IV Columns Gallery

Angola ◆ Previously, occupied by tribes until it later became a part of Congo. Northern side under Congo and Southern side were under rule of Ndongo. Angola colonized by the Portuguese and gained independence November 11, 1975. Considered one of the largest suppliers of slaves in Africa

Capital ➤ Luanda

Location ➤ West coast of Southern Africa

Language ➤ Portuguese (main), Chokwe, Kikongo, Kimbundu, Umbundu

Religion ➤ Christianity, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Angola Avante, Forward Angola

Natural Resources ➤ Diamonds, phosphates, copper, iron ore, gold, uranium, feldspar, bauxite

Burkina Faso ◆ Ruled by the powerful tribe Mossi, and despite them fighting back the French later colonized them. Although, the French were in control of the land they Mossi leaders to oversee operations. They gain their independence on August 5, 1960.

Capital ➤ Ouagadougou

Location ➤ West Africa

Language ➤ French (main), Native languages belonging to Sudanic population

Government ➤ Parliamentary Republic

Religion ➤ Muslim, Christian (Roman Catholic), other native beliefs

National Anthem & Symbol ➤ Le Ditanye (Anthem of Victory), white stallion

Natural Resources ➤ Marble, limestone, gold, manganese, pumice, salt, phosphates

Burundi ◆ King Mwani ruled this entire country in the 1500s, the farmers would work on the land and pay their taxes to the king and he would provide them with protection. The country was fir explored by the Europeans in 1856 and it was later in 1899 that Germany took control of the land. In 1916 Belgium took control from Germany who the country. Burundi gained its independence on July 1, 1962. In the 1990s, a civil war broke out with two of the ethnic groups on the land the Hutus and Tutsi due to the countries instability of power. This civil war killed over 150,000 people and eventually ended in 2006.

Capital ➤ Bujumbura

Location ➤ East Central Africa

Language ➤ Kirundi (Bantu Language), French, Swahili

Religion ➤ Christian, Roman Catholic, Muslim

FLAG ➤ White color of the saltire represents peace, green represents the nation’s hopes placed on future development and red symbolizes the suffering of the nation during its freedom struggle. The three stars in triangular configuration stand for the three major ethnic groups of Burundi the Hutu, the Twa and the Tutsi.

Natural Resources ➤ Uranium, rare earth oxides, copper, kaolin, limestone, platinum, hydropower, niobium, gold, tin, vanadium, tungsten

Wildlife ➤ (elephants, hippopotamus, crocodiles, buffalo, warthogs, baboons and antelopes)

Benin ◆ Original settled by smaller tribes, then there was a rise of the African Kingdom Danhomey. The country did trades with the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the French. The country was identified as a war stricken country that either put to death does captured or sold them to slavery in America. The country was colonized by the French, eventually became self-governing in the French comes and later gain their independence on August 1, 1960.

Capital ➤ Porto-Novo

Location ➤ West Africa

Language ➤ French (main), Fon, Yoruba, other tribal languages

National Anthem ➤ L’Aube Nouvelle (The Dawn of a new Day)

Natural Resources ➤ Marble, limestone, timber

Botswana ◆ This country was ruled by tribes of farmers and herders and was later colonized by the Britain by the request of the people due to continuous wars and a need to seek protection. In addition, at the request of the individuals there were not included in the Union of South Africa. They began governing themselves in 1964 and gained independence from Britain on September 30, 1966. They adapted the idea of a democracy and are governed by a constitution, which allows them to elect their president.

Capital ➤ Gaborone

Location ➤ Southern Africa

Population ➤ 2.3 million people

Language ➤ English (main), Setswana, Kalanga, Sekgalagadi

Religion ➤ Christian, Badimo

National Anthem ➤ Fatshe leno la rona (Our land)

Natural Resources ➤ Copper, coal, nickel, salt, diamonds, soda ash, potash, iron ore, silver

Democratic Republic of Congo ◆ Although this country has the same name and located next to Republic of Congo, they are two different countries. It is positive that there has been human civilization living in this region as early as 8000BC that were tribal farmers and herders. The Bantu population in the 600s AD later settled the land. The Portuguese were the first to explore the land. The area was later explored by the British and later became a Belgian territory in the 1900s. The country gained its independence on June 30, 1960.

