School encyclopedia. West Africa: list of West African countries listen to the national anthem of Western Sahara
Africa is a part of the world with an area of 30.3 million km 2 with islands, this is the second place after Eurasia, 6% of the entire surface of our planet and 20% of the land.
Geographical position
Africa is located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres (most of it), a small part in the Southern and Western. Like all large fragments of the ancient continent, Gondwana has a massive outline, with no large peninsulas or deep bays. The length of the continent from north to south is 8 thousand km, from west to east - 7.5 thousand km. In the north it is washed by waters Mediterranean Sea, in the northeast by the Red Sea, in the southeast by the Indian Ocean, in the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Africa is separated from Asia by the Suez Canal, and from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar.
Main geographical characteristics
Africa lies on an ancient platform, which causes its flat surface, which in some places is dissected by deep river valleys. There are small lowlands on the coast of the mainland, the northwest is the location Atlas Mountains, Northern part, almost entirely occupied by the Sahara Desert - the Ahaggar and Tibetsi highlands, the east - the Ethiopian Highlands, the southeast - the East African Plateau, the extreme south - the Cape and Drakensberg Mountains. The highest point in Africa is the Kilimanjaro volcano (5895 m, Masai plateau), the lowest is 157 meters below ocean level in Lake Assal. Along the Red Sea, in the Ethiopian Highlands and to the mouth of the Zambezi River, the world's largest crustal fault stretches, which is characterized by frequent seismic activity.
The following rivers flow through Africa: Congo (Central Africa), Niger (West Africa), Limpopo, Orange, Zambezi ( South Africa), as well as one of the deepest and longest rivers in the world - the Nile (6852 km), flowing from south to north (its sources are on the East African Plateau, and it flows, forming a delta, into the Mediterranean Sea). Rivers are characterized by high water content exclusively in the equatorial belt, due to precipitation there large quantity precipitation, most of them are characterized by high flow rates and have many rapids and waterfalls. In lithospheric faults filled with water, lakes were formed - Nyasa, Tanganyika, the largest freshwater lake Africa and the second largest area after Lake Superior ( North America) - Victoria (its area is 68.8 thousand km 2, length 337 km, maximum depth - 83 m), the largest salt closed lake- Chad (its area is 1.35 thousand km 2, located on the southern edge of the world's greatest desert, the Sahara).
Due to Africa's location between two tropical zones, it is characterized by high total solar radiation, which gives the right to call Africa the hottest continent on Earth (the hottest heat on our planet was registered in 1922 in Al-Aziziya (Libya) - +58 C 0 in the shade).
In Africa there are such natural areas like evergreen equatorial forests (the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, the Congo basin), in the north and south turning into mixed deciduous-evergreen forests, then there is a natural zone of savannas and woodlands, spreading to Sudan, East and South Africa, in the north and south of Africa savannas are replaced by semi-deserts and deserts (Sahara, Kalahari, Namib). In the southeastern part of Africa there is a small zone of mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains there is a zone of hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs. Natural zones of mountains and plateaus are subject to the laws of altitudinal zonation.
African countries
The territory of Africa is divided between 62 countries, 54 are independent, sovereign states, 10 dependent territories, belonging to Spain, Portugal, Great Britain and France, the rest are unrecognized, self-proclaimed states - Galmudug, Puntland, Somaliland, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic(SADR). For a long time Asian countries were foreign colonies of various European countries and only by the middle of the last century gained independence. Depending on the geographical location Africa is divided into five regions: Northern, Central, Western, Eastern and Southern Africa.
List of African countries
Nature
Mountains and plains of Africa
Most of the African continent is plain. There are mountain systems, highlands and plateaus. They are presented:
- the Atlas Mountains in the northwestern part of the continent;
- the Tibesti and Ahaggar highlands in the Sahara Desert;
- Ethiopian Highlands in the eastern part of the mainland;
- Drakensberg Mountains in the south.
The most high point country is the Kilimanjaro volcano, 5,895 m high, belonging to the East African Plateau in the southeastern part of the continent...
Deserts and savannas
The largest desert zone of the African continent is located in the northern part. This is the Sahara Desert. On the southwest side of the continent is another smaller desert, the Namib, and from there into the continent to the east there is the Kalahari Desert.
The savannah territory occupies the bulk of Central Africa. In area it is much larger than the northern and southern parts of the mainland. The territory is characterized by the presence of pastures typical of savannas, low bushes and trees. The height of herbaceous vegetation varies depending on the amount of precipitation. These can be practically desert savannas or tall grasses, with a grass cover from 1 to 5 m in height...
