Everyone has heard of Africa, such a distant, hot country. According to scientists, it was this territory that became the home of the first people on the planet. At present, Africa is a haven for the poorest sections of humanity. The standard of living there is poor, people live beyond poverty. And in some parts of Africa even a primitive system has been preserved. Many tribes continue to live in perfect harmony with nature. At the moment, some regions of this amazing country are not fully explored, and it remains to be seen what is hidden there - overseas.
The most interesting facts related to Africa
In order for the reader to get acquainted with such an unusual state at least a little, we decided to collect in one article the most interesting facts about Africa. The geography of this country is unique. Below will be presented the most amazing realities of the African continent.
- As is known from textbooks, the borders of states pass along the lines of rivers and mountains. But such a postulate does not apply to Africa. Here the borders were drawn using … the usual ruler. If you look at the political map (photo above), you can see this statement with your own eyes. Probably, no continent has such direct borders as here.
- Sugar is considered one of the largest deserts in the world. But at the same time a small detail was missed. Indeed, in Antarctica there are also cold deserts, which are larger than the Sahara. It should be clarified: Sahara is the largest hot desert.
- Interesting facts about African countries indicate that almost all of these lands are colonial. What can not be said about Ethiopia. Perhaps that is why she now has a higher level of development.
- Hippos were considered the most common animals of the continent. To date, they can only be found in the southern part of the country. The fact is that today hippos are massively exterminated.
- Victoria Falls is the largest in the world.
- Madagascar is associated with a part of the African continent, although it is an independent unit.
- Africa can literally be called a golden country. 50% of global gold production falls on this hot continent.
- Cairo is the capital of Egypt, as well as one of the most populous cities in the world.
- Another interesting fact about Africa is related to the unusual town of Togo. Men must be especially careful here, because Togo's women are incredibly beautiful. But therein lies the catch: if a man decided to compliment a lady he liked, he must immediately marry her.
- From various cognitive programs it is known that a certain percentage of African tribes live a primitive life. It is surprising that in the era of civilization, many of them do not even know how to make fire.
- Africa is considered to be a second world country. But, surprisingly, it was here that the very first and successful heart transplant operation was performed.
- Dunes in the Sahara are one of the most magnificent and beautiful natural phenomena. As you know, they are higher than the Eiffel Tower.
- The temperature of sand on a hot day in African deserts can exceed 80 degrees.
Interesting facts about the rivers of Africa
The Congo River is one of the deepest. In its length, it is second only to the Nile, which, in turn, became a certain beginning of the emergence of civilization. It was on these shores that many peoples began their life.
There are a huge number of rivers on the African continent. But, unfortunately, many of them dry out in the dry season.
The largest river in Africa received two names at once: the Blue and White Nile. Blue Nile is a reservoir with crystal clear water, in which the bottom is visible. White is distinguished by waters mixed with silt.
Locals don't like the Congo River
Raftingists really like to come to Africa in order to at least once go down the Orange River. It got its name not because of the color, as many might think. It was named after orange flamingos.
There is another interesting fact about Africa, based on the feedback of not only tourists, but also local residents. The people of the African continent do not like the Congo River. This is justified by the fact that the so-called tiger fish is found here. Representatives of this subspecies grow to quite impressive sizes and pose a serious danger to fishermen.
On the continent there are a huge number of reservoirs that have not yet been studied by scientists. They have been put on the map recently, which is also quite surprising.
African rivers are famous for the abundance of waterfalls, which are stepped in nature. This is a very picturesque phenomenon, especially if you see it live.
The Nile is the only river that passes through the most arid desert - the Sahara.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It adjoins the Congo River.
The most interesting about animals of the continent
Interesting facts about the animals of Africa deserve special attention. Everyone has heard about representatives of the fauna of the Black Continent, and since childhood. Rhinos, lions, zebras … In the stories and poems of children's writers animals of overseas hot countries are often mentioned. All these representatives of the fauna undoubtedly attract attention, but many are not even aware of their unusual habits.
The most agile and fast animals - lion, antelope and cheetah - live in Africa. Representatives of these species are capable of speeds up to 110 km per hour. True, for too long they will not be able to hold it, therefore they run exclusively for short distances.
The elephant is the most massive inhabitant of the planet (on land). Such a large body saves him from the attack of predators. No one dares to attack an elephant. The average weight of the giant is about 6 tons. The only creature that threatens the life of such a powerful representative of the fauna is, of course, man.
The tallest animal on the planet is a giraffe. His height reaches 5 meters. Due to its long neck, it can eat the most delicious, but hard-to-reach branches on plants.
And another interesting fact about Africa: motley cute zebras, despite their kinship with horses, were never tamed by humans, and the blame for everything was the absurd nature of the striped beauties. But by crossing it was possible to bring out zebroids - a cross between a zebra and a horse or a donkey. And a few more interesting facts relate to the color of these pretty girls. Each zebra has a unique pattern of black and white stripes, like human fingerprints. According to the drawing, the cub recognizes his mother. And the most interesting: the milk of zebras is pink!
Penguins live in Africa
Probably, many will be surprised by the fact that penguins live on this hot continent, because these representatives of the animal world are associated with the Antarctic. It turns out that they feel quite well in the "warm lands". As for the continent we are considering, here flightless birds are located in Namibia and the South Republic. It is this coast that is washed by cold continental waters.
The most dangerous representatives of the fauna of the African continent
Hippos are among the most dangerous animals on the planet, despite the fact that they feed exclusively on grass. Floppy in appearance, they vehemently protect their offspring, and if a person accidentally approaches, the animal will evaluate this as an attack.
The skin of a hippopotamus emits a specific enzyme that easily resists the scorching sun.
Hyenas are the most aggressive animals on the planet. In some cases, they are much more dangerous than a lion. After all, their jaws are much stronger and have a stranglehold.
The lion is a symbol of Africa. Graceful, but very lazy predator. He sleeps about 20 hours a day and wakes up exclusively to eat.
And finally, the most interesting fact about Africa: according to the danger, not a single animal, even the largest and most predatory, can compare with the little tsetse fly. Thousands of people and animals die from her bite.
Unusual African peoples
Interesting facts about the peoples of Africa reflect the full flavor of this distant continent. Some of them are presented below.
- Pygmies are a primitive African tribe. The level of their development stuck somewhere in the Stone Age. It is very interesting to observe such a contrast.
- Residents of Africa are very fond of gallant men who compliment them. But the latter must be pronounced with extreme caution, otherwise you will have to get married.
- Many have heard of female harems; moreover, many men have dreamed about them. But few people know that in certain parts of Africa, it is women who have their own male harems.
- Matabi tribe loves to drive the ball. Their love of football is unlimited, therefore, in the absence of sports equipment, they are happy to use … the human skull, and this does not bother them at all.