Capital ➤ Kinshasa

Language ➤ French (main), Lingala, Kingwana, Kikongo, Tsshiluba

Religion ➤ rotestant, Kimbanguist, Roman Catholic, Other native beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Debout Congolaise (Arise Congolese)

Natural Resources ➤ copper, tin, gold, cobalt, tantalum, silver, zinc, niobium, zinc, petroleum, diamonds, manganese, uranium, coal,

Central African Republic ◆ The land was settled by various African empires and later was claimed by the Sultan Arabs. The Sultans used the land to capture slaves to sell to Europeans. The French eventually took over and colonized the land. After the Second World War, the country gained its independence on December 1, 1958.

Capital ➤ Bangui

Location ➤ Central Africa

Language ➤ French (main), Sangho and other tribal dialect

Religion ➤ Protestant, Muslim. Roman Catholic, other native beliefs

National Anthem ➤ La Renaissance (The Renaissance)

Natural Resources ➤ Uranium, timber, diamonds, gold, oil, hydropower

Republic of Congo ◆ The Pygmies first occupied Congo Republic and later the Bantu people settled on the land. Europeans explored the land in the late 1400s. The locals would capture one another and sell to the slave ships in a major slave trade taking place. In the 1880s, the French took over the country and combined it with Gabon, Chad, and other areas to form the French Equatorial Africa. In 1958 became the end of the French Equatorial Africa after World War 11 and that is when the Congo Republic was birth. They gained their independence August 15, 1960.

Capital ➤ Brazzaville

Language ➤ French (main), Kikongo, Lingala and Monokutuba, many other tribal dialects and languages

Religion ➤ Christian, Animist, Muslim

National Anthem ➤ La Congolese (The Congolese)

Natural Resources ➤ copper, cobalt, petroleum, niobium, zinc, tantalum, silver, diamonds, gold, timber, manganese, coal, tin, hydropower

Cote d’Ivoire ◆ The French were the first to explore this country in the mid-1600s and missionaries were the first to make contact with the land. Later French traders, explorers, soldiers, and missionaries occupied the land. The land was dominated by French control around 1893, and fully became colonized by the French around 1915. They under French control up until the 1960s and gained their independence August 7, 1960, but still had close ties with the French for several years after.

Capital ➤ Yamoussoukro

Language ➤ French (main), Dioula, and about 60 other native dialects

Religion ➤ Muslim, Christian, Indigenous religions

National Anthem ➤ L’Abidjanaise (Song of Abidjan)

Natural Resources ➤ natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, silica sand, cobalt, copper, bauxite, gold, tantalum, nickel, clay, coffee, palm oil, cocoa beans, hydropower

Cameroon ◆ The first people on the land were hunters known as the Baka and Sao. The Portuguese were the first to arrive on the land and they found many shrimp in the seas so they started referring to the land as the land the Rio dos Camar, or River of Shrimp. The phrase that was created gave Cameroon its name. In the beginning the Portuguese, were only interested in exploring the land. Later, the Fulani population took over the land bringing their Islamic religion along with them. Kamerun was created and became a Germany Colony until after World War 1 and then it was later split between Britain and France. Cameroon was divided into the French and English territory. The French side gained its independence on January 1, 1960. A part of the English side later joined Nigeria.

Capital ➤ Yaounde

Location ➤ West Africa

Language ➤ English (main), French (main), 24 other major African

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, other native beliefs

National Anthem & Symbol ➤ O Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancetres (O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers), Lion

Djibouti ◆ The nomadic population for thousands of years has occupied Djibouti. Groups such as the Somali and Afar population began practicing Muslim early on and were a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1800s. The French later colonized the country and it became the French territory of the Afara and the Issas. The name Djibouti came about in 1977. There was a civil war between the Afras and the Issas in 1990. They gained their independence from France on June 27, 1977. They still maintain close ties with France keeps a large army in the country because of its prime location.

Capital ➤ Djibouti

Location ➤ northeast Africa, on the Red Sea coast created by France in the late nineteenth century

Language ➤ French (main), Arabic (main), main indigenous languages are Afar and Issa-Somali belong to the Cushitic language group.

