Africa, the second-largest continent in the world, is home to a diverse range of countries with varying sizes. The continent’s physical geography predominantly consists of plains and tablelands, with inner plateaus prevalent in the sub-Saharan region.
There are many stereotypes associated with Africa, including it being nothing but jungle and tribes, or warring nations with genocide, or where the children are always hungry. In reality, Africa is a group of countries that have dealt with years or even centuries of colonial rule, the effects of which some countries do still struggle to overcome. But despite that, it is a bustling hub for trade in the world, being rich in oil, growing fruits and crops for export, and with emerging business centers.
Discover the largest countries in Africa:
1Algeria – 2,381,741 sq. km
Algeria is the biggest country in Africa and tenth-largest in the world, covering the land area of 2,381,741 sq. km. This was not always the case, with Sudan having held the rank of largest African country until South Sudan separated in 2011, dividing the nation into two countries. 90% of Algeria is desert, and only 12% of it is inhibited by people.
Since Islam is the main religion in Algeria, alcohol is absent from the majority of the stores, and often goes unlisted on the menus even if it is available. Algeria was a French colony from 1830 to 1962, so much of the population speaks French, along with Arabic and Berber.
2Democratic Republic of the Congo – 2,344,858 sq. km
With the equator crossing much of the African continent, the Democratic Republic of the Congo occupies much of this part of Africa. It is Africa’s second-largest country by land area at 2,344,858 sq. km, and boasts a tropical climate at and near the 0° latitude.
Not to be confused with the Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo is often referred to by the acronym DRC, or by its capital and administrative center name, Kinshasa. Situated on the South-east side of the Congo River and the South Western border with the Republic of Congo, Kinshasa serves as the country’s main port. The Republic of the Congo is often referred to plainly as Congo, or Brazzaville, which is its capital sitting on the north-west side of the Congo River.
3Sudan – 1,861,484 sq. km
Although pyramids are often associated with Egypt, Sudan, with over 200 of the ancient structures, is the land with the most pyramids in the world.
On July 9, 2011, South Sudan seceded after a vote supported by 98% of the southern Sudanese, which makes South Sudan the youngest country in the world, and leaves Sudan in the third place of African countries ranked by land size, at 1,861,484 sq. km. This was a long-term after-effect of the African civil war, while the dispute over the right to the oil-rich Abyei region still persists today. Sudan lost over 75% of its oil supply as a result of this separation.
4Libya – 1,759,540 sq. km
Covering the land area of 1,759,540 sq. km, Libya’s population is 6,890,535, and one out of every five Libyans is unemployed. This is still an improvement over its 30% unemployment rate in 2004 in this nation that was once an Italian colony.
5Chad – 1,284,000 sq. km
Fifth in size on the African continent with the land area of 1,284,000 sq. km, Chad has a very low population density of 20 persons per square mile. Chad is a former French colony. The French overthrew the dictator Rābiḥ in 1900 and established the colony under their protection, but due to France’s involvement in both World Wars, their protection did not do much for progression in Chad. The nation of Chad assisted the French during the Second World War, and France rule over the country was lifted in increments until its independence in 1960.
6Niger – 1,267,000 sq. km
The country of Niger is named for the Niger River that flows through the nation. Humans have lived in Niger for over 280,000 years. As such, this country has plenty of archaeological sites that show the past of human history.
7Angola – 1,246,700 sq. km
The country of Angola is in the southwestern portion of Africa, and the country has a border on the Atlantic Ocean. The country is known for being a major oil producer as a member of OPEC and sometimes called the Kuwait of Africa. This is a country that is modernizing at different rates from one part to another. Nevertheless, the country has a rich history and modern culture.
8Mali – 1,240,192 sq. km
The name Mali refers to “the place where the king lives” and was taken for the Mali Empire that spanned the 13th-17th centuries. The country is located in the western section of northern Africa, but it does not have a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country was once under French colonial rule. Although it had periods of peace, Mali has unfortunately been the site of numerous coups and violence in recent years, including in 2021.
9South Africa – 1,221,037 sq. km
The nation of South Africa is located at the very southern tip of Africa. The country is famous for many reasons, from its human fossil discoveries as well as the Cape of Good Hope. However, the nation is famous for its policy of apartheid in recent times as well as the leadership of Nelson Mandela. The country has struggled to find peace within itself but consistently pushes towards reform, better laws, and fairer treatment.
10Ethiopia – 1,104,300 sq. km
The country was formerly known as Abyssinia, and it’s home today to over 100 million people, making it one of the most populous as well as the 10th largest country in Africa. Ethiopia is a multiethnic state that has undergone vast political changes in the last few centuries. The country’s economy is based largely on agriculture, and it’s well-known for its paleontological discoveries that give insights into the past
Story By Ahoraeg.Com
