean, you have from 15 to 30 minutes to escape or go inland, away from the coast. Run faster, especially if this is the coast of Cape Ras Hafun, the easternmost point of the African continent.

The second largest continent on planet Earth is considered to be Africa, and the easternmost point of Africa is located at Cape Ras Hafun. Visiting this cape is not difficult, but you need to be prepared for the unexpected and not be afraid of adventure.

East Africa is the part of the African continent that covers the states located east of the Nile River (with the exception of Egypt).

General characteristics of East African countries

East Africa includes 17 independent states - Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, Mozambique, etc.

More than 200 nationalities live in East Africa. Four language groups are common here. The main feature of the states of East Africa is that after the collapse of the colonial regime, the borders between them were created arbitrarily, without taking into account ethnic and cultural generality.

Therefore, in many states, civil conflicts on religious and ideological grounds have not subsided for several decades.

East Africa is considered the most problematic region of the continent - infectious diseases and hunger are rampant here, and the socio-economic level of development of the population is very low.

Many East African countries are former colonies of European powers that gained independence in the 1960s. The disinterest of developed countries in investing in the economy of East Africa significantly slows down economic development in the region.

Sudan

Sudan is a large state in East Africa, its territory covers more than 1.8 million km2. The population exceeds 30 million people. Sudan is considered one of the poorest countries in the world.

Most of its territory is occupied by the Nubian and Lebanese deserts. The hot, dry climate, as well as the lack of fertile soils, makes farming impossible. According to 2011 data, more than 45% of the population lives below the poverty line.

More than 60% of school-age children do not attend educational institutions. The main problem of the state is infant mortality, which negatively affects the demographic picture.

Kenya

Kenya is an East African state that was a British colony until 1963. Today, Kenya is the most developed country in East Africa.

Thanks to foreign investment, industrial production is actively developing here. Over the past decade, socio-economic indicators have increased significantly in the state.

The capital of Kenya, Nairobi, is the continent's largest financial center. Kenya is an agricultural country that exports products such as tea, coffee, sugar cane and corn.

Oil refineries are located in Kenya. The main problem of the country is the low level of literacy of the rural population and the dynamic spread of HIV.

Within the Dark Continent there are 60 countries, including unrecognized and self-proclaimed states. Regions of Africa differ from each other according to many criteria: cultural, economic, demographic, etc. How many of them are there in total on the mainland? Which countries do they belong to?

Features of continental macrozonation: regions of Africa

Each African country is unique and distinctive. However, some common features between these states (natural, historical, social and economic) allow geographers to divide the continent into several large regions. There are five of them in total, according to the generally accepted UN classification.

All regions of Africa are listed below:

  • Northern;
  • Central, or Tropical;
  • South;
  • Western;
  • East Africa.

Each of the listed macro-regions covers a number of countries in the corresponding part of the continent. Thus, the leader in the number of states is the Western region. Moreover, most of them boast access to the World Ocean. But North and South Africa are the largest regions of the continent in terms of area.

Most countries in the Eastern region have shown significant growth in GDP per capita in recent years. In turn, the central part of Africa concentrated in its vast expanses the poorest and most economically and scientifically backward states on the planet.

It should be noted that not everyone accepts the existing zoning scheme proposed by the UN. So, for example, some researchers and travelers highlight a region such as South-East Africa. It includes only four states: Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

North Africa

The region covers six sovereign states and one partially recognized one: Tunisia, Sudan, Morocco, Libya, Western Sahara (SADR), Egypt and Algeria. North Africa, in addition, also includes several overseas territories belonging to Spain and Portugal. The countries of this region have relatively large areas.

Almost all North African states have wide access to the Mediterranean Sea. This fact played a significant role in their development, indicating fairly close economic ties with European countries. Most of the region's population is concentrated in a narrow coastal strip of the Mediterranean, as well as in the Nile River valley. The waters of the Red Sea wash the shores of two more states in this region: we are talking about Sudan and Egypt. On the map of North Africa, these countries occupy the extreme eastern position.

Average GDP per capita in the region is not so high. However, according to IMF forecasts, they will only increase in the near future. The poorest country in the macroregion is Sudan, and the most prosperous are oil-producing Tunisia and Algeria.

North Africa has a fairly developed (by African standards) agriculture. Citrus fruits, dates, olives are grown here. This region is also popular among travelers. Countries such as Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco are visited annually by millions of tourists from different parts of the world.

The largest cities in the region: Casablanca, Tunis, Tripoli, Cairo, Alexandria.