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim

Natural Resources ➤ clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, geothermal, area, diatomite, pumice, petroleum, gypsum

Algeria ◆ This country was known as Numidia, and its army was known for riding horses. Algeria was a part of great Mediterranean empires. Colonized by the French, gain Independence on July 5,962

Capital ➤ Algiers

Location ➤ North Africa on the Mediterranean coast.

Population ➤ Estimated population 44 million

Language ➤ Arabic (main), Berber dialects, French

Religion ➤ Islam, Christians, and Jews

FLAG ➤ The white part of the field is a symbol of peace. The star and crescent are also symbols of the nation’s Islamic heritage, and Algerians display them in red in order to represent the bloodshed during the Algerian war of independence. Flag symbolism: Green: Islam.

National Anthem ➤ Kassaman, We Pledge

Natural Resources ➤ Phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore,

Egypt ◆ This country is considered one of the oldest and long lasting civilizations in the world. Pharaohs controlled the country for thousands of years. They built pyramids, temples, and great monuments that are still around. Egypt was invaded by the Persian Empire in 525 BC controlling it until the rise of Alexandria the Great and the Greek Empire. At this time, the Ptolemy dynasty ruled thecountry for 300 years. The Arab armies invaded Egypt in 641 and were in power for many years until the Ottoman Empire took over in 1500 and ruled until about 1800. A new dynasty under the rule of Mohammed Ali ruled for several more years being guided by the Britain Empire. In 1952, the Egypt Empire was overthrown and the Republic of Egypt was created. Egypt and Israel fought several wars and in 1978, a treaty was signed between Egypt and Israel. Egypt gained its independence February 28, 1922 from the UK.

Capital ➤ Cairo

Language ➤ Arabic (main), English, French,

Religion ➤ Muslim, Coptic, Christian

Flag ➤ The flag of Egypt was adopted on October 4, 1984. It has three equally wide horizontal stripes. From top-to-bottom, the colors of the stripes are red, white, and black. In the center of the flag is the Eagle of Saladin, the national emblem. The red stripe represents the time before the revolution, the white stripe represents the bloodless revolution, and the black stripe represents the end of the oppression.

National Anthem ➤ Bilady, Bilady, Bilady (My homeland. My homeland, my homeland, my homeland)

Natural Resources ➤ natural gas, iron ore, petroleum, limestone, phosphates, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, manganese, zinc

Eretria ◆ This country was previously controlled by various empires around the red sea most of its history. In 1885, the Italians took control of it and made it a colony, their goal for doing this was to use the land to take over Ethiopia, but it was not successful. After World War two Italy lost Eretria to Great Britain and in 1952 was combined as one country with Ethiopia. Feeling that they would not receive fair treatment from the Ethiopians, Eritreans were against the idea of being one land with them. The Eritreans were not granted this privilege of being their own land so they rebelled and fought for their freedom for almost thirty years. They finally gained their independence from Ethiopia on May 24, 1993.

Capital ➤ Asmara

Location ➤ bordered on the northeast by the Red Sea, on the southeast by Djibouti,

Language ➤ only one ethnic group, the Rashaida, has Arabic as a mother tongue, whereas the other groups use it as a religious language. Many of the groups are bilingual, and because of the legacy of Ethiopian domination over Eritrea, many Eritreans speak Amharic, the Ethiopian administrative language. English is a second language taught in second grade

Religion ➤ Muslim, Coptic, Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Flag ➤ flag, adopted in 1993, is a combination of the flag of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front, the liberation movement that achieved a military victory over the Ethiopian government country’s natural resources include gold, potash, zinc, copper, and salt

National Anthem ➤ Ertra, Ertra, Ertra (Eritrea, Eretria, Eritrea)

Natural Resources ➤ Potash, gold, copper, zinc, salt, fish, oil and natural gas

Gabon ◆ The original occupants of this country were pygmies and later in the 13th century, the Bantu tribes began migrating to the land to escape from their enemies. Portuguese were the first to explore the land in the 15th century. They were the ones that gave the country its name, which was gabao or coat because of the shape of the Komo River, favoring a coat. Later the French, Dutch and English arrived to Gabon and turned it into a major slave trade place. The French took control of the country in 1885 and added it to the French Equatorial Africa territories in 1910. The country remained connected to the French until August 17, 1960 when they gained their independence.