Rivers
The longest river in the world, the Nile, is located on the African continent. The direction of its flow is from south to north.
The list of major water systems of the mainland includes the Limpopo, Zambezi and Orange River, as well as the Congo, which flows through Central Africa.
Located on the Zambezi River famous waterfall Victoria, 120 m high and 1,800 meters wide...
Lakes
The list of large lakes on the African continent includes Lake Victoria, which is the second largest freshwater body of water in the world. Its depth reaches 80 m, and its area is 68,000 square km. Two more large lakes continent: Tanganyika and Nyasa. They are located in the faults of lithospheric plates.
There is Lake Chad in Africa, which is one of the world's largest endorheic relict lakes that have no connection with the world's oceans...
Seas and oceans
The African continent is washed by the waters of two oceans: the Indian and the Atlantic. Also off its shores are the Red and Mediterranean Seas. From the Atlantic Ocean in the southwestern part, the waters form the deep Gulf of Guinea.
Despite the location of the African continent, the coastal waters are cool. This is influenced by the cold currents of the Atlantic Ocean: the Canary in the north and the Bengal in the southwest. From the Indian Ocean, the currents are warm. The largest are Mozambique, in northern waters, and Agulhas, in southern...
Forests of Africa
Forests make up a little more than a quarter of the entire territory of the African continent. Here are subtropical forests growing on the slopes of the Atlas Mountains and the valleys of the ridge. Here you can find holm oak, pistachio, strawberry tree, etc. Coniferous plants grow high in the mountains, represented by Aleppo pine, Atlas cedar, juniper and other types of trees.
Closer to the coast there are cork oak forests; in the tropical region, evergreen equatorial plants are common, for example, mahogany, sandalwood, ebony, etc...
Nature, plants and animals of Africa
The vegetation of the equatorial forests is diverse, with about 1000 species of various types of trees growing here: ficus, ceiba, wine tree, oil palm, wine palm, banana palm, tree ferns, sandalwood, mahogany, rubber trees, Liberian coffee tree, etc. . Many species of animals, rodents, birds and insects live here, living directly on the trees. On the ground live: brush-eared pigs, leopards, African deer - a relative of the okapi giraffe, large apes - gorillas...
40% of Africa's territory is occupied by savannas, which are huge steppe areas covered with forbs, low, thorny bushes, milkweed, and isolated trees (tree-like acacias, baobabs).
Here there is the largest concentration of such large animals as: rhinoceros, giraffe, elephant, hippopotamus, zebra, buffalo, hyena, lion, leopard, cheetah, jackal, crocodile, hyena dog. The most numerous animals of the savannah are herbivores such as: hartebeest (antelope family), giraffe, impala or crown-toed antelope, various types of gazelles (Thomson's, Grant's), blue wildebeest, and in some places there are also rare jumping antelopes - springboks.
The vegetation of deserts and semi-deserts is characterized by poverty and unpretentiousness; these are small thorny bushes and separately growing tufts of herbs. The unique Erg Chebbi date palm grows in the oases, as well as plants that are resistant to drought conditions and salt formation. In the Namib Desert, unique plants such as Welwitschia and Nara grow, the fruits of which are eaten by porcupines, elephants and other desert animals.
Animals here include various species of antelopes and gazelles, adapted to the hot climate and capable of traveling vast distances in search of food, many species of rodents, snakes, and turtles. Lizards. Among the mammals: spotted hyena, common jackal, maned sheep, Cape hare, Ethiopian hedgehog, Dorcas gazelle, sabre-horned antelope, Anubis baboon, wild Nubian ass, cheetah, jackal, fox, mouflon, there are resident and migratory birds.
Climatic conditions
Seasons, weather and climate of African countries
The central part of Africa, through which the equator line passes, is in an area of low pressure and receives sufficient moisture; the territories north and south of the equator are in subequatorial climatic zone, this is a zone of seasonal (monsoon) moisture and arid desert climate. The far north and south are in the subtropical climate zone, the south receives precipitation brought by air masses from the Indian Ocean, the Kalahari Desert is located here, the north has minimal precipitation due to the formation of a high pressure area and the peculiarities of the movement of trade winds, largest desert world - the Sahara, where the amount of precipitation is minimal, in some areas it does not fall at all...
Resources
Natural Resources of Africa
By reserves water resources Africa is considered one of the least affluent continents in the world. The average annual volume of water is only sufficient to satisfy primary needs, but this does not apply to all regions.
