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NCC Bulldogs love the Geography Bee!
1
North Chevy Chase Elementary School
Geography Bee Packet
Africa and Asia
Geo Bee packets released electronically- Oct. 14, 2016
Geo Bee packets due Nov. 11, 2016
Geo Bee quiz- Nov. 11, 2016
Teams announced - on/by Nov. 15, 2016
Fall Geo Bee- Nov. 29, 2016
(Dates are subject to change.)
Special thanks to Ms. Borlase and Ms. Duggirala for updating this year’s packet!
Geo Bee 2016
Mrs. Mosley-Ramsey, NCC staff Ms. Breeding, NCC Staff Ms. Liu, NCC Staff
Name_____________________________________________________ Homeroom________________________________________
NCC Bulldogs love the Geography Bee!
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The NCC Geography Bee
How it works?
Welcome Aboard! The Geography Bee has been an NCC tradition for many years.
Originally brought to NCC by parents, the NCC staff have continued this tradition
to help our students enjoy geography as much as we do!
These Geo Bee packets are updated periodically by
volunteers and every effort is made to ensure accuracy.
This year the Geography Bee packet will take students on
an exploration of much of Africa and Asia. (We studied
North Africa last year.) On these two continents, you will
explore fascinating countries, tropical islands, the highest
mountains on Earth, the home of ancient civilizations, wild rivers, dense jungles
and the more.
● Students in grades 3-6 should try to complete the Geo Bee packet.
● Completed packets may be turned into a basket on the circulation desk in
the Media Center.
● Students may receive a small prize or bookmark for completing the packet.
● After a few weeks of study in class and in Media, students will take a short
quiz based on facts from the packet
● The top five scorers in each homeroom will become that homeroom’s
Geography Bee team
● Teams are invited to a friendly competition on Geography Bee Day.
● There is a separate Bee for each grade.
● This is an optional activity for most students.
NCC Bulldogs love the Geography Bee!
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Table of Contents
Page Title Page Number
How it works? 2
Table of Contents 3
Introduction to Africa 4-6
List of African Countries 7
Geography of Africa and more facts 8
Map of Africa 9
Tour of Ten Countries
Botswana 10
Ghana 11
Liberia 12-13
Kenya 14
Nigeria 15-16
Ethiopia 17-18
Congo 19
Madagascar 21-22
South Africa 23-24
Tanzania 25-26
Quick Africa Quiz 27
Geography Words to Know 27
Introduction to Asia 28
List of countries of Asia 29
Geography of Asia 30-37
Map of Asia 38
Tour of Ten Countries
Iran 39
UAE (United Arab Emirates) 40-41
Pakistan 42-43
Bangladesh 44
Malaysia 45-46
Indonesia 47
Philippines 48-49
Japan 50-51
Korean Peninsula 52-55
Quick Asia Quiz 55
Wrap Up 56
NCC Bulldogs love the Geography Bee!
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Geography Bee Packet: Africa and Asia
An Introduction to Africa
Africa (ăf'riku) is the second largest continent with a land area of 11.6 million square miles
(30,244,050 sq km) including adjacent islands and the second most populous continent with
approximately 1.2 billion people (2016[Dl1] ). At its widest point, Africa is approximately
4,600 mi (7,400 km) wide. The continent straddles the equator and stretches approximately
5,000 mi (8,050 km) from Cape Blanc (Tunisia) in the north to Cape Agulhas (South Africa) in
the south. It is connected with Asia by the Sinai Peninsula, from which it is separated by the
Suez Canal, and is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the west and south by
the Atlantic Ocean, and on the east and south by the Indian Ocean. The largest offshore island
is Madagascar. Other islands include St. Helena and Ascension in the South Atlantic Ocean; São
Tomé, Príncipe, Annobón, and Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea; the Cape Verde, Canary, and
Madeira islands in the North Atlantic Ocean; and Mauritius, Réunion, Zanzibar, Pemba, and the
Comoros and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.
Physical Geography
Most of Africa is made up of stable, ancient plateaus, low in the north and west and higher in
the south and east, rising to more than 6,000 ft (1,830 m). The African plateau is composed
mainly of metamorphic rock that has been overlaid in places by sedimentary rock. The
escarpment of the plateau is often close to the coast, generally forming a narrow coastal plain
as well as many waterfalls and rapids in rivers. The lowest point on the continent is 509 ft (155
m) below sea level in Lake Assal in Djibouti; the highest point is Mt. Uhuru (Kibo; 19,340
ft/5,895 m), a peak of Kilimanjaro in northeast Tanzania. From north to south the principal
mountain ranges of Africa are the Atlas Mts. rising to more than 13,000 ft (3,960 m), the
Ethiopian Highlands rising to more than 15,000 ft (4,570 m), the Ruwenzori Mts. rising to
more than 16,000 ft (4,880 m), and the Drakensberg Range rising to more than 11,000 ft
(3,350 m).
The continent's largest rivers are the Nile (the world's longest river), the Congo, the Niger, the
Zambezi, the Orange, the Limpopo and the Senegal. The largest lakes are Victoria (the world's
second largest freshwater lake), Tanganyika, Albert, Turkana, and Nyasa (or Malawi), all in
eastern Africa; shallow Lake Chad, the largest in western Africa, shrinks considerably during
dry periods. Large-scale earth movements, volcanoes and lava flows, are believed to be
responsible for the formation of one of Africa’s most spectacular land features - the Great Rift
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Valley. The Rift is a massive depression of the Earth’s crust extending from Syria in the Middle
East, through the Red Sea and into East Africa. From 40 to 100 mi (60–160 km) wide, it
extends 1,800 mi (2,900 km) from the northern end of the Jordan Rift Valley in southwest Asia
to near the mouth of the Zambezi River. The eastern branch of the rift valley is
occupied in sections by Lakes Nyasa and Turkana and the western branch, curving north from
Lake Nyasa, is occupied by Lakes Tanganyika, Kivu, Edward, and Albert. Elevations of the
Great Rift Valley vary from more than 500 ft below sea level in Djibouti to over 6,000 ft above
sea level in Kenya.
Climate
Africa's climatic zones are largely controlled by the continent's location straddling the equator
and its almost symmetrical extensions into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Except
where high altitude can affect temperature or precipitation (like some permanently
snowcapped mountain peaks found near the equator), Africa is generally divided into six
climatic regions.
1. Tropical rain forest climate: areas near the equator and on the shores of southeast
Madagascar that experience heavy rain and high temperatures throughout the year.
2. Tropical savanna climate: north and south of the rain forest are areas that experience
high temperatures year-round and seasonal rains during the summer season.
3. Semiarid steppe climate: north and south of the tropical savanna zone, the semiarid
steppe has limited summer rain.
4. Arid desert climate: the hot and dry Sahara (north) and the Kalahari (south) extend
from the semiarid steppe.
5. Semiarid steppe climate: additional zones with limited winter rain are located north of the
Sahara and south of the Kalahari.