Capital ➤ Libreville

Language ➤ French (main), Fang, Myene, Bandjabi, Nzebi, Bapounou, Eschira

Religion ➤ Christian, Animist, Muslim

National Anthem ➤ La Concorde (The Concorde)

Natural Resources ➤ natural gas, iron ore, timber diamond, natural resources, niobium, uranium, gold, manganese,

Ghana ◆ in 1470 and in 1482, they set up trade spot that they named Elmina Castle. Later other Europeans such as the German, Dutch, Danish and Britain arrived. Britain eventually colonized the country along with Togoland, which was a trust land that joined with the Gold coast to be called Ghana. They were the first of the sub-Saharan countries to become independent on March 6, 1957.
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Location ➤ West Africa

Capital ➤ Accra

Language ➤ English (main), Akan, Ewe, Ga, Moshi-Dagomba, other tribal dialect

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Indigenous dialects

National Anthem ➤ God bless our homeland Ghana

Natural Resources ➤ petroleum, gold, bauxite, manganese, fish, diamonds, timber, rubber, hydropower, limestone, silver, salt

Gambia ◆ This country was one a part of Mali and the Kaabu Empire. The Portuguese were the first to explore the country and start trading with Mali and Gambia. They sold their rights to trade with the country in 1588 to Great Britain. The country became a significant place for slave trading and it was believed that over about 3 million slaves were sold to the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade. Britain took control of the country in 1888, although slavery had an already ended in Britain, the country ended slavery there in 1906. They gained their independence from Britain on February 18, 1965.

Language ➤ English (main), Wolof, Fula, Mandinka, other ingenuous dialects

Religion ➤ Muslim, Christian, Indigenous practices

National Anthem ➤ For Gambia, Our Homeland

Natural Resources ➤ tin, zircon, fish, titanium, silica sand, clay, petroleum

Guinea ◆ Once was a part of other West African empires, such as Songhai Empire, Mali Empire and Ghana Empire throughout history. The French colonized Guinea after winning fights with the local population. The Britain and Portuguese they decided to share the land equal amongst each other controlled the other territories that surrounded Guinea. French got the share of Guinea as its territory to control. The country gained its independence from France on October 2, 1958.

Language ➤ French (main), each tribe has its own spoken language

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Liberte (Liberty)

Natural Resources ➤ gold, uranium, bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, salt, fish, hydropower

Equatorial Guinea ◆ First occupied by the tribal people of the land and Pygmies. It was later colonized by Spain and the controlled the country for over 190 years. On October 12, 1968, the country gained its independence from Spain. The country became rich due to its oil reserves that were found of its coast.

Capital ➤ Malabo

Language ➤ Spanish (main), French (main), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo

Religion ➤ Christian, Roman Catholic, Pagan practices

National Anthem ➤ Caminemos pisando la senda (Let us tread the Path)

Natural Resources ➤ diamonds, tantalum, natural gas, petroleum, timber, gold, bauxite, clay, sand and gravel

Guinea ◆ This was one of the first countries to be explored and claimed by Portuguese in 1446. In the 1600s, the area becomes a major slave trade spot and that is when they started settling on the land. Cape Verde Island became the center location for slave trading. The Portuguese, British, and French shared the area amongst themselves in the 19th century. The Portuguese gained claims to Guinea. Guinea became independent from Portugal on September 24, 1974.

Capital ➤ Bissau

Language ➤ Portuguese (main), Crioulo, African tribal languages

Religion ➤Christian, Muslim, Indigenous belief

National Anthem ➤ Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada (This is Our Beloved Country)

Natural Resources ➤ phosphates, timber, bautixe, limestone, granite, clay, petroleum, fish

Mayotte ◆ The country was explored first by the Portuguese and was colonized by France in 1843. In the early 1800s the country was controlled by several different native kings and sultans. When France was in power of the island they also had control of the other Comoros Islands. The other Islands decided to be independent from France in 1974, but Mayotte decided to remain under the French. They have remained as a French territory even currently.