Algeria and Egypt on the map of Africa: interesting facts

Egypt is a state within which one of the world's oldest civilizations arose. This is a country of mysterious pyramids, secret treasures and legends. It is the absolute leader on the entire Black Continent in terms of the development of the recreational and tourism sector. At least 10 million tourists visit Egypt every year.

Not everyone knows that this country is one of the most industrialized on the mainland. Oil, gas, iron and manganese ores, gold, coal, etc. are actively mined and processed here. The chemical, cement and textile industries operate effectively in the industrial sector.

An equally interesting state in North Africa is Algeria. This country is the largest on the continent in size. Interestingly, she received this honorary title only in 2011, when Sudan collapsed. In addition to this record, Algeria is interesting for other facts. For example, did you know that:

  • about 80% of Algeria's territory is occupied by desert;
  • one of the lakes of this amazing country is filled with real ink;
  • there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the territory of the state;
  • there is not a single McDonald's or Orthodox church in Algeria;
  • Alcohol here is sold exclusively in specialized stores.

In addition, Algeria amazes travelers with the diversity of its natural landscapes. Here you can see everything: mountain ranges, dense forests, hot deserts, and cool lakes.

West Africa

This African region is the absolute leader in the total number of independent states. There are 16 of them: Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Most of the countries in the region are underdeveloped states with low GDP. Nigeria can be called a certain exception from this list. The IMF forecasts for this region are disappointing: GDP per capita will not grow in the near future.

Almost 60% of West Africa's population is employed in agriculture. Cocoa powder, wood, and palm oil are produced here on a large scale. The manufacturing industry is sufficiently developed only in Nigeria.

The main problems of the region include the following:

  • poor development of the transport network;
  • poverty and illiteracy;
  • the presence of a large number of language conflicts and hot spots.

The largest cities in the region: Dakar, Freetown, Abidjan, Accra, Lagos, Abuja, Bamako.

Central Africa

Central Africa consists of eight countries of significantly different sizes (Chad, Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and the island nation of Sao Tome and Principe). The poorest country in the region is the Democratic Republic of Congo, with an extremely low GDP of $330 per capita.

In the economy of the macroregion, the leading positions are occupied by agriculture and the mining industry, which was left to the countries as a legacy from colonial times. Gold, cobalt, copper, oil and diamonds are mined here. The economy of Central Africa has been and remains resource-based.

A significant problem in the region is the presence and periodic military conflicts.

The largest cities in the region: Douala, N'Djamena, Libreville, Kinshasa, Bangui.

East Africa

This region covers ten independent Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, the beautifully named country Rwanda and the newly formed South Sudan), as well as several unrecognized state entities and dependent territories.

East Africa is a region of young states, backward economies and a predominance of monoculture agriculture. In some countries, piracy is thriving (Somalia), and armed conflicts (both internal and between neighboring countries) are not uncommon. In some countries the tourism industry is quite well developed. In particular, tourists come to Kenya or Uganda to visit local national parks and get acquainted with wild

The largest cities in the region: Juba, Addis Ababa, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Kampala.

South Africa

The last macro-region of the continent includes 10 Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, as well as two enclaves (Lesotho and Swaziland). Madagascar and the Seychelles are also often included in this region.

Countries differ from each other in terms of development level and GDP indicators. The most economically developed state in the region is the Republic of South Africa. South Africa is an amazing country with three capital cities.

Tourism is quite well developed in some countries in the region (primarily South Africa, Botswana and the Seychelles). Swaziland attracts many travelers with its well-preserved culture and colorful traditions.

Largest cities in the region: Luanda, Lusaka, Windhoek, Maputo, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth.

Conclusion

All countries of the African continent are original, extremely interesting and often so different from each other. However, geographers were still able to group them according to historical, socio-economic and cultural criteria, identifying five macro-regions: North, West, Central, East and South Africa.

It is the second largest in the world after Eurasia and the first in its mystery and unpredictability. It lies between two oceans - the Atlantic and the Pacific, crosses the equator line, which is why the climate there is extremely dry and hot. The eastern part of the continent is considered especially dry. Despite the fact that the Sahara and Kalahari are located in the north and south, this is where the minimum amount of precipitation falls. Because of this, the flora is sparse and tourism is not very well developed. The easternmost point of Africa is Cape Ras Hafun, which is located in Somalia. It is these lands that we will now consider in detail.

