Africa

Africa is the world's second-largest continent by area and second-most populous continent.

Africa is the world's second-largest continent by area and second-most populous continent, spanning the equator and bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean. The continent includes 54 internationally recognized sovereign states and is widely regarded as the birthplace of humankind.

Geography

Africa is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea to the northeast, and the Indian Ocean to the east and southeast. Its landscape includes deserts, savannas, rainforests, plateaus, mountains, and major river systems.

Population and countries

Africa has roughly 1.4 billion people and 54 internationally recognized sovereign states. It is the second-most populous continent and includes a wide range of languages, cultures, and ethnic groups.

History and human origins

Africa is widely identified as the birthplace of humankind, with archaeological and fossil evidence showing very early human and hominin evolution on the continent. This role is central to the continent’s global historical significance.

Regions and diversity

The continent is often described in broad regional terms such as North, West, Central, East, and Southern Africa. These regions differ significantly in climate, geography, and historical development.