Africa is a unique continent, with unique physical attraction features. Planning to travel anytime soon with your kids to this continent? Let them learn facts about Africa for kids. Africa is the second-largest continent both in terms of size and population. Predominantly situated in the Eastern Hemisphere and mostly within the Northern Hemisphere, the African continent spans an area exceeding 30 million square kilometers (11.7 million square miles). Surprisingly, Africa is larger than the USA, Canada, and India combined!
Facts about Africa for Kids
- Africa is bigger than the USA, Canada, and India combined
- Africa is in both the Eastern and Northern Hemisphere
- In Igbo-Ora, a town in Nigeria, where 50 sets of twins are born against 1000 births.
- Lake Malawi has over 500 fish Species
- The Sahara Desert is the driest region in the world
- Eswatini and Lesotho are unique landlocked nations
Number of Countries in Africa
Africa comprises 54 countries with 9 dependent territories, with over 1.3 billion people. This accounts for individuals. Remarkably, 15% of the global population resides on the African continent!
Largest Country in Africa
Algeria is among the top ten largest countries in Africa, and the largest in Africa.
Populous Country
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. It has over 213 million people, despite being a third the size of Algeria.
Smallest Country (Island and Mainland)
Among the archipelagos (nation of the islands) along the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is considered the smallest country. On the other hand, on the African mainland, The Gambia is ranked as the smallest.
Largest Island
Madagascar is the largest island, situated in the Indian Ocean. It ranks fourth globally, after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo in size.
Do You know Nigeria has the highest number of Twins in the world?
Nigeria, is the most populous nation earning the nickname “The Land of Twins” by the BBC. This is due to its distinction for the highest rate of twin births globally. West Africa has the largest number of twin births globally. However, the epicenter is situated in the tranquil town of Igbo-Ora. Recorded statistics indicate an astonishing average of 50 sets of twins per 1,000 births in this Nigerian town.
Landlocked Countries
Africa has 16 landlocked countries. The countries do not have access to the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, hence found in the interior part of the continent. The most prominent landlocked countries include Eswatini and Lesotho, found within South Africa’s borders.
Africa is home to the Biggest Frog Species
Africa has the biggest frog species globally. The frog species is referred to as “Goliath Frog”, weighing about 8 pounds, and 1 foot long. This is larger than the average weight of a baby. Goliath Frog is found in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, and is harmless, despite its huge size.
Elephants in Africa are the biggest mammals
African elephants weigh over 6 tons and are 7 meters tall. This is a distinctive feature compared to those in Asia. Other features associated with African elephants include big ears, many wrinkles, and more rings on their trunks. These are a must-see feature when you visit Africa with your kids.
The largest and most Populous City
Lagos Nigeria remains the most populous city with over 22 million people and is the largest metropolitan city globally. Research shows that Lagos is likely to become the world’s largest city by 2100, with over 100 million inhabitants.
Highest Mountain
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa, making it the most sought-after destination on the continent. The mountain is 19,340 ft, making it the most risky climb. Yearly, over 1,000 people have to be rescued, with an average of 10 climbers losing their lives within the same period. It is therefore a tough one that requires good fitness preparation before you decide to embark on it.
Longest River
The Nile is 6, 852 kilometers long (4,258 miles), making it the longest river, passing through 11 countries. River Nile has two sources including the White Nile from Tanzania’s Lake Victoria. The second source is the Blue Nile from Lake Tana in Ethiopia, flowing through Egypt and ends up meeting the sea. The confluence happens in Khartoum Sudan.
Largest Island
Madagascar is the largest Island in the Indian Ocean, making it the fourth largest worldwide. Borneo is the largest followed by New Guinea and Greenland.
Biggest Lake
Lake Victoria is the largest Lake in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is also the largest freshwater lake.
Largest Desert
The largest desert in the world is found in Africa. The Sahara Desert in Northern Africa is the largest hot desert, because of the extreme dryness in this arid region.
Largest number of fish species
Lake Malawi has the largest number of fish species. It is a stunning safari, and beach spot in Africa, and a hub for wonderful fish species. The lake has over 500 fish species, more than any other in the whole world.
Without a doubt, Africa is a beautiful place. Are you planning to visit anytime soon with your children, hope you enjoy visiting the places mentioned above as Facts about Africa for Kids.
- And always remember Africa is not a country, but a continent.