List of African countries from A to Z
Have you ever wondered how many countries are there in Africa or what are their particularities? Africa, this vast continent of a thousand contrasts, has 54 countries recognized by the UN, each with its own history, culture and unique flag. Today I am going to offer you a complete and commented list of all African countries, from Algeria to Zanzibar, just to feed your curiosity and help you better understand this fascinating continent.
African countries: unparalleled diversity
Before diving into the list, let’s look at some fascinating facts about Africa:
- The continent has 54 countries, which makes it, after Asia, the continent with the greatest number of nations.
- Algeria is the largest country in Africa in terms of area, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
- As for the smallest country in Africa, it is the Seychelles, a paradise archipelago in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
- THE Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with more than 200 million inhabitants.
- Africa is divided into 5 major geographical regions : North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa.
Now that the scene is set, let’s see together the list of African countries, region by region.
North African countries
North Africa, land of majestic deserts and ancient cultures, includes the following countries:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
- Sudan
- Tunisia
Fun fact : The map of North African countries is often dominated by the vastness of the Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world.
West African countries
West Africa is renowned for its rich traditions, its vibrant coasts and its history deeply marked by the spice and slave routes. Here is his list:
- Benign
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Ivory Coast
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Central African countries
Central Africa is the green lung of the continent, with lush tropical forests and incredible biodiversity. It welcomes these countries:
- Angola
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Republic of Congo
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Gabon
- Equatorial Guinea
- Sao Tome and Principe
East African countries
It is in East Africa that we find fascinating savannahs, mythical mountains and a rich cultural heritage:
- Burundi
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Small aside: Tanzania hosts the majestic Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa.
Southern African countries
Finally, southern Africa, land of great safaris and breathtaking landscapes, includes:
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Why explore these countries?
Each of these countries tells a story, but only by visiting them (or learning more about them through maps like those in map of Africa with countries and capitals) that you will be able to understand the wealth that lies behind their borders. With their diverse landscapes, unique cultures and one of the most hospitable populations, African countries are establishing themselves as an essential field of exploration.
What I learned while traveling these lands
Each journey brings us closer to each other. Every country I visited in Africa offered me a valuable lesson about life, harmony and cultural diversity. If you too dream of discovering this continent, start by studying a map of african countries or let yourself be guided by a fun quiz about African countries to test your knowledge.
So, are you ready to explore? ✨