Sub-Saharan Africa

Sahara

World’s largest hot desert.

Sahel

Semi-arid region south of the Sahara.

Desertification

Expansion of desert conditions.

Mixed agriculture

Farming system using both crops and livestock.

Ghana Empire

West African trade empire known for gold and salt.

Mali Empire

Empire of Mansa Musa; known for wealth and learning.

Songhai Empire

Large West African empire focused on trade.

Benin Empire

Kingdom known for bronze art and trade.

Kingdom of Zimbabwe

Southern African kingdom with stone cities.

Kingdom of Mutapa

Gold-rich kingdom connected to Indian Ocean trade.

Kingdom of Kongo

Central African kingdom engaged in Atlantic trade.

Atlantic Slave Trade

Forced transport of Africans to the Americas.

European Conquest of Africa

Colonization during the Scramble for Africa.

European Imperialism

Foreign control for resources and power.

Decolonization conflicts

Violent struggles for independence.

Apartheid

Racial segregation system in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela

Leader against apartheid; first Black South African president.

Youth population

Rapidly growing young demographic in Africa.

Cash-crop agriculture

Farming focused on export crops.

Palm oil

Major export crop linked to deforestation.

Exploitative labor

Poor working conditions in farms and mines.