Cape Data

The coordinates of the easternmost point of Africa are 10°26" north latitude and ​51°23" east longitude. It is located on the Somali peninsula, in the state of the same name. Many people note that this country only exists in fact. In fact, development there is at an extremely low level due to the constant civil war. Most people live below the poverty line, many engage in sea piracy. The exact coordinates of the easternmost point of Africa give us the opportunity to see it on the map. On a large scale, it is clear that the Hafun Peninsula (as the locals call it) is an inverted “figurine” of Africa itself in miniature. Its outlines are the same as those of the main continent.

Relief and natural features

The easternmost point of Africa is a low-lying cape. Its length is about 40 kilometers, and it is located in the northeast of the state of Somalia. With its shores the peninsula juts out into the Indian Ocean. Its coastline is not indented by bays, therefore there are no typically paradise beaches and cozy places to relax there. On the contrary, the cape faces the open sea with its shores, which often causes strong winds both above the surface of the water and on the eastern shores of Somalia. Storms and even tsunamis often occur, from which local residents literally run away into the interior of the continent. Due to the same winds and intense heat, Cape Hafun, like all countries in East Africa, is sparse in vegetation. Desert areas turn into savannas, where animals such as zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and others are found. But this region is simply teeming with insects and reptiles. Centipedes, scorpions, poisonous snakes and other very dangerous reptiles are also found here.

Population of the region

Today, the easternmost point of Africa is inhabited exclusively by Ottoman Mamouds. Now they are considered local natives, but it is impossible to accurately call them aborigines of these regions, since over the centuries, assimilation of peoples has taken place here, as throughout the world. About 25 thousand residents of Hafun are fishermen - this is the main type of economy in the region. Local residents rarely sell their catch; most often it is the main food for the men themselves and their families. A certain percentage of the peninsula's population does not hesitate to engage in piracy. Considering the fact that Somalia is one of the best in the world, local pirates hijack entire ships, and simply take the goods that are delivered to them for themselves.

Economy of the region

Geographers say that the easternmost geographical point of Africa is a corner of original, unique and unforgettable nature. Unfortunately, the local lands are infertile, not suitable for recreation, and excessive heat and wind are even dangerous to the health of people who are not accustomed to such conditions. But this is exactly why the country’s economy has been growing recently. Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies often come to Cape Hafun to take a safari tour, hunt the local fauna, see those unique and huge insects, learn how local fishermen trade and how modern Somali sea pirates live.

For those who decide to go to Cape Hafun

Considering that the economic situation in Somalia is extremely deplorable, there are no exchange offices, no ATMs or terminals. Therefore, it is important for travelers to change their currency to the local Somali shilling in advance. In extreme cases, you will have to pay here in dollars, Egyptian or Yemeni currency, but at the local rate, which is extremely unfavorable. It is also important to know that hurricanes and tsunamis often occur in the region. If such “bad weather” is approaching, you need to literally get to the deeper points of the mainland in half an hour, leaving the cape. Hurricanes here literally destroy all buildings and cause invaluable damage to the country.

Neighboring countries of East Africa

The original nature, which was described above, is characteristic not only of the lands of the extreme eastern cape of the continent. Similar landscapes are also found in neighboring countries. Some of them are more economically developed; those that have access to the ocean constantly receive tourists from different parts of the planet. East Africa is the name given to the region that is located in the corresponding part of the continent. Almost all states have access to the sea. They are united by geographical principle, as well as by natural features. Therefore, now we will list all the countries of East Africa simply in alphabetical order:


Population and languages

Modern anthropologists believe that modern East Africa was the cradle of all humanity. The map of this region has remained virtually unchanged since the existence of the supposed supercontinents, which is why it is also assumed that many local residents are carriers of the most ancient types of DNA on the planet. However, most of the population had long been assimilated both with the inhabitants of other regions of Africa, and with the Europeans, who repeatedly made their colonies out of these territories. Only the tribes of the Mahmuds and natives, who are far from civilizations and lead a predominantly nomadic lifestyle, are considered original here. Local languages ​​are also a synthesis of European, mainly Romance, and local dialects. The most popular language on the east coast is Swahili.

Country borders

Now we will look at how the modern political map of Africa was formed in the eastern part of the continent and what influenced the formation of the borders we know. Despite the fact that the people here have the same roots, the number of traditions, rituals, beliefs and other cultural customs here exceeds 200. Over the centuries, it is for this reason that there have been constant clashes and armed conflicts between the tribes of the inhabitants of East Africa. This weakened the development of the region and did not give it the opportunity to improve. As a result, European colonialists came here and, at their own discretion, regardless of the cultural characteristics of certain peoples, established the borders of modern powers. Therefore, the modern map of Africa, in particular its eastern part, is just a formality, which only aggravated the confrontation between local residents.

