A Survey of the Geographic Area, Altitude, Coastline, and Climate of African Countries and Regions: Implications for Africa’s Development

Abstract

This study examines the area, altitude, coastline, and climate of African nations. Africa’s 1.448 billion people in 2023 accounted for 18.14% of the world total of 7.979 billion, and its landmass of 30.32 million sq km, is 20% of the world total of 148.94 million sq km. Africa’s total coastline of 40,188 km is 11.3% of the world total of 356,000 km. Of Africa’s total area of 30,319,532 sq km, 574,393 sq km (2% excluding South Sudan) is water. There are 12 nations in Africa, each with an area of 1 million sq km or more. There are 16 nations in Africa with an average elevation ranging from over 1,000 meters to over 3,000 meters; and 17 nations with a peak elevation level of 3,000 meters or higher. Of 40 nations with hottest day temperature data, 5 (12.5%) are below 100 degrees; and 35 (87.5%) have figures ranging from 101.84 degrees to 124.34 degrees. Twenty-two nations (55% of 40) have coldest day temperatures in the 30s or lower; and 15 (37.5%) nations with temperatures of 32 degrees or less. There are 12 nations in Africa with average annual humidity figures of 60% or less. The study recommends that the African union lead the way in utilizing Africa’s strategic natural resources for its development. The study recommends that the African Union must work with the United States to ease the transition process for Black people returning to Africa from the United States in utilizing their expertise and wealth for Africa’s development.