Article
Article
Africa
Article By:
Margai, Florence Department of Geography, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York.
Last reviewed:August 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.013900
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- Africa, published July 2015:Download PDF
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- Africa, published June 2014:Download PDF
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A continent that straddles the Equator, extending between 37°N and 35°S. It is the second largest continent, exceeded only by Asia (see illustration). The political geography of the continent continues to evolve as the traditional states face ongoing threats of instability. The total area of the continent, is 11,700,000 mi2 (30,300,000 km2), comprising approximately 20% of the world's land area. Despite its large area, the continent has a simple geological structure, a compact shape with a smooth outline, and a symmetrical distribution of climate and vegetation.
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