6. Mediterranean-type climate with subtropical temperatures: narrow, coastal belts
located at the northern and southern extremities of the continent that experience a
concentration of rainfall mostly in the autumn and winter months.
People
African peoples, who account for approximately 16[Dl2] % of the world's population, are
distributed among 54 nations and are further distinguishable in terms of language and cultural
groups, which number around 1,000. Sub-Saharan Africa is occupied by a diverse variety of
peoples including, among others, the Amhara, Mossi, Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Kongo, Zulu, Akan,
Oromo, Masai, and Hausa. European descendents in Africa are concentrated in areas with
subtropical climates or tropical climates modified by altitude; in the south are persons of
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Dutch and British descent, and in the northwest are persons of French, Italian, and Spanish
descent. Lebanese descendents make up an important minority community throughout West
Africa, as do Indian descendents in many coastal towns of South and East Africa. There are also
significant Arab populations both in East Africa and more recently in West Africa. As a whole,
Africa is sparsely populated; the highest population densities are found in Nigeria, the
Ethiopian Highlands, the Nile Valley, and around the Great Lakes (which include Victoria and
Tanganyika). The principal cities of Africa are usually the national capitals and the major ports,
and they typically contain a disproportionately large percentage of the national populations.
Africa has the longest human history of any continent. Evidence of humans in Africa date from
at least 4 million years ago and anthropologists believe that modern humans may have first
developed in or near the Great Rift Valley. Scientists believe that agriculture and domesticated
livestock were brought to Africa from southwest Asia around the 6th or 5th millennium B.C.
Africa's first great civilization began in Egypt around 3400 B.C. and other ancient centers were
Kush and Aksum in what is now parts of Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Economy and Industry
Africa produces three quarters of the world's cocoa beans and about one third of its peanuts.
Rare and precious minerals (including much of the world's diamonds) are abundant in the
continent's ancient crystalline rocks, which are found mostly to the south and east of a line
from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sinai Peninsula. Extensive oil, gas and phosphate deposits occur
in the north and west of this general line. Manufacturing is concentrated in the Republic of
South Africa and in North Africa (especially Egypt and Algeria). Despite Africa's enormous
potential for hydroelectric power production, only a small percentage of it has been developed.
Africa's fairly regular coastline affords few natural harbors, and the shallowness of coastal
waters makes it difficult for large ships to navigate. However, some deep water ports that are
protected by manmade breakwaters, facilitate commerce and trade in primary cities. Major
fishing areas are located off the northwest and southwest coasts as well as off South Africa and
northwest Madagascar.
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List of African Countries
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African
Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo
Congo, Democratic
Republic of
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Sao Tome and
Principe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
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Geography of Africa more facts...
Did you know that?
• The African continent is the second largest in the world in terms of both
land mass and population. Which continent do you think is the largest both in
land mass and population? (hint: keep reading)
• The Nile River is the world’s longest river, at 4,160 miles (slightly longer
than the distance between Chevy Chase and Berlin, Germany).
• At 3.5 million square miles, the Sahara (which means
“wilderness” in the Arabic language) is the world's largest and hottest
desert.
• Africa is home to more than 50 independent countries,
representing more than 25% of the countries of the world.
Over 1,000 languages are spoken on the African continent.
• Mt. Kenya, which sits directly on the equator, and Mt.
Kilimanjaro, which is slightly south of the equator, are
volcanoes covered with snow year round due to their high
elevation. Glaciers (giant rivers of ice) are present on every
continent on Earth including these two African volcanic peaks.
• The Great Rift Valley is one of Africa’s most important
land features. It extends over 1,800 miles from north to south and contains
many of the most important anthropologic sites where remains of early humans
have been found.
• Africa is surrounded by bodies of water on all sides – the Atlantic Ocean
to the west and south, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Indian Ocean
on the east and south and Red Sea to the east.
NCC Bulldogs love the Geography Bee!
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Map of Africa
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A Tour of Ten African Countries
Botswana
Twice the size of Arizona, Botswana is in south-central Africa,
bounded by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Most of the country is a near-desert climate, with the
Kalahari occupying the western part of the country. The
eastern part is hilly, with salt lakes in the north. The
population is approximately 2.2 million[Dl3] . The capital city
is Gaborone. Today, Botswana’s government is a
parliamentary republic. The earliest inhabitants of the region
were the San, who were followed by the Tswana. The term
for the country's people, Batswana, refers to national rather than ethnic origin. Encroachment
by the Zulu in the 1820s and by Boers from Transvaal in the 1870s and 1880s strained the
peace of the region. In 1885, Britain established the area as a protectorate, then known as
Bechuanaland. In 1961, Britain granted a constitution to the country. Self-government began in
1965, and on Sept. 30, 1966, the country became independent. Botswana is Africa's oldest
democracy. Botswana is rich in diamonds and has a strong tourism industry around its
national parks and wild game reserves. Nevertheless, the country has high unemployment and
stratified socioeconomic classes. In 1999, the nation suffered its first budget deficit in 16 years
because of a slump in the international diamond market which is the country’s most valuable
natural resource. Botswana remains one of the wealthiest and most stable countries in Africa.
1. Name three of Botswana’s national parks and wild game reserves?
____________________________ ____________________________ _________________________
2. _______________ is the capital of Botswana.
3. What are four countries that border Botswana? ___________, ______________,
____________,________________________________
4. Botswana is Africa’s oldest ________________________________________.
5. What is Botswana’s most valuable natural resource? _____________________________.
6. Where is the Kalahari Desert located in Botswana? _____________________________.
NCC Bulldogs love the Geography Bee!
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Ghana
Ghana is a West African country bordering on the Gulf of
Guinea; Ghana is bounded by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina
Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to
the south. It compares in size to Oregon, and its largest river is
the Volta. The population is about 27[Dl4] million. The present-
day government is a constitutional democracy. Several major
civilizations flourished in the general region of what is now
Ghana. The ancient empire of Ghana (located 500 mi northwest
of present-day Ghana) reigned until the 13th century. The Akan
peoples established the next major civilization, beginning in the 13th century. The Ashanti
Empire flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Also called the Gold Coast, the area has been
under colonial rule of the Portuguese, English, Dutch, and the Swedes. Great Britain ruled over
the Gold Coast starting in 1820. Neighboring Togoland, a German and British colony, was
incorporated into Ghana by vote in 1956. Ghana became the first sub-Saharan country in
colonial Africa to gain its independence on March 6, 1957. It became a republic on July 1, 1960.
Ghana suffered from civil unrest under military rulers for over 30 years after its independence.