Location ➤ Insland in the Indian ocean between Madagascar and Africa

Capital ➤ Mamoutzou

Language ➤ French 9main), Mahorian (Swahili dialect)

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim

National Anthem ➤ La Mareillaise

Natural Resources ➤ Negl

Chad ◆ It Is believed that some parts of this country have been settled as early as 6000BC. The earliest known civilization to settle this land was the Sao, who was overthrown by the Kanem Empire. The French later took control and colonized the land. Chad gained its independence from the French on August 11, 1960.

Capital ➤ N’Djamena

Language ➤ French (main), Arabic (main), Sara, over 120 other dialects

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Animist

National Anthem ➤ La Tchadienne (The Chadian)

Natural Resources ➤ natron, gold, limestone, sand and gravel, salt, uranium, petroleum, kaolin, fish

Sao Tome and Principe ◆ The country was explored by the Portuguese in the 1400s and during that time no one occupied the country. The first person to settled the Island of Sao Tome was Alvaro Caminha in 1493 and later in the 1500s both of the two Islands were colonized as one by the Portuguese. The Island was known for its major export of sugar and this changes in the 1600s. Later in the trade game coffee and cocoa became popular export items for the Island. The Island gain its independence on July 12, 1975.

Capital ➤ Sao Tome

Location ➤ Small island nation off the west Africa coast

Language ➤ Portuguese

Religion ➤ Catholic, Evangelical, New Apostolic, Adventist

National Anthem ➤ Independencia total (Total Independence)

Natural Resources ➤ hydropower, fish

Senegal ◆ The country has been occupied for thousands of years. The Arabs moved into the country around the 11th century and they converted many of the locals to Islam. The rise of the Mandingo and Jolof Empires took place in the 13th and 14th centuries. The country was used as a huge area for slaves once the Europeans discovered it. The country was colonized by the French in 1850. Later in 1959 the French Soudan and Senegal became one to create the Mali Federation country. Unfortunately, this collaboration was short lived because in 1960 the two countries split. Senegal gained its independence from the French on April 4, 1960.

Capital ➤ Dakar

Language ➤ French (main), Pulaar, Jola, Wolof, Mandinka

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons (Pluck Your Koras, Strike the Balafons)

Natural Resources ➤ phosphates, iron ore, fish

Sierra Leone ◆ The country was occupied by tribal population for thousands of years. Sierra Leone received its name from the Portuguese word Serra de Leao meaning lion mountains. The country was colonized by the British and in 1900s the capital was home to Britain’s governor of the Gold coast. They gained their independence on April 27, 1961 from Britain.

Location ➤ West Africa

Capital ➤ Freetown

Language ➤ English (main), Mende, Temne, Krio (spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who lived in Freetown) several other Tribal dialects

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤ High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free

Natural Resources ➤ diamonds, bauxite, iron ore, titanium, gold, chromite

Saint Helena ◆ In the 1500s the Portuguese’s stumble upon this land while exploring Africa. Saint Helena is a small British territory located overseas that is made up of three other small islands to include Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha, and Ascension Island. It is widely known as the location that Napoleon Bonaparte was banned to after he was conquered, he stayed there from 1815 to 1821 when he passed. The United States used Ascension Island as a location to accommodate long flights over the Atlantic Ocean during World War 11. The Island Tristan da Cuhna was named after the Portugal explorer that discovered it.

Location ➤ South of the Atlantic Ocean

Capital ➤ Jamestown

Language ➤ English

Religion ➤ Anglican, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

National Anthem ➤ As a territory of the United Kingdom, God save the Queen

Natural Resources ➤ fish, lobster

Seychelles

Capital ➤ Victoria

Language ➤ Creole, English, other tribal languages

Religion ➤ Roman Catholic, Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist. Hindu, Muslim

National Anthem ➤ Koste Seselwa (Seychellois Units)

Natural Resources ➤ cinnamon trees, fish, copra

Rwanda ◆ The country was occupied for many, many years by the tribal population. The country gained a kingdom in the 1400s that was operated by a Tusti King. The country had two significant native tribe known as the Tutsi and Hutu. The Tutsi class was considered to be prestigious and they owned the land. The Hutu in the order hand were the lower class population and they were the working class farmers. The first Europeans to explore Rwanda were Germans and they were eventually able to come into agreement with the king for them to take control of the country. A war broke out in 1959, where the Hutu population to control of the land and overthrown the Tustis. There was eventually a civil war between the two tribes, where the Hutu population wanted to kill out the Tutsi tribe that last for several years until about 1994. The country gained its independence on July 1, 1962.

