Africa
The world's second-largest and most populous continent, straddling the equator.
Quick Facts: Who was Africa?
- Subject:
- Africa
- Known for:
- The world's second-largest and most populous continent, straddling the equator.
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent after Asia. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles), including adjacent islands, it covers around 20% of Earth's land area and 6% of its total surface area. With nearly 1.4 billion of the world's population, Africa's population is the youngest among the continents; the median age in 2012 was 19.7, when the worldwide median age was 30.4.
Career & Major Achievements
Based on 2024 projections, Africa's population will exceed 3.8 billion people by 2100. Africa is the least wealthy inhabited continent per capita and second-least wealthy by total wealth, ahead of Oceania. Scholars have attributed this to various factors including geography, climate, corruption, colonialism, the Cold War, and neocolonialism.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Despite this low concentration of wealth, the African economy is home to many of the world's fastest-growing economies. Africa straddles the equator and the prime meridian. The continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Arabian plate and the Gulf of Suez to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Africa
True or False: “It is a historical fact that Africa was entirely untouched by global trade routes until the arrival of European explorers in the 15th century.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Africa was connected to global trade networks, such as the Trans-Saharan trade routes, long before the 15th century.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
- Adrienne Rich — Historical peer (Died in 2012) (2012): Influential American poet, essayist, and leading voice in feminist literary discourse.
- Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Somaliland politician, served as President from 2010 to 2017.
- Akira Toriyama — Historical peer (Died in 2024) (2024): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.
Frequently Asked Questions about Africa
Who was Africa and what are their primary contributions?
The world's second-largest and most populous continent, straddling the equator. Origins & Early Life: Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent after Asia. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles), including adjacent islands, it covers around 20% of Earth's land area and 6% of its total surface area. With nearly 1.4 billion of the world's population, Africa's population is the youngest among the continents; the median age in 2012 was 19.7, when the worldwide median age was 30.4.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Africa?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia