Africa

The continent's biggest country is Sudan and the smallest is Seychelles, an archipelago on the east coast of mainland Africa. Meanwhile, the tallest point in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet above sea level, and the lowest point is Djibouti's Lake Assal at 515 feet below sea level.

Africa's diverse and colorful culture is incredibly fascinating to learn and discover. Each African country has its own mix of tribes, languages, and customs.

Most of Africa's traditions are centered on music, oral literature, and art depicting typical religious and social activities. Indigenous music and dance are maintained through oral traditions in most countries in Africa. However, due to colonization, the music and dance styles of North and South Africa are different. Traces of Arab influences mark North Africa's, while Western influences are evident in South Africa's dance and music.

Africa, the second largest continent in the world, is composed of 54 countries. For the adventurous and avid traveler, Africa presents a world of exciting destinations from the pyramids of Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa. There is no other continent that provides travelers with a variety of culture and visual imagery that stirs the imagination more than Africa.

Africa covers a surface area of 30 million square kilometers, which represents 20% of the earth's total land area. The continent is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea and Suez Canal to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast.

Togo

Togo, officially referred to as the Togolese Republic, is situated in West Africa. Surrounded by Ghana to the west, Benin to the East, and Burkina Faso to the north. The capital of Togo is Lome, situated on the Gulf of Guinea, an extension of Togo to the south. The majority of Togo people practice their traditional religion. Only about 20% are Christians and 10% are Muslims. The country's time is +0.00 GMT and the currency is the CFA Franc. In Togo, agriculture is successful because the climatic conditions are favorable for crop growth. It is a tropical and sub-Saharan nation.

Comoros

Situated in the Indian Ocean, just off the eastern coast of Africa, is the island nation of Comoros. Comoros is nearest to the countries of Tanzania, Mozambique, the Seychelles, and Madagascar. The four islands that comprise this island nation are Mahore, Ngazidja, Nzwani, and Mwali. The string of islands is called the volcanic Comoros archipelago. This chain of islands is known for its diverse history and culture, combining various civilizations and three languages: Arabic, French and Shikomoro-a combination of Arabic and Swahili. Comoros is the southern-most member state of the Arab League.

Senegal

Senegal is a country in western Africa south of the Senegal River, and well known for its beaches. The capital, Dakar, is situated on a peninsula with access to some of the best beaches in the country. Dakar is also home to colorful people, open-air markets, nightlife, and film, art, and music festivals. The Casamance area has rivers, mangroves, and waterways, and in northern Senegal you will find the oldest French settlement in western Africa, Saint Louis. The colonial architecture has earned it a World Heritage Designation.

Guinea

Guinea is a rich country that hasn't quite reached its full potential. After many years of very little development and lackluster performance as a tourist destination, it has very slowly opened itself. The Republic of Guinea in West Africa is largely unnoticed by tourists, who prefer to visit the more famous destinations in the continent. In fact, the country receives just under 35,000 tourists each year. Most of its visitors come to Guinea for business, usually in the capital. It may be overlooked but it is definitely a must-see for people who prefer an adventurous trip.

Angola

The country of Angola is located in south central Africa. Three countries border Angola: Namibia lays to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo it to the north, and to the east is the country of Zambia. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west of Angola. The city of Luanda is the capital of Angola, located on the east coast along the Atlantic Ocean. Luanda is the main seaport of the country as well as the country's administrative center. Five million people reside in Luanda, and is currently going through major reconstruction that will change the cityscape drastically.

Guinea Bissau

Perhaps you've never heard of Guinea Bissau. If so, you have been missing out on some of the friendliest people in Africa. Guinea Bissau is a small nation on the Western coast of Africa. Just off the coastline is the Arquipelago dos Bijagos, small beach islands that are home to a matriarchal society largely untouched by the colonial times. There are beautiful, mangrove-lined rivers throughout the country and beautiful beaches at Varula. In the southern rain forest you can even find elephants and chimpanzees. Truly, Guinea Bissau is an undiscovered treasure, and that is the key to its unique attraction.

Cote d'Ivoire

The country of Cote d'Ivoire is on the western coast of Africa and offers beautiful beaches, natural beauty, and plenty of things to do. Perhaps you'd enjoy Yamoussoukro, the capital city, with its replica of the St. Paul's Cathedral, just as in Rome. Or you may prefer the city of Abidjan, the country's largest, with modern accommodations and amenities and a very modern business district. If you like open air cafes, called maquis, you can people watch while you eat a delicious meal.

Somalia

Formerly known as the Somalia Democratic Republic, but officially called the Republic of Somalia, the countries along its borders are Kenya to the southwest, Yemen to the north, Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the east. Some of the largest cities in Somalia are Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Bosaso, and Buraro, all of which have a population over 250,000. Somalia was a very important hub of commerce in antiquities. Long ago, people from Babylon, Ancient Egypt and Mycenaea came to buy spices, frankincense and myrrh from the sailors and merchants of Somalia.

Mayotte

France has six overseas collectives or regions that are administered from France. The French collective of Mayotte is one of these regions that have its own general council to help to govern the territory. Mayotte is an island in the Indian Ocean, in the Mozambique Channel, the area between Madagascar and Northern Mozambique on the African Continent. It is a very densely populated country, also known as Mahore. The name seems to have come from Mawuti, which is a short form of Jazirat al-Mawt or the "island of death.

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands consist of fifteen islands located 2,796 miles south of Hawaii and northeast of New Zealand in the center of the Polynesian triangle. Dubbed the inexpensive French Polynesia, Cook Islands' lush surroundings and the friendliness of its inhabitants draw over 100,000 visitors each year. Surrounded by coral lagoons and atolls filled with exotic marine life, Cook Islands offer a tropical paradise full of lively Polynesian culture where you can escape the hectic busy-ness of your daily life.

Swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered to the north, south, and west by South Africa, and to the east by Mozambique. The nation and the people are named after the 19th century king Mswati II. There are endless things to explore in the beautiful country of Swaziland. Stroll down a market lane, visit shopping centers, hike along nature trails, gasp over the panoramic farm/valley views, and meet the locals on their farms. Explore wildlife sanctuaries to see the lions, elephants, white rhinos, giraffes, hippos, kudu, and antelope in their natural habitat.

Mauritius

Mauritius is in the Indian Ocean, just off the east coast of Africa and about 560 miles east of Madagascar. It is officially known as the Republic of Mauritius, and the Republic is comprised of the islands of Cargados Carajos, Rodrigues, and the Agalega Islands. The capital of Mauritius is Port Louis, the most frequent oint of entry for tourists via airplane or cruise ship. A beautiful, striking, turquoise sea, making it a very popular dream destination, surrounds this beautiful island, also known as Paradise Island.

Benin

After years of political unrest, Benin is now emerging as one of the fast-growing countries in West Africa, and they take pride in their stable democracy and the development of strong political parties and a civil society. Like other developing countries, corruption continues to be a challenge, but on the bright side, the country enjoys significant progress and economic growth in both tourism and agriculture. As one of the safest countries on the African continent, eager adventurers from around the world now visit to see lions, antelopes, hippos, monkeys, and elephants

Chad

The Republic of Chad is nestled in central Africa. It shares borders with Libya, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria and Sudan. It earned the nickname 'Dead Heart of Africa' because of its location and its hot, dry desert climate. However, it does have a fertile zone, found in its savanna in the southern region. Chad is named after the eponymous lake that is one of the largest wetlands in Africa. Chad is a country with a long history and thus has high archeological and cultural importance.

Rwanda

Rwanda, often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills" is a diminutive landlocked country in the Great Lakes district of east-central Africa. Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo share boundaries with this lush country of fertile and mountainous terrain. Home to almost 10 million people, Rwanda has the densest population in continental Africa.

Mali

Mali, officially called the Republic Of Mali, is a land locked nation in the western part of Africa, divided into 8 distinct regions.. Based on its size of .77 million square miles, it is the 7th largest country in Africa and the largest in West Africa. 7 countries surround Mali with Algeria to the northeast, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso to the southeast, Ivory Coast to the south, and Senegal and Mauritania to the west. The capital is Bamako, and most inhabitants live in the southern part near the Niger and Senegal Rivers. Agriculture and fishing are important activities. Mali is rich in gold, uranium, and salt.

Kenya

Kenya lies on the eastern coast of the African continent, located right along the equator. Its coastal area lies to the southeast, Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, and Uganda to the west. Kenya is the center of all adventure travel in Africa, with one of the best - and without a doubt the most popular- safari destinations in the world. Safari, however, is not the only reason to visit Kenya, because there is a very rich culture and fascinating surroundings as well. There are many wonderful beaches and enough water-based activities to keep any visitor busy.

Egypt

Egypt covers roughly 390,000 square miles of both North Africa and western Asia. The majority of the country is in North Africa, with only the Sinai Peninsula occupying Asia. To the north of Egypt is the Mediterranean Sea, with the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south, and Libya to the west. The ancient civilization of Egypt makes this country fascinating, as do the well-known monuments, including the Great Sphinx and the Giza pyramid complex

Morocco

Morocco is situated in the northwestern corner of the African continent, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and Algeria to the east and southeast. The Strait of Gibraltar segregates Morocco from Spain at its northern tip, and its southern border is the Sahara Desert. Morocco's capital city, Rabat, is located in the northwest of the country overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Other major cities are Marrakech in the center, Casablanca on the Atlantic Ocean, and Tangier in the north, on the Strait of Gibraltar.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a country of islands off the coast of West Africa with a lot to offer. Mount Fogo is an active volcano and the country's highest peak. This mostly Catholic country celebrates Mardi Gras with some huge street parties and a local rum-like drink called grogue. The island of Sao Antao offers hiking into amazing valleys and canyons. As an island nation with lots of oceanfront, there is windsurfing, snorkeling, and deep sea diving among other pastimes.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is in West Africa, bordered by Guinea in the north, Liberia in the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest. It has the rather dubious reputation of being the lowest ranked country in the world on the Human Development index and an unflattering spot on the poverty index. The Fourah Bay College, the oldest university of West Africa, was established here in 1827. It has one of world's largest natural harbors. It was known as a center of the slave trade until 1792, prior to becoming a British colony

Equatorial Guinea is located in west central Africa, bordered by Cameroon to the north and Gabon to the south and east. Despite its name, no part of Equatorial Guinea's territory lies on the equator. The whole country lies within the Atlantic Equatorial coastal forest eco-region. Equatorial Guinea is a lush tropical country where you can find truly deserted white sand beaches and exotic species of birds, and plenty to satisfy the vacation adventurer. On Bioko Island you will find astonishing views of inactive volcanic craters, rainforests full of primates, and perhaps nesting sea turtles along the shore. Back on the mainland, Bata is a pleasant colonial town undergoing a face-lift; so it is a refreshing combination of the old and the modern. The wildlife-filled rainforest of Monte Allen National Park is a hidden treasure, and the remote island of Corisco offers white-sand beaches and small communities of traditional cultures, if you are interested in a more cultural experience.