Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Transcription

1 Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Physical Geography of West Africa Objective: Summarize the main geographic aspects of each country in West Africa. Understand each country s development pattern and their current political situation. Do Now: What advice would you give to any incoming freshmen deciding to take Mr. Pena s Geography class? Sahel Desert- is the ecoclimatic and biogeographic zone of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south. Having a semi-arid climate, it stretches across the south-central latitudes of Northern Africa between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea

2 Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Physical and Human Geography of West Africa Objective: Summarize the main geographic aspects of each country in West Africa. Understand each country s development pattern and their current political situation. Do Now: List 10 African countries. Timbuktu- A city of central Mali near the Niger River. Founded in the 11th century by the Tuareg, it became a major trading center (primarily for gold and salt) and a center of Islamic learning by the 14th century. French Foreign Legion-an elite military force originally consisting of foreign volunteers in the pay of France but now comprising volunteer soldiers from any nation, including France, for service in France and abroad.

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4 Physical Geography of West Africa Landforms West Africa has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with the northern part of the subregion extending into the Transition Zone. Rainforests that once covered much of the coast have been greatly reduced by agriculture and deforestation. Low plains, sandy soil, and grasslands cover much of inland West Africa, while the mountains behind the coastal plains give way to highlands covered with savannah and rainforest.

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6 Physical Geography of West Africa Water Systems Lagoons and mangrove swamps provide food and shelter for fish and fowl and provide an important source of food and timber for coastal people. Flounder and bluefish use the marshes as nurseries and winter habitats. The Atlantic Ocean offers a bounty of fish used both for food and as commercial products. Significant lakes and rivers, like Lake Volta and the Volta River, supply the subregion with freshwater and hydroelectric power, while also benefiting agriculture and tourism.

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8 Physical Geography of West Africa Climates, Biomes, and Resources With its latitudinal climate pattern, the environment changes dramatically from north to south, with desert in the north giving way to savannah, then tropical forest, in the south. The grassy savannah is home to many mammals such as such as giraffe, gerbils, foxes, and elephants-- while the tropical wet forests are full of trees and produce spices, nuts, and legumes. Many minerals are extracted in the subregion, including conflict diamonds, or diamonds that are mined in war-torn areas and used to finance war.

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10 Human Geography of West Africa History and Government The first empire to emerge in West Africa was the Ghana Empire. It became one of the richest trading civilizations of West Africa. Muslim traders also brought Islamic beliefs and customs to the kingdom. Eventually, many Ghanaians converted to Islam. As contact with Europe increased, word of the riches to be found in Africa spread. Europeans soon began to view Africa as a source of resources and opportunities At the Berlin Conference between 1884 and 1885, 14 European countries met in an effort to sort out how territory would be divided. With no African input at the Berlin Conference, colonial boundaries were drawn with little regard for African ethnic boundaries.

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12 Human Geography of West Africa Population Patterns West Africa is a very populous subregion, with Nigeria having the continent s largest population. Many are moving to urban areas to find better opportunities, healthcare, and education. With the world s fastest rate of urbanization, the subregion s rapid growth has placed tremendous strain on existing infrastructure, or the set of systems that affect how well a place operates. Governments are attempting to improve living conditions.

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14 Human Geography of West Africa Society and Culture Today The subregion is home to numerous ethnic groups which speak many different languages. Poverty limits access to healthcare, leading to high death rates from poor sanitation and nutrition. The role of women is changing, with some beginning to open their own businesses and enter professions. The arts reinforce cultural heritage, such as performances by griots, oral historians and storytellers.

15 Human Geography of West Africa Economic Activities The major focus is agriculture, but some small businesses sell locally made products via e-commerce, or buying and selling via the Internet. A small percentage practices commercial farming, with cacao being the most important cash crop. Mining of natural resources plays an important economic role, as do Nigeria s oil reserves. Trade within the region is expanding.

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