From magical flowers used in making one of the most globally loved perfumes, enormous phosphate reserves to the only one color flag ever adopted in the entire world; did you check out the previous installment of this series? You can find it here.

But now, it’s time to dig more into other interesting facts about the following seven African countries.

Egypt

The North African country is largely known for its rich history and ancient civilization. In fact, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza is found there.

But did you know that about 95% of Egypt’s over 100 million people still live within a few kilometers of the longest river in the world, the Nile? The nation is also largely covered with the Sahara desert which we spoke of in the previous installment.

Additionally, Egypt has been the most visited African country according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) with an estimated 13 million visitors every year. Also endowed with seven UNESCO world heritage sites, the reasons why couldn’t be more obvious.

Source: National Geographic

Central African Republic (CAR)

As the name suggests, the landlocked Central African nation is bordered by Chad, DR Congo, Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan and Cameroon.

This nation of close to 6 million people shares the world’s second largest rainforest, the Congolese Rainforest with five other countries. Just like DR Congo, some ancient civilization tools in the form of polished flint and quartz tools estimated to be 8,000 years old have been found in the country.

Perhaps more interestingly, together with Chad and Madagascar, CAR is home to the darkest nights in the world and a perfect site for star gazing.

Source: Enjoy Travel

Mauritius

The small island nation off the coast of Madagascar is the most densely populated nation in Africa with over 1.2 million people. Its numerous beaches and diverse landscape make it the lovers’ choice for honeymoons.

But what stands out is the fact that it’s the only known habitat of the long-extinct flightless bird, the dodo, which also happens to be the country’s national bird. It’s believed to have evolved from pigeons.

Source: Yoursunlife

Angola

The lusophone Southern African nation is home to close to 35 million people. It’s believed to have the world’s second-highest fertility rate after Niger with an average of close to 6 births per woman.

What it’s mostly known for is crude oil production, the second largest producer in Africa after Nigeria. In fact, oil accounts for at least 88% of the country’s exports.

Source: CIA World Factbook

Tanzania

Known as an exceptional safari destination, the East African nation which is home to almost 65 million people has nearly 30% of its total area covered by national parks.

Leave alone the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is home to the great migration. Its Serengeti National park, a World Heritage site sees millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and other wild animals travel through it in search of fresh pastures and water every year. 

Source: Safari Drive

Senegal

Just like Egypt, this West African nation has a total of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Inside the capital city, Dakar, stands the tallest statue in Africa; the 49m African Renaissance Monument which is believed to have cost $27million and was built by North Korean artists.

Other than the Gorée island which was the largest African slave trade coast between the 15th and 16th century or the Fadiouth, a small car free island made entirely of clamshells; Senegal has been the subject of more recent history.

Since 2012, the Great Green Wall, a 7,000 km long and 16 km wide planting of trees across the arid Sahel savanna and stretching through several countries, is currently underway.

Source: Smithsonian

Burkina Faso

This West African nation is one of the 45 landlocked countries in the world. Formerly known as Upper Volta, it changed its name in 1984.

The over 20 million Burkina Faso nationals are actually referred to as Burkinabes. Quite interestingly, the name Burkina Faso means “the Land of Honorable (Incorruptible) men.” The nation’s capital city, Ouagadougou is a French adaptation of the native name Wogodogo which means “where people get honor and respect.”

Source: CIA World Factbook

Conclusion

What caught your attention the most? And which countries do you want us to feature in the next installment? Let us know in the comments.