Land resources are represented by large areas with fertile lands. Only 20% of all possible lands are cultivated. The reason for this is the lack of adequate water volume, soil erosion, etc.
African forests are a source of timber, including valuable species. The countries in which they grow, export raw materials. Resources are being used unwisely and ecosystems are being destroyed little by little.
In the depths of Africa there are deposits of minerals. Among those sent for export: gold, diamonds, uranium, phosphorus, manganese ores. There are significant reserves of oil and natural gas.
Energy-intensive resources are widely available on the continent, but they are not used due to the lack of proper investment...
Among the developed industrial sectors of the countries of the African continent, the following can be noted:
- the mining industry, which exports minerals and fuels;
- the oil refining industry, distributed mainly in South Africa and North Africa;
- chemical industry specializing in the production of mineral fertilizers;
- as well as the metallurgical and engineering industries.
The main agricultural products are cocoa beans, coffee, corn, rice and wheat. Oil palm is grown in tropical regions of Africa.
Fishing is poorly developed and accounts for only 1-2% of the total agricultural output. Livestock production indicators are also not high and the reason for this is the infection of livestock by tsetse flies...
Culture
Peoples of Africa: culture and traditions
There are approximately 8,000 peoples and ethnic groups living across 62 African countries, totaling approximately 1.1 billion people. Africa is considered the cradle and ancestral home of human civilization; it was here that the remains of ancient primates (hominids) were found, which, according to scientists, are considered the ancestors of people.
Most peoples in Africa can number several thousand people or several hundred living in one or two villages. 90% of the population are representatives of 120 nations, their number is more than 1 million people, 2/3 of them are peoples with a population of more than 5 million people, 1/3 are peoples with a population of more than 10 million people (this is 50% of the total population of Africa) - Arabs , Hausa, Fulbe, Yoruba, Igbo, Amhara, Oromo, Rwanda, Malagasy, Zulu...
There are two historical and ethnographic provinces: North African (the predominance of the Indo-European race) and Tropical African (the majority of the population is the Negroid race), it is divided into such areas as:
- West Africa. Peoples speaking the Mande languages (Susu, Maninka, Mende, Wai), Chadian (Hausa), Nilo-Saharan (Songai, Kanuri, Tubu, Zaghawa, Mawa, etc.), Niger-Congo languages (Yoruba, Igbo, Bini, Nupe, Gbari, Igala and Idoma, Ibibio, Efik, Kambari, Birom and Jukun, etc.);
- Equatorial Africa. Inhabited by Buanto-speaking peoples: Duala, Fang, Bubi (Fernandans), Mpongwe, Teke, Mboshi, Ngala, Komo, Mongo, Tetela, Cuba, Kongo, Ambundu, Ovimbundu, Chokwe, Luena, Tonga, Pygmies, etc.;
- South Africa. Rebellious peoples and speakers of Khoisani languages: Bushmen and Hottentots;
- East Africa. Bantu, Nilotes and Sudanese people groups;
- Northeast Africa. Peoples speaking Ethio-Semitic (Amhara, Tigre, Tigra), Cushitic (Oromo, Somali, Sidamo, Agaw, Afar, Konso, etc.) and Omotian languages (Ometo, Gimirra, etc.);
- Madagascar. Malagasy and Creoles.
In the North African province, the main peoples are considered to be Arabs and Berbers, belonging to the southern European minor race, mainly professing Sunni Islam. There is also an ethno-religious group of Copts, who are direct descendants of the Ancient Egyptians, they are Monophysite Christians.
Living in large countries, not everyone and not always can travel to all corners of their homeland. However, there are states in the world where all the sights and interesting things can be seen in a day or two. So, we present the top 10 smallest states in the world.
1. Vatican
The Vatican is a closed city-state. It is located in one of the districts of Rome and covers an area of 44 hectares. It was founded in 1929 by the Roman Catholic Church, is governed by the Pope and a conclave of cardinals, has the status of an independent state and even has its own army. True, despite such a small territory, it is unlikely that it will be possible to explore it in one day - so many architectural, sculptural and pictorial masterpieces are collected in it. Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, residence of the Pope - Apostolic Palace etc. - far from it full list masterpieces. Half of the country's territory is occupied by the Vatican Gardens. About 800 people are official citizens of the Vatican, and several thousand Italians commute here to work every day.
2. Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country. Over the past 20 years, due to the draining of the sea, the area of the country has increased and now it is 20.2 square meters. kilometer Monaco is a monarchical state, one of the most populous countries in the world and has 30 thousand inhabitants. The main income for residents comes from tourism.