But since 1996, Ghana has been widely viewed as one of Africa's most stable democracies. In
2001, John Agyekum Kufuor was freely elected president and was reelected in 2004. English is
the official language of Ghana, but dozens of African languages are also spoken there. Accra, the
capital city of Ghana is a word from the Akan language that means “black ants.” The climate in
Ghana is tropical. The eastern coastal area is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest
corner, hot and humid; and the north, hot and dry. There are two distinct rainy seasons in the
south (May-June and August-September). In the north, the rainy seasons tend to merge. A dry,
northeasterly wind, the Harmattan, blows in January and February. Annual rainfall in the
coastal zone averages only 33 inches. The economy of Ghana is based in agriculture (60%),
manufacturing and mining. Major crops include cocoa, rice, coffee, cassava (tapioca), peanuts,
corn, shea nuts, bananas and timber. Industries include mining, lumber, aluminum smelting,
food processing, cement, small commercial ship building. Natural resources include gold,
timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver,
salt and limestone.
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1. The name of the capital of Ghana means “black ants” in Akan. Name the city.
_______________________
2. The ancient kingdom of Ghana controlled the mining and trade of gold in
Africa, so the
British called this area the “Gold Coast.” If you travel west from Ghana toward
Liberia, you
would pass through the country of ______________________, which is French for “ivory
coast.”
3. Ghana was the first European colony in sub-Saharan Africa to gain
_______________________________.
4. The largest river in Ghana is the __________________________________. 5. The dry, northwesterly wind during January and February is called
the__________________________________.
Liberia
Lying on the Atlantic in the southern part of West Africa, Liberia is
bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. It is
comparable in size to Tennessee and has a population of 4[Dl5] .5
million. Most of the country is a plateau covered by dense tropical
forests, which thrive under in the tropical climate with an annual
rainfall of about 160 inches. The capital city of Monrovia, with a
metropolitan population of approximately 1.35 million, was named
after James Monroe, president of the United States when Liberia
was founded. The southeastern corner of Liberia, near Cote
D’Ivoire, is called Maryland County – after the State of Maryland in the U.S. Liberia, Africa's first
republic (modeled after that of the Unites States), was founded in 1822 as a result of the efforts
of the American Colonization Society to settle freed American slaves in West Africa. The society
contended that the immigration of blacks to Africa was an answer to the problem of slavery as
well as to what it felt was the incompatibility of the races. Over the course of forty years, about
12,000 slaves were voluntarily relocated to the colony. Originally called Monrovia, the colony
became the Free and Independent Republic of Liberia in 1847. Today, the English-speaking
Americo-Liberians, descendants of former American slaves, make up only 5% of the
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population but have historically dominated the country’s society. Liberia's indigenous
population is composed of 16 different ethnic groups. Between 1920 and 1971, the country
suffered decades of civil unrest that ended only recently. Liberians freely elected its first
woman president in 2006. The economy is dominated (70%) by agriculture. Liberia’s
agriculture crops include rubber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, sugarcane,
bananas, sheep, goats and timber. Chief industries include rubber processing, palm oil
processing, timber and diamond mining. Natural resources include iron ore, timber,
diamonds, gold and hydropower.
1. Liberia (which means “the free land”) was settled by the U.S. government in 1822, as a
home for freed African-American slaves. The capital was named after James Monroe, the
American president at that time. Name the capital city: _________________________________________
2. The southeastern tip of Liberia is called Maryland County, and is named after the U.S. state of
Maryland. It borders the _________________ Ocean and the country of ___________________________.
3. Liberia has over 130 inches of rain annually. It has a _______________________________ climate.
4. Liberia was Africa’s first __________________ (form of government) and elected its
first woman president in ___________________________ (year).
5. What countries border Liberia? _______________________ _________________________
_________________
NCC Bulldogs love the Geography Bee!
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Kenya
Kenya lies across the equator in east central Africa, along the coast
of the Indian Ocean. It is twice the size of Nevada. Kenya borders
Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the north, Tanzania to the south,
Uganda to the west, and Sudan to the northwest. In the north, the
land is arid; the southwest corner is in the fertile Lake Victoria
Basin; and a length of the eastern depression of the Great Rift
Valley separates western highlands from those that rise from the
lowland coastal strip. Kenya’s population is approximately 46
million[Dl6] . Nairobi, the capital and largest city, has a
metropolitan population of 3 million. Kenya’s form of government
is a republic. Scientists believe people may first have inhabited Kenya about 2 million years
ago. Presently, more than 40 ethnic groups live in Kenya. Its largest group is the Kikuyu. The
land became a British protectorate in 1890 and a colony in 1920, when it was called British
East Africa. Kenya achieved full independence in 1963. Jomo Kenyatta, a leader during the 20-
year struggle for independence struggle who had been jailed by the British, was Kenya’s first
president. Unfortunately, the country did not prosper under independence and it was ruled by
a series of dictators. A series of disasters plagued Kenya in 1997 and 1998: severe flooding,
epidemics, and ethnic clashes that erupted between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin groups in the Rift
Valley. Again in 2000, a devastating drought in east Africa brought risk of starvation to an
estimated three million Kenyans. Despite international efforts to end government corruption
and bring about a stable economy, Kenya continues to suffer from unrest today. Its people have
also had to overcome repeated drought and continual ethnic conflict. Agriculture dominates
the economy with major crops of tea, coffee, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables, dairy
products, beef, pork, poultry and eggs. Industries include small-scale consumer goods (plastic,
furniture, batteries, textiles, soap, cigarettes and flour), agricultural products, oil refining,
aluminum, steel and tourism. Major natural resources include limestone, soda ash, salt,
gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife and hydropower. Tourism is significant
in Kenya and is focused around wildlife parks and expeditions, mountain expeditions to
Kilimanjaro (in neighboring Tanzania) and Mt. Kenya, Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake) and
the Great Rift Valley. Some of the animals of this country include Lions, Leopards, Elephants,
Buffalos and Rhinos.
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1. Although Kenya lies across the equator, the country has a very diverse landscape and
climate including snowcapped mountains and tropical highlands. The arid (desert) region in
the north is called the ____________________________ Desert.
2. Name two large bodies of water along Kenya’s east and west boarders. _______ __________
3. Anthropologists believe that people have lived in Kenya for_______________years.
4. Kenya’s western region is dominated by this huge land form.____________
5. Use the box below to draw some of the animals that live in Kenya. Label the animals.
Nigeria
Nigeria is 30% larger in land area than Texas and it is the most
populous country in Africa with a population of 182[Dl7] million.
Situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, its neighbors are
Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. The lower course of the Niger
River flows south through the western part of the country into the
Gulf of Guinea. Swamps and mangrove forests border the southern
coast; inland are hardwood forests. The climate is tropical in the
southern half of the country with tropical highlands in the east and
limited tropical savanna in the northeast. The capital city is Abuja
but the largest city is Lagos (population 10 million).The first inhabitants of what is now Nigeria
were thought to have been the Nok people (500 B.C.– A.D. 200). The Kanuri, Hausa, and Fulani
peoples subsequently migrated there. Islam was introduced in the 13th century, and the
empire of Kanem controlled the area from the end of the 11th century to the 14th.The Fulani
Empire ruled the region from the beginning of the 19th century until the British annexed Lagos
in 1851 and seized control of the rest of the region by 1886. It formally became the Colony and
Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. Nigeria gained independence in 1960, becoming a member of
the Commonwealth of Nations and joining the United Nations. Organized as a loose federation
of self-governing states, the independent nation faced the overwhelming task of unifying a
country with 250 ethnic and linguistic groups. Civil unrest dominated Nigeria from 1966 until
1971. After years of military rule, the return of civilian leadership was finally established with
the election of Alhaji Shehu Shagari as president in 1979. An oil boom in the 1970s buoyed the
economy and by the 1980s Nigeria was considered an exemplar of African democracy and
economic well-being. However, the military again seized power in 1984 and despite periods of
peace and prosperity the country has been challenged by military, ethnic, religious and civil
unrest to this day. Today, Nigeria is governed by a multiparty government transitioning from
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military to civilian control. Nigeria is one of the world's largest oil producers and is a major
supplier of oil to the United States. The economy is dominated by oil production but also has
significant agriculture. Main crops include cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet,
cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber, livestock, fish, cotton and timber. Industries include oil, coal
and tin production, animal hides and skins, textiles, cement and construction materials, food
products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel, small commercial ship
construction and repair. Natural resources include natural gas, petroleum, tin, columbite, iron
ore, coal, limestone, lead and zinc.
1. Using the map, name the three of Nigeria’s major rivers.
_______________________,____________________ and ____________________.
2. ____________ is Nigeria’s greatest natural resource, largest export and dominates
the
economy.
3. Nigeria coast is on this body of water (part of the Atlantic Ocean).
____________________
4. The __________________ people are thought to be the first inhabitants of present-
day Nigeria, dating to 500 B.C.
5. What countries border Nigeria? ____________ __________________ __________________
___________________
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Ethiopia
Ethiopia, in east-central Africa, is bordered on the west by the
Sudan, the east by Somalia and Djibouti, the south by Kenya, and
the northeast by Eritrea. It has several high mountains, the highest
of which is Ras Dashan at 15,158 ft (4,620 m). The Blue Nile, or
Abbai, rises in the northwest at Lake Tana and flows in a great
semicircle before entering the Sudan. Lake Tana, is also the
country’s chief reservoir. Ethiopia has a variety of climates
including arid desert, semi-arid steppe and tropical highlands. The
Great Rift Valley dominates the landscape and bisects the country
from southwest to northeast. The population is 99[Dl8] million
and the capital (and largest city) of Addis Ababa has a population of 3 million. Over 70
languages are spoken in Ethiopia including Amharic, Tigrigna, Orominga, Guaragigna, Somali,
Arabic and English. Archeologists have found the oldest known human ancestors in Ethiopia,
including Ardipithecus ramidus kadabba (ca. 5.8–5.2 million years old) and Australopithecus
anamensis (ca. 4.2 million years old). Originally called Abyssinia, Ethiopia is sub-Saharan
Africa's oldest state, and its Solomonic dynasty claims descent from King Menelik I,
traditionally believed to have been the son of the queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Ancient
Ethiopia was a trading capital with major ports along the Red Sea and trade routes with Asia
and the Middle East. Modern Ethiopia established its independence by defeating an Italian
invasion in 1896. In 1931, the Ethiopian emperor created a constitution that called for a
parliament with an appointed senate, an elected chamber of deputies, and a system of courts.
But basic power remained with the emperor. Today, Ethiopia has a federal republic
government. Fascist Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935 and Ethiopia was annexed to Eritrea, then
an Italian colony, and to Italian Somaliland, forming Italian East Africa. In 1941, British troops
defeated the Italians and the emperor returned to power. In 1952, Eritrea was incorporated
into Ethiopia. Since Eritrea's independence, Eritrea and Ethiopia had disagreed about the exact
demarcation of their borders, and despite a peace agreement, border conflict still occur. Like
many of its neighbors, Ethiopia has suffered from recent drought and the nation has struggled
to feed its people. Additionally, Ethiopia and Somalia have been in conflict along their border
for the last decade.
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The economy is dominated by agriculture including cereal grains, coffee, oilseed, cotton,
sugarcane, potatoes, flowers, hides, livestock and fish. Industries include food processing,
beverages, textiles, leather, chemicals, metals processing and cement. Natural resources
include small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas and hydropower. Ethiopia
is considered the birthplace of coffee which is one of the most important traded goods
(commodities) in the modern world.
1. Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and the only one to successfully defend
against European invasion. Its capital city is ____________________________.
2. Name Ethiopia’s three neighbors to the north and east _______________, _______________________,
and __________________. All of these countries are considered to be in the “Horn of
Africa” because of the shape they form, jutting out into the Gulf of Aden Indian Ocean.
3. Ethiopia is the birthplace of this important commodity. ________________________________
4. The country is bisected by this dominant land form where archaeologists have discovered
evidence of the oldest known human ancestors. Name this important land form.
_______________________________________________.
5. Draw several popular agricultural items produced in Ethiopia. Label the items.
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Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (sometimes called
Congo), in west central Africa, is bordered by the Republic of
Congo, the Central African Republic, the Sudan, Uganda (UG),
Rwanda (RW), Burundi (BI), Tanzania (TZ), Zambia, Angola,
and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one-quarter the size of the U.S.
The principal rivers are the Ubangi and Bomu in the north
and the Congo in the west, which flows into the Atlantic. The
Congo River Basin is one of the great tropical rain forest
climate zones in Africa. The entire length of Lake Tanganyika
lies along the eastern border with Tanzania and Burundi.
Congo’s population is approximately 77[Dl9] million. The capital and largest city is Kinshasa;
population about 8 million. Formerly known as Belgian Congo, this territory was inhabited by
ancient Negrito peoples (Pygmies), who were pushed into the mountains by Bantu and Nilotic
tribes. An American correspondent, Henry M. Stanley, navigated the Congo River in 1877 and
opened the interior to exploration. Commissioned by Belgian King Leopold II, Stanley made
treaties with native chiefs that enabled the king to obtain personal title to the territory in 1885.
Leopold accumulated a vast personal fortune from ivory and rubber through brutal treatment
of Congolese slave labor during Belgian colonial rule which ended when the country gained
independence in 1960. Unfortunately, like many African nations emerging from decades of
colonial rule, Belgian Congo entered into a long period of civil unrest, civil war and political
turmoil that continues today. The country was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo
in 1997, which had been its name before it was changed to Zaire in 1971. Despite instability,
political progress has continued. In May 2005, a new constitution was adopted and in 2006,
the first democratic election in the country since 1970 took place. However, despite this slow
progress, Congo remains a nation in turmoil and many of its citizens suffer each year from civil
fighting. Currently, the country is under a transitional government. Economically, Congo relies
on agriculture and natural resources. Major crops include coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea,
quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits and wood products.
Industries include mining (diamonds, copper, and zinc), mineral processing, consumer
products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, and
commercial ship repair. Natural resources include cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum,
industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium,
bauxite, iron ore, coal, hydropower and timber.
