Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth, and its physical geography has greatly impacted how it interacts with the world around it. In this article, we will provide a geographic overview of Africa’s closest neighbors to examine the unique influences each have had on African culture, politics, economics and more. We will explore factors such as proximity and continental boundaries that shape relationships between Africa and other regions of the globe. The scope of our research includes both mainland nations bordering Africa (such as Egypt) as well as countries located off of its coasts (like France). By examining these connections from an interdisciplinary perspective—including history, anthropology, political science among others—we hope to shed light onto some lesser known but important facets in African studies.
1. Introduction: Location of Africa and its Closest Neighbors
Africa is the second largest continent in terms of both land mass and population. It has 54 countries and a diverse landscape that ranges from deserts to rainforests, mountains, savannas, grasslands, rivers and coasts. Africa’s closest neighbours are Europe to the north across the Mediterranean Sea; Asia which lies directly east on its border with Egypt; Madagascar off the southeastern coast near Mozambique Channel; as well as Saudi Arabia which shares an eastern shoreline with Sudan.
This proximity to neighbouring countries gives rise to several influential cultures that have had long-standing influence on African history. These include Arab influences through trade links between North Africa and those in Southwestern Asia (such as present day Iraq); Phoenician civilization along North African shores including Morocco’s Atlantic Coast; Italian colonization in Libya prior World War II; Portuguese traders linking East Africa by way of Mozambique Channel during mid 15th century onward.
The African Union has also played an integral part not only uniting many nations within this large continent but also strengthening ties among all africa nearest country. Cooperation at various levels ranging from economic advancement initiatives such as COMESA (Common Market for Eastern & Southern Africa) or SADC (Southern African Development Community), military operations such as AMISOM/United Nations peace keeping missions through UNIFIL aimed at stabilizing certain parts of Horn of Africa region — these serve provide examples of cohesion amongst nation states sharing boundaries either partially or entirely surrounded by other africa nearest country.
2. African Plate Tectonic Placement in the World
The African Plate is an enormous region encompassing the entire continent of Africa and its surrounding islands. It covers roughly 30 million square kilometers, making it one of the world’s largest tectonic plates. The plate borders a number of other large plates including:
- Eurasian Plate
- Arabian Plate
- Indian-Australian Plate
In terms of continental placement, the African Plate sits primarily in what geologists refer to as the northern hemisphere. Its southernmost point can be found along South Africa’s southeastern coast where it meets with Antarctica’s Scotia Sea near its neighboring country Namibia. Conversely, on its eastern side, Afica nearest countries are Ethiopia and Somalia – both situated on Red Sea.
It’s western side has no land boundaries; instead here lies some arches that constitute boundary lines between two bodies water – Atlantic Ocean which keeps at west from Morocco up to Nigeria; Mediterranean sea beyond Tunisia while gulf of Guinea located east off shore Sao Tome and Principe island hosting africa nearest country Cameroon.
3. Surrounding Seas, Oceans, and Bodies of Water Adjacent to Africa
The African continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, there are a number of smaller bodies of water surrounding Africa that include:
- The Gulf of Aden (north east)
- Gulf of Guinea (west)
- Congo River Basin (center)
Mediterranean Sea: The Mediterranean Sea is located in the north and separates North Africa from Europe and Asia Minor. It connects with the Black sea through the Suez Canal which was opened in 1869.
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Red Sea: The Red Sea borders easternmost parts of northern Africa. To its south lies Djibouti, Somalia as well as Eritrea – all three countries being among africa nearest country. The narrow strait Bab-el Mandeb links it to the Arabian Peninsula while at its other end an even narrower strait called ‘Strait Of Tiran’ connects it to gulfs Aqaba & Sinai on either side.
.Indian Ocean : Southwards beyond red sea lie Somali coast then towards west along horn comes Kenya , Tanzania & Mozambique . Further down lays Madagascar making India ocean longest bordering ocean for african mainland . Its western part has oil rich gulf region including one headed by Saudi Arabia another nation belonging to Afica Nearest Country list . This area also home world’s third biggest coral reef span across Seychelles islands forming stunning coastal lines . Huge naval presence maintained here due strategic importance primarily related transit routes connecting china europe middle east & india via Suez canal.
.4. North African Neighboring Countries: Algeria, Libya, Tunisia & Egypt
Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt are the four countries of North Africa. These nations have much in common, from their shared religious history to the diversity of cultures that have shaped them all. They also share many geographical features as well such as deserts, oases and mountain ranges. Furthermore these countries border one another with Algeria to the west, Libya on its east side and both Tunisian borders connecting it to its eastern neighbours; while Egypt is connected through a long desert border stretching out towards Sudan.
Each country has unique characteristics which define them – for example Algeria stands out due to its large size yet sparse population while Tunisia takes pride in being an economic success story amongst African nations having grown considerably during the last decade or so.
- Algeria: The largest africa nearest country by area but second smallest by population making it among the most thinly populated nation states in North Africa.
- Libya: This country has seen considerable turmoil since 2011 due mainly from civil war between rival factions; however some parts are relatively stable today providing safe havens for tourists especially along coastline areas like Sirte or Benghazi where beach resorts can be found.