Capital ➤ Kigali

Language ➤ Kinyarwanda (main), French (main), English (main), Bantu dialect, Kiswahili (Swahili)

Religion ➤ Roman Catholic, Protestant, Adventist, Muslim, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Rwanda nziza (Rwanda, Our Beautiful Country)

Natural Resources ➤ arable land, gold, tin ore, wolframite, methane, hydropower

Nigeria ◆ This country has had several kingdoms and societies have been developed there such as Bornu, Hausa, Yoruba Kingdom of Oyo. The Oyo Empire was developed in the 1400s and took over most of Nigeria. In the 16th Century the Empire Kingdom of Benin was started in Central Nigeria. European traders began to develop trade ports with the naïve people along the coast lines of Nigeria. The initial export in Nigeria started with slaves and as time went on it became trades of timber and palm oil once the slave trade ended. In the 1900s one of the Fulani local leaders had Nigeria under the power of his empire and he changed many to the Muslim religion. The British came in a colonized Nigeria in 1914 and controlled the country until 1960. Nigeria gained its independence from Britain on October 1, 1960.

Location ➤ West Africa

Capital ➤ Abuja

Language ➤ English (main), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Arise Oh Compatriots, Nigeria’s Call Obey

Natural Resources ➤ petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, niobium, arable land

Namibia ◆ The country was first occupied by the San population and later the Bantu people came to the land. The country remained only occupied by natives until the late 1800s when the Europeans finally figured out how to navigate the Namib desert. Britain took control of the Walvis Bay area in 1878 and Germany claimed the rest of the coast. Germany was able to take full control over Namibia after they agreed on a treaty with Britain. South Africa gained control of the country after World War 1 and although countries were giving independence to other countries South Africa refused to do the same. Namibia gained its independence on March 21, 1990.

Capital ➤ Windhoek

Language ➤ English (main), German, other Indigenous dialects

Religion ➤ Christian, Indigenous Beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Namibia, Land of the Brave

Natural Resources ➤ copper, uranium, fish, hydropower, gold, diamonds, tin, lead, cadmium, lithium, zinc, salt

Niger ◆ This country has been occupied over thousands of years. It was an important trading location and had close ties with African Empires such as, Bornu, Songhai Empire and Mali Empire. In 18th century the country was later occupied by large groups of the nomadic Tuareng tribe who seem to be at odds with Fulani Empire of Sokoto. The country was first explored by the British and German in the 1800s. Later, in 1922 the French colonized the country and added it to the French territory. Niger gained its independent from France on August 3, 1960.

Capital ➤ Niamey

Language ➤ French (main), Djerma, Hausa

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, other indigenous dialects

National Anthem ➤ La Nigerienne (The Nigerian)

Natural Resources ➤ iron ore, tin, coal, uranium, gold, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, salt, petroleum, gypsum

Mozambique ◆ The country was first occupied by the San people, who were hunters and later the Bantu tribes relocated to the area. The Arabs were the first to create trade settlements along the country’s coast. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the country and they also built trading posts and forts om the coast. Although many European countries were granting their territories independence Portugal was still maintaining control over the country and many of the Portuguese’s relocated to Mozambique. On June 25, 1975 the country gained its independence from Portugal.

Capital ➤ Maputo

Language ➤ Portuguese (main), Emakhuwa, Xichangana, Elomwe, Cisena, Echuwab, other tribal dialects

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Catholic,

National Anthem ➤ Patria Amada (Lovely Fatherland)

Natural Resources ➤ titanium, natural gas, coal, graphite, tantalum, hydropower

Malawi ◆ Locations- This country has been occupied by people for over thousands of years. The first to explore the country were the Portuguese’s in the 1600s. In hopes to put an end to slavery churches and missions were created in the country. The country was colonized by the British and they gained their independence from Britain on July 6, 1964.
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Capital ➤ Lilongwe

Language ➤ spoken language (60 percent of the population) is Chewa, which originated among the Bantu tribes of South Africa. Africa. Five percent of the people speak Yao, and 30 percent speak Arabic. The language of government, industry, and commerce is English, which every schoolchild studies.