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1. The Democratic Republic of Congo was also once known as Zaire, and before that, it was a
colony of what European country?________________________________________
2. Name the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. _________________________
3. One of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s neighboring countries has a very similar name.
But they are two completely separate nations. This country just to the west of the
Democratic Republic of Congo is the Republic of Congo. Please name four other countries
that border Democratic Republic of Congo. _____________, ____________________,
_____________________, ________________________
4. At first glance, the Democratic Republic of Congo appears to be landlocked. But if you look
carefully at the map, you will discover the country’s small coastline. What ocean is this
coast on and what is the major river that flows throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo
that empties into this ocean? __________________________ Ocean and ___________________________ River
5. Several countries border the Congo. Name at least three.
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
6. Make up your own question and answer it below.
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Madagascar
Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of
Africa opposite the country of Mozambique. The world's
fourth-largest island, it is twice the size of Arizona. The
country's low-lying coastal area gives way to a central plateau
and the Ankaratra Mountains. The once densely wooded
interior has largely been deforested. Most of the island has a
tropical and sub-tropical climate heavily influenced by the
surrounding Indian Ocean and Mozambique Channel. The
island was once connected to mainland Africa but broke off
about 65 million years ago as the continental plates moved.
Because it is isolated from the rest of Africa, Madagascar is home to over 150,000 species of
plants and animals that are only found on the island. Madagascar’s population is about 22
million and the capital of Antananarivo is the largest city. The Malagasy (as island citizens are
known) are of mixed Malayo-Indonesian and African-Arab ancestry. Indonesians are believed
to have migrated to the island about 700 A.D. King Andrianampoinimerina (1787–1810) ruled
the major kingdom on the island, and his son, Radama I (1810–1828), unified much of the
island. The French made the island a protectorate in 1885, and then, in 1895, ended the
monarchy. A colonial administration was set up, to which the Comoro Islands were attached in
1908, and other territories later. As an autonomous republic within the French Community
since 1958, Madagascar gained full independence from France in 1960. However, starting in
1973, a series of military and socialist leaders have fought back and forth to lead the nation.
Since 2001 the nation has had relatively stable government despite some contested elections.
The Madagascar government is a multiparty republic. The island nation is still heavily
influenced by its French colonial era and French is still an official language along with
Malagasy. As with many African nations, the economy is dominated by agriculture. Main crops
include coffee, vanilla, cotton, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), beans, bananas,
peanuts and livestock. Industries include meat processing, fishing, soap, breweries, tanneries,
sugar, textiles, glassware, cement, automobile assembly, paper, petroleum and tourism.
Natural resources include graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands,
semiprecious stones, mica and hydropower. Madagascar is known for its vanilla, one of its
chief exports.
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1. Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. It was once attached to the rest of Africa,
but broke off about 65 million years ago. Madagascar is located in which ocean?
______________________________
2. Many Malagasy (the people of Madagascar) call their capital city by its nickname, Tana.
What is the full name of the capital city? __________________________
3. The island of Madagascar is home to over 150,000 plant and animal species that are found
nowhere else in the world. Among them are mongooses, lemurs and giant jumping rats.
These unique animals evolved on the island because it was isolated from the rest of theAfrican
continent. What body of water separates Madagascar from mainland Africa?
__________________________________
4. Madagascar was once a French colony. Today, the country has two official languages.
Name them. ______________________ and _____________________
5. Draw a few of the animals that can be found there. Label the animals you include.
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South Africa
The Republic of South Africa, on the continent's southern
tip, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and by
the Indian Ocean on the south and east. Its neighbors are
Namibia in the northwest, Zimbabwe and Botswana in the
north, and Mozambique and Swaziland in the northeast.
The kingdom of Lesotho forms an enclave completely
surrounded by South Africa, which has a land area nearly
three times the size of California. The southernmost point
of Africa is Cape Agulhas, located in the Western Cape
Province about 100 mi (161 km) southeast of the Cape of
Good Hope. South Africa has three official capital cities:
Pretoria, Cape Town is the legislative center, and
Bloemfontein-is the judicial center. Today, the population of the country is approximately 54
million. Summers in South Africa are known to be quite hot, especially in the southern coastal
areas, while inland in the higher elevations, temperatures are more moderate. Winters are
generally mild countrywide, with some snow in the hills and mountains. Like its Southern
Hemisphere neighbors, South Africa seasons are the inverse or opposite of the Northern
Hemisphere: spring is September - October, summer is November - March, fall is April - May,
and winter is June - August. The San people were the first settlers of South Africa; the Khoikhoi
and Bantu-speaking tribes followed. The Dutch East India Company landed the first European
settlers on the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. Known as Boers or Afrikaners, and speaking a
Dutch dialect known as Afrikaans, the settlers tried to establish an independent republic as
early as 1795. After occupying the Cape Colony, Britain took permanent possession in 1815 at
the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Anglicization of government and the freeing of slaves in 1833
drove about 12,000 Afrikaners to make the “great trek” north and east into African tribal
territory, where they established the republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The
discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1876 brought an influx of “outlanders” into the
republics and spurred the British controlled Cape Colony to attempt to annex the Boer
republics. The “inevitable” war with the Boers broke out in late 1899 and ended with defeat of
the Boers in 1902. The Union of South Africa, composed of four provinces, the two former
republics, and the old Cape and Natal colonies, formed in 1910. Organized political activity
among non-European Africans started with the establishment of the African National Congress
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in 1912. South Africa became a charter member of the United Nations in 1945, but refused to
sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Apartheid—racial separation—dominated
domestic politics as South African Nationalists gained power and imposed greater restrictions
on Bantus (black Africans), Asians, and nonwhite persons. The Group Areas Acts of 1950 and
1986 forced about 1.5 million non-white Africans to move from cities to rural townships,
where they lived in abject poverty under repressive laws. South Africa declared itself a
republic in 1961 and severed its ties with the British Commonwealth, which strongly objected
to the country's racist policies. The white supremacist National Party, which had first come to
power in 1948, would continue its rule for the next three decades. In 1960, the African
National Congress (ANC), the principal antiapartheid organization, was banned, and in 1964 its
leader, Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned. Protests against apartheid grew stronger and more
violent. International pressure to end apartheid intensified. In 1989, the ban on the ANC was
lifted and Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years of imprisonment. In 1991, a multiracial
forum led by President F. W. de Klerk and Mandela, the Convention for a Democratic South
Africa (CODESA), began working on a new constitution. In 1993, an interim constitution was
passed, which dismantled apartheid and provided for a multiracial democracy with majority
rule. The peaceful transition of South Africa from one of the world's most repressive societies
into a democracy is one of the 20th century's most remarkable success stories. Mandela and de
Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. South Africa now has a growing and
diversified, industrialized economy. The chief agricultural products are corn, wheat, sugarcane,
fruits and vegetables, livestock, wool and dairy products. Industries include mining (world's
largest producer of platinum, gold and chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking,
machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs and commercial ship repair.
Natural resources include gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel,
phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt and natural gas.
