How many countries are there in Africa?
What is the total number of countries in Africa? Africa comprises 54 recognized nations. These nations encompass a remarkably wide array of cultures, languages, and geographies, ranging from expansive deserts to tropical rainforests, and from diminutive island states to some of the largest countries globally in terms of area and people.
Alongside these 54 fully recognized countries, there exist two disputed territories or partially recognized states: Western Sahara and Somaliland. Although both assert independence, none is broadly acknowledged on the world stage.
Enumeration of 54 African Nations:
This is a list of the 54 sovereign nations in Africa, organized alphabetically:
Algeria
Angola
Benin, Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros Congo (Republic of the Congo)
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland)
Ethiopia
Gabon
The Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Côte d’Ivoire
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
São Tomé and Príncipe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Republic of South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Togo
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Contested and Partially Acknowledged States:
Although not commonly recognized as sovereign states, two territories in Africa are asserted as autonomous by certain entities.
Western Sahara – Asserted by both the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Morocco. It is acknowledged by certain nations and is a member of the African Union; yet, Morocco asserts sovereignty over it.
Somaliland is a self-proclaimed independent state in northern Somalia, possessing its own government and institutions; nonetheless, it lacks international recognition and is regarded as part of Somalia.
Africa: A Geographical Overview
Countries Ranked by Land Area:
Algeria is the largest country in Africa by area, covering 2.38 million square kilometers.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – The second largest country in Central Africa, including 2.34 million square kilometers.
Prior to the secession of South Sudan, Sudan was the largest country in Africa, encompassing an area of 1.86 million km².
Countries with the Highest Population:
Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, boasting a population exceeding 200 million individuals.
Ethiopia and Egypt possess substantial populations, over 100 million individuals.
The principal island states of Africa are Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros, each possessing unique environments and civilizations.
African regions:
Africa is typically categorized into five principal regions:
North Africa: Countries include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia.
Distinguished by the Sahara Desert, the Nile River, and Mediterranean beaches.
West Africa: Countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Renowned for its cultural richness, ancient empires such as the Mali Empire, and extensive savannas.
East Africa: Countries include Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
This region encompasses the East African Rift, renowned animal reserves (including the Serengeti), and the Horn of Africa.
Central Africa: Countries include Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe.
Distinguished by rainforests, waterways such as the Congo River, and abundant natural resources.
Southern Africa: Nations: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Renowned for its varied landscapes, encompassing deserts and savannas, abundant mineral riches, and significant economies such as South Africa.
African Union (AU):
The African Union (AU) is a continental organization of 55 member states. Established in 2002, it aims to foster unity, peace, and development throughout the continent. Western Sahara is recognized as a member of the African Union as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), however its membership is disputed by Morocco, which asserts territorial claims over the region.
Synopsis:
Fifty-four completely recognized nations exist in Africa.
Two contested regions: Western Sahara and Somaliland.
The African Union (AU) comprises 55 member nations, encompassing the contested territories.
Africa encompasses a broad array of cultures, languages, and ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to expansive deserts such as the Sahara, rendering it one of the most diverse continents on Earth.