3. Nauru
Nauru is located in the south Pacific Ocean in Micronesia. The area of the state is 21.3 square meters. kilometer The Republic of Nauru is the smallest island state in the world. It gained independence in 1968, although the island was home to the Aboriginal people for 3 thousand years. Today the country's population is approximately 9 thousand people. The state of Nauru has no armed forces.
4. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific Ocean, its area is 26 square meters. kilometers. The country also includes several coral islands. Previously, these islands belonged to the British Crown and were called the Ellis Islands, but in 1978 they gained independence from the British. The country's population is 10.5 thousand people. Due to lack natural resources Tuvalu has to live off the help of other countries.
5. San Marino
The Republic of San Marino covers an area of 61 square meters. kilometer and has the smallest population among the member states of the European Council. Is in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. It is the oldest independent country in the world, founded on September 3, 301. In addition, San Marino is one of the richest countries in the world, its income exceeds its expenses.
6. Liechtenstein
The area of the country is 160.4 square meters. kilometer Liechtenstein borders Switzerland and Austria and is landlocked. It is one of the richest states. Registered here more companies than residents.
7. Marshall Islands
This state is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean and consists mainly of coral islands. The area of the country is 181 square meters. kilometer, population 62 thousand. In 1986, the Islands gained independence from the United States, but the country has no natural resources and imports of goods far exceed exports, so until now only American assistance has helped them “keep afloat.”
8. Seychelles
Heaven on Earth Seychelles occupy an area of 455 square kilometers, population 84 thousand people. The archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar and consists of 115 islands. The islands managed to develop thanks to the export of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon. But since independence in 1976, tourism has become the main source of income.
9. Maldives
The Republic of Maldives is an island country. It is located in Indian Ocean and is the smallest in area Asian country. The area of the country is 298 square meters. km., population - 396 thousand. Two thirds of the population lives in the country's capital, Male. Previously, the country developed thanks to the export of dried tuna, cowrie shellfish and coconut ropes; now the main income comes from tourism.
10. Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Located in the West Indies - between North and South America on the islands of the Atlantic Ocean. The state consists of two islands with total area 261 sq. km. These were the first islands settled by Europeans. Main source income - tourism, also developed Agriculture and offshore banking.
The name "Liberia" means "Land of Freedom". After all, Liberia was founded as an independent state by freeborn and freed American blacks.
The official name of the state is Republic of Liberia. It borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire. In the west it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
State symbols
Flag– is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 10:19. The flag of this country resembles the US flag: it consists of 11 stripes (6 red and 5 white) and a blue field with a white star. The eleven stripes represent the eleven signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Red symbolizes courage, and white symbolizes moral principles. The white star symbolizes the liberation of slaves, and the blue square symbolizes the African continent. The flag was approved on July 16, 1847.
The flag of Liberia is the most common flag of the world merchant fleet (about 1,600 ships from other countries fly this flag). This fact is explained by the low cost of duties for using the flag compared to other countries.
Coat of arms– is a shield depicting a 19th century ship arriving in Liberia. The ship symbolizes the ships that brought freed slaves from the United States to Liberia. Above the shield is an unrolled scroll with Liberia's national motto: "The love of freedom brought us here." Under the shield is a scroll indicating English language official name of the country: "Republic of Liberia".
The plow and shovel are symbols of the dignity of labor and hard work through which a nation will prosper. Rising Sun in the background symbolizes the birth of a nation. The palm tree is the most versatile source of nutrition for Liberians. The white dove with scroll symbolizes the breath of peace.
State structure
Form of government- presidential republic.
Head of State and Government– the president, who is elected by general direct elections (by secret ballot) for a 6-year term. There is a post of vice president.
Incumbent since 2006 Helen Johnson Sirleaf. She is the first female president of an African country. Graduated from Harvard University.
Capital and largest city– Monrovia.
Official language– English, which is spoken by about 20% of the population. The rest speak indigenous languages, which are mostly unwritten.
Territory– 111,369 km².
Administrative division– 15 counties (districts), which are divided into 53 districts (districts).
Population– 4,294,000 people Ethnic composition: Aboriginal blacks 95%, descendants of blacks from the USA 2.5%, descendants of blacks from other countries Caribbean Sea 2.5%. The urban population is 60%.
Religion– Christians 85%, Muslims 12%, aboriginal cults 1.5%, Bahais, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists.
Currency– Liberian dollar.
Economy– The country is one of the poorest countries in the world. About 80% of the population lives below the poverty level.