1. Name South Africa’s three official capitals. ____________________________,
___________________________and ________________________________________
2. Cape Town is located on the Cape of Good Hope, which got its name from Portuguese
explorers because it symbolized the turning point in their long journey sailing around the
continent. If traveling East around the Cape of Good Hope past Cape Town, you would go
from the ____________________Ocean to the ____________________Ocean.
3. South Africa completely surrounds the small kingdom of ___________________________________.
4. The southern-most point of Africa is Cape __________________________________________
5. Draw a few of the chief agricultural products of South Africa. Label them.
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Tanzania
Tanzania is in East Africa on the Indian Ocean. To the north are
Uganda and Kenya; to the west, Burundi (BI),Rwanda (RW), and
Congo; and to the south, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi. Its
area is three times that of New Mexico. Tanzania contains three
of Africa's best-known lakes—Victoria
in the north, Tanganyika in the west, and Nyasa in the south.
Mount Kilimanjaro in the north, 19,340 ft (5,895 m), is the
highest point on the continent. The island of Zanzibar is
separated from the mainland by a 22- mile channel. Arab
traders first began to colonize the area in 700 A.D. Portuguese
explorers reached the coastal regions in the 14th century and
held some control until the 17th century, when the sultan of Oman took power. With what are now
Burundi and Rwanda, Tanganyika became the colony of German East Africa in 1885. After World War I,
it was administered by Britain under a League of Nations and later as a United Nations trust territory.
Zanzibar was believed to have had connections with southern Arabia. The Portuguese made it one of
their tributaries in 1503 and later established a trading post, but they were driven from Oman by Arabs
in 1698. Zanzibar was declared independent of Oman in 1861 and, in 1890, it became a British
protectorate. Tanganyika became independent in 1961; Zanzibar in 1963. On April 26, 1964, the two
nations merged into the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The name was changed to
Tanzania six months later. Tanzania did not escape the same civil unrest of neighboring countries.
Between 1978 and 1985, the country experienced invasions by the army of neighboring Uganda and
civil fighting over control of the government. Finally in 1985, following a presidential election, plans
were announced to institute a multiparty democracy, and in 1995 the country's first multiparty
elections since independence took place. The Tanzania government is a multiparty republic.
The country has two official capitals: Dar es Salaam (the largest city with 2.5 million) and
Dodoma, where governmental offices are housed and which will eventually be the new
national capital. Like much of East Africa, Tanzania has two distinct warm (often hot) and
humid rainy seasons. Lighter rain falls (March - June), while heavy downpours and storms
occur (November - January). Tanzania is home to many of Africa’s best known and frequently
visited natural features and wild game preserves: the Serengeti Plain, Mt. Kilimanjaro and
Zanzibar. These famous places have captured the imagination of explorers and tourists for
decades and conjure up well known images of East African safaris and wildlife
expeditions.Tanzania’s economy is strongly based in agriculture and tourism. Agricultural
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products include coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, chrysanthemums, cashew nuts, tobacco, cloves, corn,
wheat, cassava (tapioca), bananas, fruits and vegetables and livestock. Industries include
tourism, sugar, sisal twine, diamond, gold, and iron mining, salt, soda ash, cement, oil refining,
shoes, apparel, wood products and fertilizer. Natural resources include hydropower, tin,
phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas and nickel.
1. The name of Tanzania’s capital city means “Haven of Peace” in the Arabic language. Name
the two capital cities: ____________________________, and _____________________
2. Tanzania is famous for wild animal safaris and dramatic land forms (mountains, deserts,
plains, etc.). Name two of Tanzania’s most famous wild places. ________________ and
_____________________________________.
3. Tanzania shares this lake (Africa’s largest), with several neighboring countries. Name this
lake: ____________________________________________.
4. The name “Tanzania” is a combination of Tanganyika and what island? _________________________
5. Draw a few of the chief agricultural products of Tanzania. Label them.
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Quick Africa Quiz
1. What ocean lies on Africa's western border? ______________________________
2. What ocean lies on Africa's eastern border? _______________________________
3. What sea forms Africa's northern border? _________________________________
4. What long, narrow sea forms Africa's northeastern border? _________________________
5. What is the name of the cape at the southern tip of Africa that separates the Atlantic and
Indian Oceans? __________________________________________
6. What is the name of the large island nation off the southeastern coast of southeastern
Africa? __________________________________________________________
7. What is the name of the large African lake that lies on the equator?________
8. What is the name of the very long African river that flows north into the Mediterranean?
_______________________________________
9. What is the name of the major central African river that crosses the equator and flows into
the Atlantic? _____________________________
10. What is the name of the huge desert in northern Africa? ___________________________________
11. What is the name of the smaller desert in southern Africa? ________________________________
12. Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point. What is its elevation?______________
A Few Geography Words to Know
1. Cape-a piece of land sticking out into a body of water
2. Capital -the seat (headquarters) of government
3. Colonize- to establish a colony of another country
4. Colony -a territory distant from the country controlling it
5. Continent- a main, large land area of the earth
6. Desert -a very arid or dry (either hot or cold) place with little rainfall
7. Equator- an imaginary line around the Earth that is the exact midpoint between the North
and South Poles and which separates the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the planet.
8. Landlocked- entirely surrounded by land; cut off from oceans
9. Peninsula-a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides—often narrower than a cape
10. Strait-a narrow waterway connecting two large bodies of water tropical a climate
characterized by hot and humid air and a large amount of annual rainfall
11. Valley-a large depression in the landscape typically formed over Millions of year by a river
or movement of the Earth’s crust
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An Introduction to Asia
As the planet's largest continent, Asia covers about 30 percent of the world's
landmass and includes (44) independent
countries, assorted islands and territories.
Significant features of the continent of Asia
include the world's tallest mountain, Mt
Everest in Nepal (and China), rising to 29,035
ft (8,850m). It also includes the world's lowest
point, found in the Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan, at
1,286 ft (392m) below sea level. In addition,
the continent includes the world's most
populated countries, China and India; the
world's longest coastline, the world's deepest
lake; and some of the most important rivers
on Earth. Asia contains 17.2 million square
miles (44.6 million sq km) of land, which
accounts for 30% of Earth’s land area. With
approximately 3.5 billion people, Asia is home
to nearly 60% of the world’s population. Asian
countries are generally categorized into four regions: the Middle East
(sometimes called the Near East or West Asia), South Asia (or the Indian
subcontinent), Southeast Asia and North Asia. Two countries, Russia and Turkey,
are trans-continental because they are officially part of both Asia and Europe.