Conclusion

As it turns out, the easternmost point of Africa is by no means a picturesque paradise. Despite the fact that Cape Hafun is washed by the Indian Ocean, its waters here are extremely harsh. Tsunamis often occur that sweep away everything in their path. That’s why only lovers of new experiences, extreme sports and drive come here.

East Africa is one of the subregions on the mainland, which includes those states that are located east of the Nile River.

However, Egypt is still classified as the Northern part.

Almost all countries in East Africa are not rich in mineral resources, but this part of the continent has unique natural conditions, which is why there are numerous parks and reserves.

There is also a collection of lakes that is grandiose by the standards of the planet.

This territory contains the following countries (in whole or in part):

  • Somalia;
  • Kenya;
  • Madagascar;
  • Sudan;
  • South Sudan;
  • Mozambique;
  • Uganda;
  • Djibouti;
  • Rwanda;
  • Tanzania;
  • Uganda;
  • Burundi;
  • Eritrea;
  • Reunion;
  • Mauritius;
  • Comoros Islands;
  • Seychelles.

Some East African countries have made themselves known to the whole world thanks to the supply of specific goods that are not available in other parts of the continent:

  • Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya export coffee;
  • Kenya - tea;
  • Tanzania, Ethiopia - leather raw materials;
  • Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda - cotton, sisal;
  • Djibouti, Somalia - live cattle.

In the territories belonging to East Africa, two hundred nationalities live, which are divided into four linguistic groups. Each ethnic group has its own radically different characteristics, so they are all trying to defend their rights to social privileges.

As a result of such contradictions, these lands have been watered with blood more than once during clashes; wars, interstate and civil, are regular there to this day. This is also facilitated by the fact that the borders of many countries were established by foreign colonialists, and in no particular order, which means that natural cultural and ethnic boundaries were not taken into account.

Tourists are most often attracted to the following countries:

  • Tanzania;
  • Ethiopia;
  • Uganda.

These are where you can visit the world's best safari parks, and the first two are also famous for their beautiful beaches.

When coming to Kenya, everyone is definitely recommended to go to the Masai Mara - this is a national park where many African animals (leopards and crocodiles, rhinoceroses and hippos) spend time in their natural conditions.

Another amazing place is Lake Nakuru, which is located very high in the mountains. However, it is famous not only for its height, but also for the huge number of pink flamingos, because more than a million of these birds can be observed at the same time.

The famous Serengeti Park, located in Tanzania, is the main source of knowledge about Africa, because there are a great many local animals wandering willfully through the savannas.

An excursion to Ngorongoro Park, where there is a crater of a long-extinct volcano, the size of which is slightly less than 20 km, will also be interesting. Life is now raging in this crater - various animals live there.

The island of Zanzibar can compete with the best resorts on the planet, as the beaches there are covered with the whitest coral sand. And almost everyone knows about Kilimanjaro, so visiting there is a real dream for many.

Of course, the countries in the East are not rich or highly developed, so holidays there are not always comfortable from the point of view of tourists, but all those active trips and excursions that you can visit will bring great satisfaction and aesthetic pleasure. In addition, the number of hotels is only increasing, there is a transport network, as well as cellular communications, so you can safely go to this unique corner of the world - the Earth's Cradle.

East African countries, the role of the East African Community

Five countries of East Africa decided in 1967 to unite into one intergovernmental organization - the East African Community (EAC), which consists of:

  • Kenya;
  • Tanzania;
  • Burundi;
  • Uganda;
  • Rwanda.

At first, such an association existed for only ten years, but it resumed its work in 2000. Eight years later YOU held negotiations with two more organizations that are involved in the economic development of the east and south of the mainland. As a result, the free trade area was expanded to include all states of these three organizations.

The role of the East African Community is very significant; it is boldly called the basis of the economic community of all of Africa. You can also call YOU the beginning of the East African Federation. All the prerequisites for this already exist - since 2010, a common market has been functioning for all goods produced in the community, and the region also has common capital and a labor base.

The next step was an agreement on the transition in all five countries to a single currency from the beginning of 2014. At the same time, communities (Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda) begin to operate, thanks to which tourists with only one document will be able to travel through these territories.

The political process of unification into the federation is planned to be completed by 2015.



We recommend reading