One of largest articles revenues are duties for the use of the Liberian flag by merchant ships of other states.
Sugar cane grinding
Large mineral resources: large reserves of iron ore, there are placers of gold, diamonds, and rare earth elements. Agricultural, forestry, and hydropower resources are also good. But Liberia's main exports are still raw timber and rubber, and iron ore. Export: coffee, cocoa, diamonds, timber, iron ore. Import: fuel, chemicals, machinery, transport equipment, food. Transport: road, railway, water, air.
Education– 9 years of primary education is officially compulsory, which children receive between the ages of 7 and 16. Education in primary and high school free (except for an annual entrance fee of 10 thousand Liberian dollars). During the civil war, many schools were destroyed. There is one university in the country - the University of Liberia (opened in Monrovia in 1951 on the basis of the Liberian College). The university is under state control, teaching is in English.
Sport- Football is popular. The country has taken part in 11 Summer Olympics since 1956. It has not participated in the Winter Olympics. Liberian athletes have never won an Olympic medal.
Armed forces- ground forces, navy, air force. The police ensure internal order.
Nature
The coastline of Liberia is partially indented by lagoons, mangrove swamps, and estuaries (the mouth of a river that widens toward the sea). The country has a fairly extensive network of rivers. Most large rivers: Mano, St. Paul, Lofa, St. John, Cess and Cavalli. Only the lower St. Paul River is navigable.
Forests occupy 18% of the territory. These are mainly Guea palm trees, valuable tropical species. Liberia has significant reserves of valuable timber.
Acacias, baobabs and other types of trees grow in savannas. Mangrove forests grow on the coast.
The coast is beautiful sandy beaches, but many of them are in disrepair.
Sapo National Park created in 1983. This is an island of pristine nature with an area of 1800 km², occupied by tropical rainforests. Animals of the park: pygmy hippopotamuses and antelopes, forest elephants, large forest pig, pangolins. In total, more than 100 species of mammals and about 600 species of birds live here.
Pygmy hippopotamus
There are more than 140 species of mammals in Liberia. The forests are home to a wide variety of insects (from termites to tsetse flies), birds, amphibians and reptiles. Wildlife remains mainly in the east and north-west of Liberia: elephants, leopards, antelopes, brush-eared pigs, African (black) buffalo.
Brush-eared pig
Climate tropical: high temperature and high humidity.
Culture
The most common type of folk dwelling is a hut built on a frame made of poles. The walls are made of stakes held together by vines or bamboo bundles; the outside is plastered with white clay. Walls and sometimes doors are covered with carvings or colored paintings of a geometric nature. The conical roof is made of raffia palm leaves or grass. Often a spire decorated with a faience plate is installed on the roof.
IN modern cities Of course, modern houses are being built - made of brick, reinforced concrete and glass.
Wooden masks are used in rituals, especially in the Poro, Bundu and Sande secret societies.
Mende masks are narrow faces framed by a high hairstyle, the head is carved together with the neck, which is decorated with several rings. Among the Loma people, masks are called “Landa” - these are images of long, flat faces with a convex forehead and small horns.
Professional art began to develop after the Second World War. One of Liberia's most famous artists and sculptors - Laron Brown.
Crafts and arts are developed: wood carving, ivory carving, pottery, metal working, weaving baskets and bags from straw and plant fibers.
Modern literature is developing in English and local languages.
Professional musicians and singers appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Popular musician Otto Brown, traditional music ensemble “Loffa-30”. Popular music in the styles of high-life and al-jad has become widespread.
Sights of Liberia
Monrovia
Capital of Liberia. Located in an artificial bay at the mouth of the Saint Paul River. Population 1,010,970 people.
Tourists in Monrovia may be interested in National Museum Liberia, Monrovia Masonic Palace, shore market and several beaches, Antoinette Tubman Stadium for 10,000 people, sports complex Samuel Doe Canyon seats 40,000 and is one of the largest in Africa.
Masonic Palace
Samuel Canyon Dow Sports Complex
National Multi-Purpose Complex, built in 1986. Was destroyed during the First and Second civil wars in 1980-2003 Reconstructed in 2007
Mainly used for football matches, it has an athletics track.
The stadium surface is grass. Plasma video screens show the progress of the competition.
Lake Piso
Salt lake with an area of about 100 km², one of the largest in Liberia.
There are several islands on it, the lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by narrow channels. In 1999, the lake was declared a protected area, and work is underway to study and preserve the unique flora and fauna of this region.
