Africa: Geography & Natural Resources

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to Africa's geography, natural resources, and their impact on history and culture.

Equator

An imaginary line dividing Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, passing through central Africa.

Sahara Desert

The world's largest hot desert, found in North Africa.

Congo Rainforest

A dense tropical forest located in Central Africa.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa's highest mountain, located in Tanzania.

Victoria Falls

A large waterfall on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Nile River

The world's longest river, flowing through Egypt.

Aswan Dam

A hydroelectric power source on the Nile River in Egypt.

Rainforest

A dense, hot, humid forest in Central Africa near the Equator.

Savanna

Grasslands surrounding rainforests, with tall grasses and scattered trees.

Sahel

A semi-arid zone in Africa between grasslands and desert.

Desert

Extremely dry regions in northern and southern Africa, like the Sahara and Kalahari.

Subtropical climate

A mild climate with moderate rainfall, found at Africa's southern tip.

Minerals

Naturally occurring inorganic substances like gold and bauxite, found in Africa.

Oil

Fossil fuel from ancient plants and animals, mainly found at Africa's southern tip.

Forests

Large wooded areas in Africa, providing timber and supporting biodiversity.

Water Resources

Lakes, rivers, and groundwater used for farming, drinking, and trade.

Gold

A precious metal found in South Africa and Ghana, used for jewelry and money.

Diamonds

Precious stones in Botswana and Angola, used for jewelry and industrial tools.

Cobalt

A metal in Central Africa, used in electronics and batteries.

Bauxite

A mineral in Guinea, used to make aluminum.

Congo Basin

A region in Central Africa with forests providing timber and biodiversity.

Timber

Wood from forests, used for construction and furniture.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a habitat, including different species and ecosystems.

Irrigation

Supplying water to land or crops to help growth, vital in farming areas.

Fertile land

Soil rich in nutrients, supporting farming and trade.

Ghana

A historical West African empire known for wealth and trade.

Mali

A powerful West African empire known for wealth and culture.

Great Rift Valley

A major geological feature in East Africa, supporting diverse farming.

Swahili culture

A cultural group along the East African coast, known for sea trade.

Great Zimbabwe

An ancient city in Southern Africa, known for impressive stone structures.

Colonial competition

The struggle between European nations for control of African land and resources.

Cultural Influence

How geography and natural resources affect African traditions and lifestyles.

Global Trade

The exchange of goods and services worldwide, with African resources playing a key role.

Sahara Desert

A major dry geographical feature in North Africa.

Mediterranean Coast

The North African coast, good for settlements and trade.

Isolation

Being separated from others, often by natural barriers like deserts and rainforests.

Farming

Growing crops or raising animals for food, influenced by geography.

Natural Resources

Useful materials or organisms found in nature, used for economic gain.

Economic Growth

An increase in an economy's production of goods and services, driven by trade and resources.

Settlements

Communities where people live, often near coasts and oases in Africa.

Trade routes

Paths traders use to exchange goods and services, historically linking Africa to Europe and Asia.

Roman Empire

An ancient empire that influenced North Africa through trade and culture.

Arab Caliphates

Historical Islamic states that affected North African culture and trade routes.

Thick vegetation

Dense plant life, typical of the Congo Rainforest, limiting large-scale farming.

Indigenous cultures

Original cultures native to a region, preserved by geographic isolation.

Rivers

Water bodies that support trade and farming, important to African civilizations.

Resources for agriculture

Natural resources like water and fertile land that support crop growing.

Geographical barriers

Natural obstacles like mountains and deserts that separate groups.

Historical empires

Important political entities in history, shaped by geography and resources.

Geographical features

Natural landscape elements (mountains, rivers, deserts) that influence human activity.

Trade and industry

Economic sectors exchanging goods and services, affected by natural resources.

Cultural preservation

Maintaining cultural practices and traditions, often helped by isolation.

Diverse landscapes

Varied natural environments in Africa, including deserts, forests, and grasslands.

Climate Zones

Areas with distinct weather patterns and vegetation.

Natural barriers

Geographical features that hinder movement between regions, affecting cultural exchange.

Hydroelectric source

Power generated by water movement, like from the Aswan Dam.

Mining

Extracting valuable minerals and resources from Earth, crucial for economic activity.

Timber production

Harvesting wood from forests for construction and other uses.

Vegetation zones

Areas defined by plant types that thrive there, influenced by climate.

Economical resources

Valuable assets like minerals and water that provide economic benefits.

Cultural exchange

Sharing and integrating cultural elements between communities.

Marketplace

A place (physical or virtual) where goods and services are exchanged, influenced by trade geography.

Lakes

Large bodies of water providing freshwater and supporting biodiversity.

Groundwater

Water beneath Earth's surface, used for farming and drinking.

Trade dependencies

Reliance on trade routes and resources for economic growth and survival.

Urban centers

Cities or towns where business and culture thrive, often near resources.

Environmental impact

The effect of human activity on the environment, influenced by using resources.

Geopolitical significance

The importance of geographic location in international relations and trade.

Historical development

How societies change over time, shaped by geography and resources.

Livelihoods

How people earn a living, influenced by geography and resources.

Resource management

Responsibly managing natural resources to ensure sustainability.

Cultural diversity

The variety of cultural expressions and practices among communities.

Economic indicators to measure resource impact

Measures used to see how natural resources affect economic performance.

Infrastructure evolution

The development of basic facilities and systems needed for economic operation.