Religion ➤ Christian, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic), Muslim, other indigenous beliefs

Natural Anthem ➤ Mulungu dalitsa Malawi (Oh God Bless Our Land of Malawi)

Natural Resources ➤ hydropower, uranium, bauxite, limestone, coal, arable land and bauxite.

Mali ◆ The country is known as the place where many great African Empires began and ruled. The Ghana Empire was one of the first great empire to be developed about 700 AD and was in control until 1075, establishing the area as a significant trade location. The Malinke Empire took over power in 1325 and their power died down in 1325 after they took over Timbuktu and Gao. Later in 1465 the Songhai Empire was in control of the country and they eventually also lost power, when they were destroyed by the Moroccans in 1951. The main city Timbuktu became a significant place for commerce and Islam. The country was colonized by the French in the 1800s and they ran the control until 1960 when the Sudanese Republic and Senegal developed the Mali Federation. They gained their independence from France in on September 22, 1960.

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Capital ➤ Bamako

Language ➤ French (main), Bambara, other native dialects

Religion ➤ Muslim, Christian, Indigenous Beliefs

National Resources ➤ gypsum, kaolin, salt, gold, phosphates, granite, hydropower, uranium, limestone

Morocco ◆ The location of the country allowed it to be prime area for empires that ruled the Mediterranean. Empires such as, Phoenicians, Romans, The Visigoths, The Vandals, and Byzantine Empire all settled in Morocco. The country was overpowered by the Arabs and they introduced Islam to the country and their culture. Later Portugal attempted to take control Morocco’s Atlantic Coast without success. In 1912 France developed a treaty with Morocco known as the Treaty of Fez that made them a territory of France. Morocco gained its independence from France on March 2, 1956. Currently the country id ruled by the Alaouite Dynasty.

Location ➤ entry to the Mediterranean Sea

Capital ➤ Rabat

Language ➤ Arabic (main), French, Berber dialects

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Jewish

National Anthem ➤ Hymne Cherifien (Hymn of the Sharif)

Natural Resources ➤ iron ore, manganese, phosphate, salt, lead, zinc, fish

Mauritania ◆ The first occupants of the country were the Bafour tribe, who moved into the area around 200 to 600 AD and became the dominant population. The south part of the country belonged to the Ghana Empire until the 1100s when the Islamic Warrior Monks won the fight with the Ghana Empire. The Arabs fought the Berber population for over 500 years and they took over control of the country. Mauritania was colonized by the French and this also put an end to the small wars between the different tribes. The country gained its independence from France on November 28, 1960.

Capital ➤ Nouakchott

Language ➤ Arabic (main), Soninke, Wolof, French, Hassaniya

Religion ➤ Muslim

National Anthem ➤ Hymne National de la Republique Islamique de Mauritanie (National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania)

Natural Resources ➤ fish, iron ore, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gypsum, oil

Madagascar ◆ The country was first occupied by Indonesian sailors and later tribal groups formed, now it’s over 18 different tribes that reside in the country. The Arabs created trading posts along the Norwest coast of Madagascar. The Portuguese where the first to Europeans to explore the land and later the French also built trade posts on the land. The country was united in the 1790s and in 1870 British agreed to end the slave trade. In the agreement to end slavery Britain also agreed to provide the country with both protection and financial assistance. Britain also agreed for the French to colonize the country in order for them to control Zanzibar. Madagascar gained its independence June 26, 1960 after the Second World War.

Location ➤ world’s fourth largest island.

Capital ➤ Antananarivo

Language ➤ people speak Malagasy, a language of Indonesian origin; it, French, and English are official

Religion ➤ Christian (equally divided between Roman Catholics and Protestants), and 7% are Muslim.