In the past, the lake was a fairly large resort, which fell into disrepair during the First and Second Civil Wars. Lake Piso attracts lovers of fishing, water sports and ethno-tourism.
Centenary Pavilion
A symbol of Liberian statehood, ceremonies and holidays that are significant for the country are held here. It was built in 1947 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Liberia.
The Centennial Pavilion hosts inaugurations and farewells to deceased statesmen.
Story
Archaeological research shows that the territory of Liberia has been inhabited since about the 12th century.
From the middle of the 15th century. and until the end of the 17th century. Portuguese, Dutch and British traders had trading posts on the territory of modern Liberia. The Portuguese called this region Costa da Pimenta (Pepper Coast) due to the abundance of Melegetian pepper grains.
In 1822, Americans founded a colony of “free people of color” on the coast of modern Liberia. It operated under the auspices of the American Colonization Society. By agreement with the leaders of local tribes, the settlers acquired territories with an area of more than 13 thousand km² for goods worth a total of 50 US dollars.
In 1824, this colony received the name Liberia, and its constitution was adopted. By 1828, settlers had captured the entire coast of modern Liberia, as well as parts of the coast of modern Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire.
The independence of the Republic of Liberia was proclaimed on July 26, 1847. The settlers perceived the African continent, from where their ancestors were taken into slavery, as a “promised land.” But they behaved in a unique way: when they arrived in Africa, they called themselves Americans. This is how they were perceived by the residents of neighboring Sierra Leone. The symbols of their state (flag, motto and seal), the chosen form of government reflected the American past of the Americo-Liberians.
Mutual distrust and hostility between the “Americans” from the coast and the “natives” from the hinterland gave rise to the (quite successful) attempts throughout the history of the country by the Americo-Liberian minority to dominate the local blacks, whom they considered barbarians and inferior people.
The Liberian authorities faced three serious problems: territorial conflicts with neighboring colonial powers (Britain and France), hostilities between settlers and local residents, and the threat of financial insolvency.
XX century
At the beginning of the First World War, Liberia declared its neutrality. She hoped to maintain trade relations with Germany, which accounted for more than half of Liberia's foreign trade turnover. But the Entente countries established a blockade of maritime trade routes, which deprived Liberia of its most important trading partner.
At the beginning of World War II, Liberia again declared neutrality, but its territory was used to transport American troops to North Africa. In 1944, Liberia officially declared war on Germany.
After World War II, Liberia, thanks to US loans, became a major exporter of rubber and iron ore.
Samuel Doe coup of 1980
On April 12, 1980, a coup d'etat took place in Liberia. The President of the Republic, William Tolbert, was killed, his comrades were executed, and power in the country was seized by Sergeant Samuel Doe, a representative of the Krahn tribe, who awarded himself the rank of general.
Samuel Canyon Doe, President of Liberia from 1980 to 1990
At first, the change of power was received positively by citizens, but then the ongoing economic recession led to a drop in his popularity and a whole series of unsuccessful attempts military coups. Doe was killed by field commander Prince Johnson, and killed brutally, which was recorded on video.
And after all this, Johnson received the post of senator in the government of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2007, and in 2011 he even ran for the presidency of the country.
Civil wars 1989-2003
The large-scale conflict involved several factions divided along ethnic lines. At the first stage of the war, Charles Taylor's group was supported by neighboring states that were involved in the conflict: Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire. Military operations were carried out with great cruelty, torture was used. The war resulted in the transfer of more than half a million refugees to neighboring The result was the signing of a peace agreement and the election of the President of the Republic in 1997, which he won. Charles Taylor.
Charles Taylor
Opponents of Charles Taylor organized a rebel war and invaded Liberia several times from neighboring countries. In 2002, with the active help and support of Guinean President Lansana Conte, a major opposition movement, LURD, was created, which managed to overthrow Taylor and expel him from the country.
In 2003, Interpol issued an arrest warrant for Charles Taylor on charges of crimes against humanity and violations of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Nigeria agreed to hand him over to Liberia, but Taylor disappeared from the seaside villa of Calabar, Nigeria, where he was being held in exile. He was soon caught and transferred to the Hague Tribunal, which in 2012 found Charles Taylor guilty of 11 counts, including crimes against humanity, violations of the Geneva Convention and other international laws. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
November 23, 2005 former Minister of Finance of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the presidential elections in the country.
Historically, humanity strives to divide the vast expanses of our planet into separate pieces. Over the course of thousands of years of conquest, each nation secured its own territories - some more, some less.
Most titles large countries We studied it in school, but few people remember about these states. They do not have huge armies or natural deposits, but are known for their tiny area. This collection contains the 10 smallest countries in the whole world!