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List of countries of Asia
o Afghanistan
o Azerbaijan
o Bahrain
o Bangladesh
o Bhutan
o Brunei
o Burma - Myanmar
o Cambodia
o China - People's Republic of
o East Timor
o India
o Indonesia
o Iran
o Iraq
o Israel
o Japan
o Jordan
o Kazakhstan
o Korea (North)
o Korea (South)
o Kuwait
o Kyrgyzstan
o Laos
o Lebanon
o Malaysia
o Maldives
o Mongolia
o Myanmar - Burma
o Nepal
o Oman
o Pakistan
o Philippines
o Qatar
o Saudi Arabia
o Singapore
o Sri Lanka
o Syria
o Taiwan- Republic of China
o Tajikistan
o Thailand
o Timor-Leste
o Turkey
o Turkmenistan
o United Arab Emirates
o Uzbekistan
o Vietnam
o Yemen
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Geography of Asia
Major Landforms of the Middle East
The SYRIAN DESERT is approximately 200,000 sq, miles (518,000 sq, km) and covers parts
of Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and western Iraq. Very little rain falls in this arid wasteland;
however, Arab nomads inhabit the desert and successfully raise cattle and camels. Oil pipelines
are commonplace, as well as scattered oases. AN NAFUD DESERT (part of the Arabian Desert)
of northwestern Saudi Arabia is famous for gigantic sand dunes, some reaching over 100 ft. in
height. The AR RUB' AL KHALI DESERT (the “Empty Quarter”) also (the Arabian Desert) is the
largest (only sand) desert in the world and famed for huge sand dunes that can extend for over
25 miles. It covers most of southernSaudi Arabia, and is nearly moisture-less. The Ad Dahna' is
the northern expanse that connects to the An Nafud Desert. The entire Arabian Desert is about
1,000,000 sq miles in total size. The ASIR & HEJAZ MOUNTAINS are found along Saudi Arabia's
border with the Red Sea; this range of lower mountains averages 6,000 - 7,000 ft. in height
(1,829 - 2,130m). The HADRAMAWT mountain range (and region) of Yemen averages about
3,500 ft. (1,067m) in height, with the highest peak estimated at 8,000 ft., (2,440m).
The ANATOLIAN PLATEAU is a generally barren and arid plateau of central Turkey that
averages about 500 meters in elevation. Farming and livestock raising (the major industries),
are difficult here as extreme temperatures during both summer and winter are common.
Scattered towns and villages cover this landscape. The CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS are located
between the Black and Caspian Seas. These mountains dominate the landscape of Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia (all part of southeastern Europe,) where the Middle East (Asia)
borders Europe. Many of the volcanic peaks in these mountains exceed 15,000 ft. in height,
with the highest point being Mt. Elbrus at 18,481 ft. (5,633m). The TAURUS MOUNTAINS are a
rugged chain extending across southern Turkey to its borders with Iraq and Iran. The highest
point (Mt. Ararat) is located in the Eastern Taurus range. This extinct volcano is 16,583 ft.
(5,137m) high. It is believed by biblical scholars that Noah's Ark landed here. The ELBURZ
MOUNTAINS (or Alborz) extend for almost 620 miles along Iran's northern border with the
Caspian Sea, these jagged mountains average over 9,000 ft, with the highest point being Mt.
Damavand, a dormant volcano, at 18,602 ft. (5,670m) high. The ZAGROS MOUNTAINS are
comprised of many ranges of the extending along southern and western Iran and into northern
Iraq. Many of these peaks exceed 9,000 ft., with the highest point being Zard Kuh at 14,921 ft.
(4,548m).
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The KARA KUM DESERT is a desert of south-central Turkmenistan; a large mass of sand
known for its towering sand dunes extending in all directions. It is about 115,000 sq. miles in
size. DASH E LUT (Lout Desert) is a region of eastern Iran and is an arid, wind-blown desert,
completely surrounded by mountains. In the summer months, it can be one of the hottest and
driest spots on the planet. In some areas here, measurable rainfall does not exist. DASHT-E
KAVIR (Kavir Desert) is a plateau of north-central Iran and is often referred to as the "Great
Salt Desert." It's the largest desert in Iran and is mostly uninhabited wasteland covered with
crusty salt ridges. The HINDU KUSH includes dramatic mountains that form a natural border
between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with many snow-capped peaks reaching over 22,000 ft.
The highest point is Tirich Mir at 25,282 ft. (7,706m). The PAMIR region and its namesake
mountains stretch across much of Tajikistan and parts of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan.
Similar to the Hindu Kush, numerous peaks in the Pamir region exceed 22,000 ft, with the
highest point being Pik Samani at 24,590 ft. (7,495m). Stretching almost 1,500 miles across
Kyrgyzstan and well into China, the TIEN SHAN (also Tian) is composed of multiple mountain
ranges commonly exceed 19,000 ft. The highest point is Pik Pobeda at 24,407 ft. (7,439m).
Major Rivers of the Middle East
Dozens of rivers are found in the Middle East, but four (4) major rivers dominate the region.
The AMU DARYA flows from a high plateau in the Pamir Mtns. of central Asia, across southern
Tajikistan, forming its border with Afghanistan, continues northwest, forming parts of the
borders between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and on into the Aral Sea. It is (1,578 miles)
(2,539 km) in length. In ancient times the Amu Darya was called the Oxus. It was part of Persia,
and played a significant role in the military campaigns of Alexander the Great. The
EUPHRATES begins in the Caucasus Mtns. Of Armenia. It flows southwesterly across West-
central Turkey, then southeast through Syria and Iraq, ending in the waters of the Persian Gulf.
The Euphrates joins with the Tigris in southern Iraq. Overall it is 2,235 miles long (3,596 km),
making it the longest river in the Middle East. Historically important in ancient times, the once
great city of Babylon stood on its banks.
The TIGRIS rises in the mountains of southern Turkey and flows southeast through Iraq, where
in the southern part of that country it merges with the Euphrates to become the Shatt al Arab,
which then flows to the Persian Gulf. The river has numerous small tributaries running from
its eastern bank, and is 1,180 miles long (1,899 km). The area bounded by these two great
rivers
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forms an area known as the Fertile Crescent and throughout history has been home to many
great civilizations. The INDUS begins in the high mountains of Tibet in southwestern China and
flows northwest through the Jammu & Kashmir region of India and Pakistan. It then flows
generally south through Pakistan to the Arabian Sea near Pakistan’s border with India. The
Indus, through a series of dams and canals, provides much of the irrigation and power for
central Pakistan. It is 1,800 miles long (2,896 km).
The Indian Subcontinent (South Asia)
The land referred to as the Indian subcontinent is a tectonic plate that began to separate itself
from surrounding slabs of rock (or plates) millions of years ago. The movement of that plate
changed the landscape, and formed the Himalayas, the world's most elevated mountain range
and home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. The subcontinent land is a peninsula
that extends south into the Indian Ocean. Geographers call it as a subcontinent because
although it is quit large, it's not big enough to be considered an individual continent. It includes
the countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and parts of Pakistan.
