Africa
Information about countries
Are you looking for an overview of Africa and ways to get visa for this place? In this article, we will provide you with some requirements for getting a visa, list all the countries as well as some attractions that visitors should come here. Let’s get started!
Getting a visa for Africa
Quick facts about Africa
Here are some quick facts about Africa:
| Category | Fact |
| Area | 30.3 million km2 |
| Number of countries | 54 countries + 2 in fact independent territories (Somaliland and Western Sahara) |
| Biggest country by area | Algeria (2,381,740 km2) |
| 2024 population | 1.42 billion people |
| Most populous country | Nigeria (219 million people) |
| Number of languages | 2,000+ |
| Largest peninsula | Horn of Africa (1.8 million km2) |
| Highest mountain | Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) |
| Longest river | Nile River (6,650 km) |
| Largest lake | Lake Victoria (69,484 km2) |
| Largest desert | Sahara (9.2 million km2) |
Countries in Africa
Here is an overview of the countries in Africa:
Area and population in Africa
| Country | Area (km2) | Population (2024) |
| Algeria | 2,381,740 | 46,980,094 |
| Angola | 1,246,700 | 38,314,651 |
| Benin | 112,620 | 14,539,921 |
| Botswana | 600,370 | 2,804,245 |
| Burkina Faso | 274,200 | 25,434,122 |
| Burundi | 27,830 | 14,235,991 |
| Cabo Verde | 4,033 | 598,682 |
| Cameroon | 475,440 | 31,141,848 |
| Central African Republic | 622,984 | 6,267,233 |
| Chad | 1,284,000 | 19,721,070 |
| Comoros | 2,170 | 950,227 |
| Congo | 342,000 | 6,600,338 |
| Djibouti | 23,000 | 1,227,998 |
| DR Congo | 2,345,410 | 109,903,633 |
| Egypt | 1,001,450 | 117,934,871 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 28,051 | 1,846,920 |
| Eritrea | 121,320 | 4,001,882 |
| Eswatini | 17,363 | 1,290,613 |
| Ethiopia | 1,127,127 | 135,948,890 |
| Gabon | 267,667 | 2,592,393 |
| Gambia | 11,300 | 2,925,071 |
| Ghana | 239,460 | 36,496,296 |
| Guinea | 245,857 | 15,083,751 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 36,120 | 2,283,899 |
| Ivory Coast | 322,460 | 30,553,813 |
| Kenya | 582,650 | 58,741,658 |
| Lesotho | 30,355 | 2,439,962 |
| Liberia | 111,370 | 5,766,764 |
| Libya | 1,759,540 | 7,329,713 |
| Madagascar | 587,040 | 32,306,995 |
| Malawi | 118,480 | 22,491,890 |
| Mali | 1,240,000 | 25,459,181 |
| Mauritania | 1,030,700 | 5,188,307 |
| Mauritius | 2,040 | 1,311,884 |
| Morocco | 446,550 | 40,029,845 |
| Mozambique | 801,590 | 36,381,324 |
| Namibia | 825,418 | 2,744,759 |
| Niger | 1,267,000 | 29,707,562 |
| Nigeria | 923,768 | 241,041,833 |
| Rwanda | 26,338 | 15,346,320 |
| Sao Tome & Principe | 1,001 | 248,507 |
| Senegal | 196,190 | 18,956,997 |
| Seychelles | 455 | 112,291 |
| Sierra Leone | 71,740 | 9,453,218 |
| Somalia | 637,657 | 19,650,785 |
| South Africa | 1,219,912 | 63,934,134 |
| South Sudan | 619,745 | 11,840,148 |
| Sudan | 1,861,484 | 51,688,168 |
| Tanzania | 945,087 | 72,095,332 |
| Togo | 56,785 | 9,887,383 |
| Tunisia | 163,610 | 12,691,025 |
| Uganda | 236,040 | 52,870,150 |
| Zambia | 752,614 | 22,394,206 |
| Zimbabwe | 390,580 | 17,614,899 |
Language spoken in Africa
| Language | Regions | Number of speakers (2024) |
| Swahili | Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, DR Congo | 150 millions |
| Arabic | Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan | 100 millions |
| French | DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Senegal | 90 millions |
| Hausa | Nigeria, Niger, Ghana | 80 millions |
| Yoruba | Nigeria, Benin, Togo | 40 millions |
| Oromo | Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia | 30 millions |
| Igbo | Nigeria, Cameroon | 30 millions |
| Portuguese | Angola, Mozambique | 14 millions |
| Zulu | South Africa, Lesotho | 10 millions |
| Shona | Zimbabwe, Mozambique | 10 millions |
Best countries to visit in Africa
Egypt
As one of Africa’s most popular travel destinations, Egypt draws over 13 million visitors annually. People flock to Egypt to explore remnants of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Iconic attractions include:
- The Pyramids of Giza.
