AFRICA
1. Geographical Position. Coastlines
Georgaphical Position. Africa is almost equally divided by the Equator, and the greater part of the continent lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
2. Relief. Minerals
Relief. Africa stands considerably higher above sea level than Europe but lower than Asia. The continent is margined in many places by steep cliffs, which makes access to the interior difficult.
3. Climate
Temperature. Africa is the hottest part of the world. It lies almost entirely within the torrid zone, and its average annual temperature is above 20°C.
4. Inland Waters
General Characterictics of Rivers. African rivers are mainly rain-fed and overflow in the rainy season. In the wetter regions there is a thick network of rivers. It is here that the great rivers of Africa begin.
Natural Zones
5. Forests of the Torrid Zone
There is a change of natural zones both north and south of the Equator, depending on the climate and especially on the amount and distribution of rainfall.
6. Savannahs
In the periodic rainfall regions further from the Equator there is less rain. Owing to the lengthy dry period the forests become thinner and finally give way to savannahs.
7. Deserts and Subtropics
Deserts. The high-pressure and trade wind belts closer to the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn receive very little rain, and plant growth there is extremely poor.
Population of Africa
Quantity and Density of Population. Within Africa live over 250,000,000 people. Though thrice as large as Europe, its population is almost two and a half times smaller than that of Europe.
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