10 Maldives
This ranking of countries is headed in descending order. Among the top tiny countries they have the most large area- 298 km². But in terms of population density, this state can compete with any big country- More than 400 thousand people live here in such an area.
The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which in turn are a chain of 1,192 coral islets. The only city in the Maldives is Male, which is also the capital of this country. This amazing archipelago is a unique ecosystem with reefs, various species of fish and marine organisms.
9 Saint Kitts and Nevis
This small country covers an area of 261 km² and consists of two islands - Saint Kitts and Nevis. It is located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea and has the title of the most small state Western Hemisphere. The population of Saint Kitts and Nevis is small - only 50 thousand people.
The state is well known among tourists and income from this destination accounts for more than 70% of the country's GDP per year. Sugarcane and shellfish are also processed here. The largest city in this country, and also the capital, is populated by 11 thousand people. Saint Kitts and Nesiv have their own army of 300 people.
8 Marshall Islands
The Republic of the Marshall Islands covers an area of 181.3 km² of land. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean and is a chain of atoll islands. These islands were discovered in 1526 by Alonso de Salazar, and for many centuries they were transferred as a colony from one country to another.
Today, these 34 atoll islands are real paradise. The territory of the republic has a unique odds and fauna, which, by the way, was almost destroyed by man. The Americans tested a hydrogen bomb here in the mid-20th century. The explosion was so powerful that it was 1000 times larger than Hiroshima. However local residents managed to slowly restore the ecosystem of the islands.
7 Liechtenstein
The European Principality of Liechtenstein is tiny in size and very famous in the world. Despite its area of 160 km², this state has a very powerful economy and developed industry. It can serve as an example for many powers due to its unique system of government so that people lived very well here.
Liechtenstein is located in the Alps and borders Switzerland and Austria. The name of the country comes from the ruling dynasty, which has ruled together with the Landtag for many years. Population of this European country small - about 36 thousand people.
6 San Marino
In sixth place in our ranking is the state of San Marino, which has an area of 60 km². It is unique in its location - it borders on Italy on all sides. The name of the country was formed from the name of the saint who founded it according to ancient legend - the stonecutter Marin.
At modern borders San Marino is considered the most ancient state in Europe, it was founded in 301. Almost the entire territory of the country (80%) is the foothills of the Apennines, so there is practically no arable land here. The country's population is 33 thousand people in such a small area. This country has many unique architectural monuments on its territory.
5 Tuvalu
This small state in Polynesia has an area of 26 km². It consists of nine coral atolls, four of which make up the Tuvalu archipelago. The discoverer of the islands, Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, named them Lagoon Islands, but they received their name Tuvalu only in 1975.
This a nice place, however, was ranked among the poorest countries as of 2016. The area of the islands is decreasing from year to year, so in 50 years, according to experts, Tuvalu may completely disappear from the face of the Earth as a state. The country's population according to the latest data is just over 12 thousand people.
4 Nauru
The dwarf state of Nauru covers an area of 21 km² and was very popular in the mid-20th century. Such popularity was ensured by phosphates, which filled the territory of this piece of land. But these days, all that remains of phosphates are dilapidated mines, and the ecology of the country has been irrevocably damaged, even for tourism.
Like the islands of Tuvalu, Nauru is located near the Republic of Kiribati and lies 42 km south of the equator. This country has no official capital and a population of only 10 thousand people. But, unlike Tuvalu, this dwarf country has again begun to develop its economy and increase its birth rate.
3 Monaco
The third place in our ranking is occupied by the well-known European principality of Monaco. Probably everyone has heard about it, despite the fact that it occupies only 2.02 km². The legendary Monaco Grand Prix race is held here, and the casino in Monte Carlo is very famous among gambling enthusiasts.
The population of Monaco (with such and such an area!) is 38 thousand people. This is a lot, but such popularity has its own explanation. For a long time there was no taxation in Monaco, so many businessmen, wealthy foreigners settled here and founded large companies. Monaco is governed by Prince Albert II, assisted by a national council.
2 Vatican
The Vatican State, with its tiny area of 0.44 km², is a very powerful state that has ruled the destinies of many countries for many centuries. The country's population is equal to the number of employees - 836 people. At the same time, the Vatican has no economy, and the country’s budget is replenished only through numerous donations from Catholic organizations.
Here is the residence of the Pope - the heart of the Catholic Church. The state is located inside Rome and is directly associated with Italy. But despite the proximity, the Vatican gained its independence in 1929 and has been an independent country ever since. It rightfully holds the title of the smallest country in the world, but there is another state that deserves attention.