National Anthem ➤ Ry Tanindraza nay malal o (Oh, Our Beloved Fatherland)

Natural Resources ➤ chromite, graphite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, zircon, limestone, nickel, cobalt, industrial beryl and garnets, and both offshore and onshore oil.

Libya ◆ This country’s coast was famous for the uprising of some very great civilizations that were developed around the Mediterranean Sea. The country was first occupied by the Phoenicians and then later the Carthaginians came over. Eventually, the Greeks and Romans came over to the land and started to control it. In 7th century AD the Arabs took over Libya and converted the natives to Islam, they also adopted the culture and learned to speak Arabic. The Ottoman Turks Empire invaded Libya in the 16th Century and took control of the country. The Ottoman Empire ruled the control until 1911 when the Italians invaded the country and made Libya an Italian territory. The country became independent from Italy on September 1, 1969. Libya is a very wealthy country because of oil reserves that were discovered in the country. The natives organized a rebellion to take over the government because they were unhappy that all the wealth was only going to the officials.

Location ➤ North Africa

Capital ➤ Tripoli

Language ➤ Arabica, Italian, English, other tribal languages

Religion ➤ Sunni Muslim

National Anthem ➤ Allahu Akbar (God is greatest)

Natural Resources ➤ natural gas, petroleum, gypsum

Lesotho ◆ The Khoisan was local tribal hunters that occupied the land and later the Bantu and Sotho-Tswana population migrated to Lesotho. The In 1822 the country was under one empire called Baustoland, The French were the first Europeans to have claims to the country and later in 1975, and the British colonized the country. The country gained its independence October 4, 1966. Once they gained their independence for the first 20 years, the Bausto National party controlled the control and those later changes.

Capital ➤ Maseru

Language ➤ English (main), Sesotho, Xhosa, Zulu,

Religion ➤ Christian, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤ Lesotho fatse, la Bo ntat’a rona (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers)

Natural Resources ➤ clay, building stone, sand, diamonds, water, agriculture. grazing land

Liberia ◆ Native tribal population first occupied Liberia. The Portuguese were the first to explore the land in 1461 and they referred to the country as the Grain Coast. The British created trades ports on the coast of the land and eventually were destroyed by the Dutch, but were never rebuilt. Liberia was later founded and established free slaves to return to Africa in 1820. The name Liberia means land of the free. 86 African Americans first returned to Liberia and settled there. The capital is named after President Monroe. Over the following years, many more freed African American slaves moved back to Liberia. Liberia becomes independent on July 26. 1847 and their government structure and constitution mimic that of the US. The local people had no voting rights or say in who ran the country. Later locals overthrown the government and killed many of the officials.
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Capital ➤ Monrovia

Language ➤ English (main), about 20 tribal languages

Religion ➤ Christian, Muslim, Indigenous beliefs

National Anthem ➤All Hail, Liberia Hail!

Natural Resources ➤ timber, diamonds, rubber, iron, hydropower, gold

Various groups of Africans, Indonesians, and Persians have previously ruled

Comoros ◆ The land. It was first explored by the French, but was later colonized by the French. The country was mainly used for agriculture and many of its natural crops were sent to other countries. On July 6, 1975, some of the population gained independence from France, but the Island of Mayotte decided to maintain relations with France.

Language ➤ Arabic (main), French (main), Shikomoro (mix of Swahili and Arabic)

Religion ➤ Roman Catholic, Sunni Muslim

National Anthem ➤ Udzima way a Masiwa (The Union of the Great Islands)

Natural Resources ➤ NEGL

Kenya ◆ This land was occupied by tribal population for over thousands of years. In 2000BC, the Cushite population relocated to the area in 2000 BC Later Arabs and Persians began to migrate to the coast of Kenya. The Portuguese were the first to explore Kenya and later in the 1800s, Britain colonized the country. Britain created the East Africa Protectorate in 1895 and they started living in Kenya. Mau Mau rebels started fighting the British to get them out their country. Kenya gained its independence December 12, 1963 from Great Britain.

Location ➤ East Africa

Capital ➤ Nairobi

Languages ➤ English and Kiswahili (or Swahili). Swahili, Kiswahili as the teaching language.

Religion ➤ Christian, Hindu, Muslim

National Anthem ➤ Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu (Oh God of all creation)