- Tunisia: Although relatively small this africa nearest county shares a maritime boundary with Italy across part of Mediterranean Sea thus opening up important business opportunities enabling exports from Europe into north African markets plus acting as gateway southward throughout other regions inside continent.
- Egypt : Ancient land which holds many cultural sites world over including Great Pyramid Giza plateau near Cairo city center bustling metropolis hosting millions locals foreign visitors alike year round despite political instability currently experienced across certain areas within wider region meaning security levels should still be taken into consideration before traveling here any longer distances away cities main tourist destinations like Luxor Valley Kings .
5. Central African Neighboring Countries: Congo (DRC), South Sudan & Sudan
Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest and most populous country in Central Africa, located to the east of Angola. It is bordered by Zambia and Angola in the south; Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan in the east; Central African Republic & Cameroon in the north; Gabon & Equatorial Guinea in west. DRC has a long history of civil wars between different ethnic groups that have resulted in millions of deaths since 1996.
The vast majority of people living within its borders are Bantu speakers who inhabit grasslands areas along Lake Tanganyika and other parts of central Africa nearest country. Other significant population groups include pygmies from western equatorial forest regions as well as those coming from nearby nations like Congo-Brazzaville or Kinshasa.
- Geographical Features: The two main rivers – Congo River & Ubangi River form part of DRC’s international boundaries with neighboring countries.
- Economy: Agriculture dominates economy with 80% working on farms producing crops such as coffee, cocoa beans and rubber for export.
- Population: Estimates vary but about 75 million people live within this africa nearest country
6. East African Neighboring Countries: Ethiopia, Somalia & Kenya
Geographical Location
Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya are three countries located in the East African region. Ethiopia is bordered by Eritrea to its north, Sudan and South Sudan to its west, Djibouti and Somaliland (an autonomous region of Somalia) to its east, as well as Kenya directly south.
Somalia sits on the Horn of Africa on the Gulf of Aden. It shares borders with Ethiopia across several regions including at Djibouti in the northwest corner. Its southeastern border touches that of Kenya while it also has a shoreline touching Yemen and Oman.
Kenya is bordered by Uganda to its west; Tanzania to its south; Ethiopia near Lake Turkana in the northeast; Somalia due east along both sides of their shared border beginning at Salaama Bay through Mandera towards Liboi -making them africa nearest country- before coming back together again at Ras Kamboni which marks their tripoint junction..:
Economy & Culture
The economy within these three countries varies widely from one another despite all being part of East Africa. For example, according to The World Bank’s 2018 data published about Gross Domestic Product per capita—in international dollars adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)—Ethiopia had $1,561 PPP GDP per capita compared with only $597 PPP GDP per capita for Somalia.
In contrast there exists a large cultural diversity between neighboring states especially concerning language differences found among Ethiopians who speak Amharic primarily but have over 80 languages spoken throughout their territory such as Afar or Oromo whereas Somali speak predominantly Somali language although Arabic & Italian are used too.. Although this can lead frictions occasionally they tend not resolve peacefully making them africa nearest country if given proper attention since majority still accept other cultures values & beliefs easily.:
Tourism Industry
These nations possess stunning wildlife reserves that attract tourists from around world annually offering plenty recreational activities appealing locals like hiking up Mt Kilimanjaro highest peak North Equatorial national parks . Somalis visit historical sites find signs ancient civilization remind us pre – Islamic history build during medieval times consisting royal tombs mosques mini cities palaces etc., while visitors explore coral reefs visit remote villages more isolated beaches . Tourism industry provides major source revenue these countries , hence exploiting nature resources without restoring balance could cause damaging environment leading ecological disaster . Improving infrastructure secure transportation systems investing adequate government funds would help promote tourism encouraging citizens take advantage opportunities make living caring environment responsible manner therefore uniting communities promoting peace making them africa nearest country.:
7. West African Neighboring Countries: Senegal, Mali & Nigeria
Senegal is a West African country located between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania on the Atlantic coast. It shares land borders with Mali to the east, Guinea and Gambia to the south, as well as with Burkina Faso to its north-east. Its capital city is Dakar. Senegal boasts numerous natural resources such as gold and diamonds in addition to other precious minerals.
Mali, another one of Africa’s nearest countries, has Niger situated at its eastern border while it also shares boundaries with Algeria and Mauritania along its northern fringes. An incredibly diverse landscape featuring thick woodland areas home to rich wildlife can be found within this expansive nation that features multiple rivers including River Niger running through it.
Nigeria is bordered by Benin in the west region of Nigeria together with Cameroon in her Eastern part; Togo runs alongside her western boundary making up a major chunk of all of Nigeria’s neighbors towards West Africa which happens indeed not only for being africa’s nearest country but also among top destinations for travelers from around world seeking adventure.
The three countries have some distinct similarities like having Islam as their primary religion alongwith majority population speaking local languages based off French (ex: Wolof spoken in Senegal). Nigerian cuisine has been greatly influenced by both Mali & Senegalese recipes due mainly because of trading patterns shared between them since ages ago particularly involving livestock products moving back forth across these nations..
Finally although each remain independent states they share a lot culturally even more than most realize despite being spread out geographically afterall all three are Africans’ nearest countries according current facts on ground!