- Valley of the Kings
- The Egyptian museum
- The Nile river
Morocco
It entices over 12 million visitors yearly with its unique blend of cultural influences. Historic sites to discover across Morocco’s cities include:
- Ancient medinas
- Hassan II Mosque
- Djemaa el-Fna
- High Atlas mountains
- Chefchaouen
Kenya
Kenya entices over 2 million visitors yearly with its epic safaris through conservation reserves where animals roam wild. Must-visit spots include:
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Lamu Island
- Hell’s Gate National Park
Namibia
Namibia has become hugely popular for ecotourism over the past decade, attracting over 1.6 million visitors. Top places to visit across Namibia’s striking landscapes include:
- Etosha National Park
- Sossusvlei
- Fish River Canyon
- Damaraland
Most popular tourist attractions in Africa
Africa is a continent full of natural beauty and cultural riches. From iconic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes to ancient cities and colorful local traditions, there are many incredible places for travelers to explore.
Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe
Features
- Victoria Falls is one of the world’s largest waterfalls with a width of over 5,600 feet and a height of over 350 feet.
- The falls are formed as the Zambezi River plummets into a narrow gorge.
Activities
- Viewing the massive waterfall is the main activity as visitors can take in the awe-inspiring views from viewpoints on either the Zambian or Zimbabwean sides.
- Popular things to do include taking helicopter tours over the falls, going on guided walks through the rainforest, boating on the river above the falls, bungee jumping, and visiting the local markets.
Visiting tips
- February to May offers the best views as this is the region’s wet season when water levels are highest.
- Be prepared to get wet from the spray during peak flow times.
- Bring bottled water, wear weather-appropriate clothing, and take care of valuables around the misty falls.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Features
- The Pyramids of Giza contain the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- Dating back 4,500 years, the pyramids were tombs for the mighty Pharaohs of Egypt.
Activities
- Walk right up to the bases of these legendary pyramids and explore the interior tunnels and chambers if open.
- The complex also features many other ancient structures like the Sphinx. Top things to do include camel rides, museum visits, Nile river cruises, and sound & light shows after dusk.
Visiting tips
- Beat daytime heat by visiting early morning or late afternoon.
- Consider hiring a guide to provide context on Egyptian history.
- Respect cultural norms by dressing modestly at religious sites. Beware of street vendor scams targeting tourists.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Features
- One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park provides refuge for over 500 bird species and many types of wildlife like the “Big 5” – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and cape buffalos.
Activities
- The main draw is going on wildlife safaris via 4×4 vehicles to spot animals in their natural habitats.
- Many lodges offer early morning and nighttime safari tours.
- Hiking trails allow closer encounters with beauty spots.
Visiting tips
- The dry winter months of May and September provide the best wildlife viewing.
- Pack layers of neutral-toned clothing, binoculars, reference books, and long-lens cameras.
- Respect park rules by keeping safe distances from animals.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Features
- Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain on earth, with its snow-capped peak soaring 19,341 feet high.
- The mountain offers varied terrain from rainforests to alpine deserts on the way up.
Activities
- Trekking and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the most popular activity.
- Following specialist guides on a multi-day hike, climbers experience diverse landscapes and glamorous views from the summit.
- Day hikes on lower slopes are also available.
Visiting tips
- Climb during the dry seasons of January-February and August-September. Prepare for freezing and high altitude.
- Bring proper hiking gear and equipment.
- Acclimatize to altitude and pace yourself carefully to avoid altitude sickness.
Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali
Features
- A prime example of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, Djenné Mosque is the world’s largest mud-brick building.
- The mosque hosts a lively weekly market.
Activities
- Marvel at the impressive mud-brick structure and soak in the atmosphere of the surrounding market selling handmade goods.
- Join in the annual festival after Ramadan to help replaster the facade with mud.
Visiting tips
- The best times are the post-rainy season months of January-May when the temperature is cooler.
- Dress conservatively and ask permission before photographing people. Hire an accredited local guide for context.
- Support the local economy by purchasing traditional Mali crafts.