Chapter Outline

Use this outline to increase your understanding of the important characteristics of Africa South of the Sahara.

1. At the Extreme Periphery -- With little integration into the world economy, this region is the poorest and has the worst prospects. Culturally, Africa has made significant contributions in the arts.
2. African Cultures -- Even as African society changes and becomes more modern, tribal loyalties remain strong. Many conflicts result from tribal differences. Tribal cooperation is needed for this region to make progress.
3. Natural Environment -- This region's environment contains more advantages than is normally believed to exist.

1. Tropical Climates -- High temperatures dominate with some areas lacking adequate and reliable rainfall.
2. Changing Climates -- Caused by natural cycles and/or human activities, arid areas expand and contract over time.
3. Ancient Rocks, Plateaus, and Rifts -- Plateaus are found throughout the region. River transportation is hampered by seasonal low water levels and numerous waterfalls and rapids.
4. Ancient Landscapes -- The flat plateau areas are very old and stable.
5. Forests, Savannas, and Deserts -- Tropical rainforests, savanna grasslands, and deserts are the principal areas. Soils are generally poor.
6. Resources -- Aside from oil and natural gas, this region contains very significant mineral deposits. In some cases, mineral exploitation is limited by the lack of development.
7. Environmental Problems -- Declining soil quality, deforestation, overgrazing, and diseases like HIV/AIDS are the major problems.

4. Central Africa -- Dense rainforest makes this subregion isolated and numerous conflicts hamper progress.

1. Countries -- All are among the poorest countries in the world.
2. People -- Although urban growth is rapid, most of the people still live in rural areas. Population growth is very fast. Tribal and ethnic rivalries cause political problems and often lead to conflict.
3. Economic Development -- Development is limited. Agriculture is the main economic activity, but not enough food is produced to feed the growing population. Mineral exports are essential, but better transportation is needed. Besides some help from France, the world economy has little interest in this subregion.

5. Western Africa -- This area is the most populous subregion in Africa South of the Sahara and suffers from numerous development problems

1. Countries -- Except for Nigeria with about 100 million people, the other 14 countries have small populations.
2. People -- Birth rates remain high. Cities grow quickly. Muslim trade and colonialism by Britain, France, and Germany had long lasting effects on this subregion.
3. Economic Development -- Development is less limited than in Central Africa, but fluctuations in world prices for export products are major concerns. Agriculture is most important, whereas mining is not so important except for Nigeria's oil. Government management and political leadership remain concerns.

6. Eastern Africa -- Rift valleys, dryness, and Ethiopia never being colonized are highlights of this subregion.

1. Countries -- These seven countries vary in several respects.
2. People -- Very fast population growth. Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Muslims from Southwest Asia competed for influence in northern parts of this subregion. Southern areas had fewer migrations and conflicts.
3. Economic Development -- Like other African areas, this subregion is poor with agriculture the principal activity. Manufacturing and service activities show little development.

7. World Issue: Famine in Africa -- Famines are likely to persist in Africa South of the Sahara. Disruptions caused by events like drought or civil war to food production and distribution systems cause famines. Relief efforts are often severely hampered by poor transportation systems. Chronic hunger is a serious concern.
8. Southern Africa -- Led by the Republic of South Africa, this subregion is the most economically developed.

1. Countries -- Mineral endowment is a major variable among these countries. Apartheid no longer exists in the Republic of South Africa.
2. People -- Population growth is slowing in some areas. Colonialism had varying impacts throughout the subregion. The Republic of South Africa is the only area with a significant number of white people.
3. Economic Development -- Mineral exports are very important. Unlike the rest of Africa South of the Sahara, the Republic of South Africa has significant manufacturing, services, and infrastructure.

9. Living in Zimbabwe -- Population pressure and drought are making land ownership issues especially important. In order to help poor people, should the government distribute lands away from the successful, white-owned commercial farms and disrupt their production of valuable exports?
10. Landscapes in Africa South of the Sahara -- Contrasts from colonial times between Brazzaville and Kinshasa are important. Rural landscapes vary from almost undisturbed lands to growing umbers of villages and small towns.
11. Future Prospects -- Prospects are poor in the short run.

1. Legacy -- Based on patterns established during colonial times, this region sells low priced primary products to core countries and buys high priced manufactured products from the core countries. Global warming is potentially a serious problem for Africa South of the Sahara.
2. Disappointments -- Due to a variety of reasons, development has been limited since these countries have become independent. Conditions have become worse in some areas.
3. Basic Needs -- Improvements in education have been offset by continuing transportation problems.