1 Order of Malta
And the first place in this list is occupied by the state, which some countries do not recognize as a separate state unit. We are talking about the Order of Malta with a territory of 0.012 km². This Order has about 13,000 members who have national passports and use their own currency.
Not all countries recognize the sovereignty of the Order of Malta and consider it only at the level of diplomatic relations. The largest city The Order is Fort Sant'Angelo, which the country leases from Malta. Apart from the shaky recognition of this sovereignty, the Order is the smallest state in the world.
All these dwarf states rightfully take their place in the ranking of the smallest countries. They are unique and distinctive, and most of them, despite their small territory, are prosperous countries.
West Africa is a region with magnificent nature and rich resource potential. However, all countries included in it are characterized by weak and unstable economies. Intertribal conflicts, frequent changes of power, high mortality from tropical diseases and total poverty are the main problems here.
Geography of Western Africa
Africa is the second largest continent on the planet. It hosts 55 states and five self-proclaimed unrecognized entities. Conventionally, the mainland is divided into five subregions, each of which unites states that are similar not only geographically, but also historically and culturally.
Begins in the central part of the Sahara. In the south and west it is limited by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the southeast by the mountains of Cameroon. The region's territory covers all the main natural areas of the continent, from deserts and tropical savannas to equatorial forests. Most of it occurs in the Sahel and Sudan ecoregions (not to be confused with the country), which are grassy steppes and woodlands. Closer to the coast there are mangroves and gallery forests.
The region's nature and resources are full of diversity. Closer to the coast there is a dense river system. Its valleys are inhabited by monkeys, leopards, hippopotamuses, forest duikers, buffalos, and giraffes. Local savannas are inhabited by lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, gazelles and antelopes. Due to the active development of the region in the past, many species today are considered vulnerable or close to extinction, so they can only be found in nature reserves and national parks.
West African countries
The western region of the mainland is considered the largest both in terms of population and the number of states included in it - a total of 16. The largest in terms of population is Nigeria, which is home to 196 million people. After it come Niger (22 million people) and Mauritania (4.3 million people). The largest by area are Niger (1,267,000 km 2) and Mali (1,240,000 km 2).
The westernmost country in Africa is Cape Verde. It is also the smallest in the region in terms of area and population in the region. Cape Verde is located on the Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. They are separated from the coast of the mainland by approximately 600 kilometers.
West African countries do not receive much attention from travelers. Infrastructure and transport system there are practically no developments here, and the conditions for recreation do not rise above basic level.
Story
Almost all West African states are former colonies of Great Britain and France. They were the ones who retained their influence the longest. Before the arrival of Europeans, large state formations existed in the region. The Ghana Empire, Mali and Songhai Empires were located here.
During the period of the Great Geographical Discoveries, European discoverers appeared on the African coast of the Atlantic Ocean. At first, the development of the region was slow due to numerous tropical diseases - yellow fever, malaria, sleeping sickness, etc.
At the end of the 19th century, with the invention of drugs for local ailments, colonization accelerated. West Africa became the main supplier of ivory, precious stones and metals, as well as free labor. At that time, a huge number of mammals were exterminated in the region, including elephants, leopards, chimpanzees, and the slave trade reached enormous proportions.
The first country to gain independence from the Europeans was Ghana (1957), followed by Nigeria and Mauritania in 1960. Despite their free status, West African countries were in no hurry to abandon slavery, and cases of forced labor or human trafficking were recorded even in the 2000s. Slavery has been prohibited in Mauritania since 1981, but even now it remains a country where slavery is not persecuted by the authorities.
Economy of countries
The region has significant resource potential. There are deposits of oil, tantalum, niobium, diamonds, gold, manganese, iron, tin, bauxite, uranium, tungsten, and coal. Despite this, industry in West African countries is focused primarily on the extraction of minerals, and their processing is carried out only at an initial level.
The extraction of some resources is still carried out using manual labor. In some countries, such as Nigeria, spontaneous seizures of deposits often occur and resource wars are waged. All this is difficult to regulate by the authorities, due to widespread corruption and frequent changes of managers.
The basis of the state economy is agriculture, which is usually highly specialized. Thus, Ivory Coast and Ghana grow cocoa beans, Senegal and Gambia grow peanuts, Nigeria produces palm oil, Guinea specializes in coffee, Togo specializes in coffee and cocoa. Countries located on the ocean coasts are engaged in fishing and supplying seafood .