Major Landforms of South Asia
The Himalayas form the highest mountain range in the world, and slope southward into a large
fertile plain that covers much of the Indian Subcontinent. Three mountain ranges, the Himadri,
Himachal and Shivaliks, extend from the Indus River in the northwest, to the Brahmaputra
River in the east. They all have deep canyons gorged by fastflowing rivers fed by extensive
snowfall. The land rises slightly into two plateaus, bordered in the central and south by lower
mountains (the Eastern and Western Ghats), that gently slope into narrow coastal plains. The
subcontinent has over 5,000 miles of coastline and is bordered by the Arabian Sea, the Bay of
Bengal, the Laccadive Sea and the Indian Ocean. While numerous rivers drain the land, without
question, the Ganges River is the most important and significant rivers on Earth. The name
Ganges is known all throughout the region. This river runs for 1,560 miles from the Himalayas
all the way to the Bay of Bengal, and is more than just flowing water. It is the lifeblood to the
people who live nearby. While the Ganges is a crucial source of water and is considered holy by
many people, it is also, unfortunately, one of the most
polluted rivers in the world.
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Influence of India
With more than 1.2 billion people (yes, that’s BILLION!), India is one of the two most populated
countries in the world (the other being China) and lies at the center of this Asian region. The
ancient diamond-shaped country of India, the largest part of the Indian Subcontinent, extends
from the Himalayan Mountains in the north, south into the tropical reaches of the Indian
Ocean. This diverse and fertile country once included present-day Bangladesh and Pakistan.
India was colonized and controlled by Britain during much of the 19th and 20th centuries. In
1947, India declared independence. Shortly thereafter, Pakistan and then Bangladesh became
independent countries. Numerous major languages and hundreds of dialects are spoken in
India. Dozens of very large cities (over 1 million people each) and over 700,000 villages are
located throughout the country.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia includes the countries of Myanmar (formerly Burma), Thailand, Laos,
Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Philippines. Much of
Southeast Asia is comprised of large volcanic islands and island chains that straddle the
equator and divide the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Two of the largest of these island chains are
the Philippines and the Indonesian archipelago, which is the longest and largest island chain in
the world with over 18,000 counted islands. The large islands of Indonesia include Sumatra,
Java, Borneo and New Guinea. Other major land forms of Southeast Asia are the Malay and
Indochinese Peninsulas which jut south from China and the Indian Subcontinent
Indochina
Indochina is a geographical region of Southeast Asia. It occupies the easternmost region of the
Indochinese Peninsula, on land located directly east of Thailand, and south of China. It was
originally comprised of the French colony of Cochin, China, and the French protectorates of
Annam and Tonkin (later united with Cochin to form Vietnam); Cambodia (formerly
Kampuchea), Laos and Vietnam. Formed in 1887, its capital city was Hanoi, but this French
Indochina federation of countries only lasted into the mid-1950s. After the events of World
War II, and the end of Japanese influence in Southeast Asia, and after the defeat of the French
in 1954 by the Vietnamese, this area of the world changed dramatically. After agreements were
reached among China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom, France
relinquished any claims on the area, and all three countries (Vietnam,
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Cambodia and Laos) went on to become independent nations.
North Asia
The largest land component of Asia is a vast stretch of land extending from the Caspian Sea in
the West to the North Pacific Ocean and Bearing Sea in the East, from Indochina in the South to
the Arctic Ocean in the North. Within this vast area of Asia are the countries of Kazakhstan,
Mongolia, China, Russian Federation (Russia), Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan
and include two of the three largest economic countries in the world (Japan and China are the
second and third largest economies – the U.S. is the largest).
Influence of Russia
Russia, like Turkey, is officially located both in Asia and Europe. The Ural Mountains, running
south to north from the Kazakhstan border to the Arctic Circle, form the divide between
European and Asian Russia. Russia (officially the Russian Federation) is the world's largest
country by land area. It covers 11 time zones, all climate zones except tropical and stretches
almost halfway around the Earth. Russia is approximately 5,592 miles across (9000km). In
fact, check the map: when travelling by jet from Moscow to Vladivostok, it takes about 8 hours.
If you were to take that trip on the Trans-Siberian Railroad, count on your journey taking at
least four days! Russia has over 1,000 major cities, with 16 having a metro population of more
than one million. The most populated cities are Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod,
Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg. The population of Russia today is about 143.5 million.
Moscow, the capital, with over 12 million (metro) residents, is the country's major economic
and political center – and the seat of the national and state governments.
The Russian landmass west of the Ural Mountains is referred to as European Russia by most
educational atlases and geography experts. It is not a separate country, but rather called that
because of its political, cultural and geographical blending with Europe. While most of Russia’s
population lives west of the Ural Mountains, the vast majority of land and natural resources
lies east of the Urals in Asian Russia. Historically, most of the land in Asian Russia was
occupied for centuries by tribes from Mongolia and China. In the early 17th century, the 300-
year reign of the Romanov family began, and it was Czar Peter I who really began the
transformation of the Russian Empire. Following the reign of Queen Catherine II in the late
18th century, it emerged as an influential and powerful European force. In 1991, the USSR
(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) dissolved. When that union ended, Russia itself and its
former republics all became independent countries but many of them remained closely tied in
a federation. Because of its vastness and cultural influences from both Europe and Asia, Russia
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has a rich cultural diversity that includes a wide variety of languages, religions, cuisine and
arts. These cultural variations tend to tie closely to the neighboring regions. For example, Islam
tends to be the dominant religion in parts of Russia closest to the Middle East and Central Asia
while Russian Orthodox and Christianity tend to be more dominant in Northern and Western
Russia. The vast Russian Federation has a wide variety of weather conditions. Generally,
winters are somewhat mild along the Black Sea coastal areas, much colder inland and in the
northwest, and frigid in Siberia. Summers vary from mild to warm in the west and central, with
cooler conditions in the north, and along the Arctic coast.
Russia has more than 100,000 rivers that are 7 miles long, or greater. Significant rivers include
the Volga, Dnieper and Dvina (west), the Lena, Ob, and Yenisey (central) and the Amur in the
far-east. Lake Baykal in south-central Russia is the deepest lake in the world, at 5,310 ft.
(1,620m). The lowest point in Russia is -92 ft. (-28 m) below sea level at the Caspian Sea.
Russia is only about 60 miles from the US via the Bering Strait in the Pacific Ocean to Alaska
and it can often be walked in the winter! However if you are going from New York to Moscow
by jet, it is over 4600 miles. Russia is bordered by the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, a dozen seas
and 14 countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan,
North Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Poland and the Ukraine.
Russia contains 6,562,112 sq. miles (16,995,800sq km) of land area and has a coastline of
23,396 miles (37,653 km) along the Pacific and Arctic Oceans and numerous seas. The broad
European Plain or Volga River Plain extends from the Ural Mountains to its western borders
with Europe. In the far southwest the Caucasus Mountains slice across the land between the
Black and Caspian Seas. The country's highest point, Mt. Elbrus at 18,481 ft. (5,633 m), is
located there. The central and southern areas include large fertile areas, marsh, steppes (plains
without trees) and massive coniferous forests. Russia also has vast reserves of precious
minerals, oil and natural gas. Siberia is the largest region of Russia. It is a combination of
frozen tundra, with rolling hills rising to plateaus, and numerous rugged mountain ranges. The
northeast, south-central and southeast areas are covered by a wide variety of mountain ranges.
A few ranges on the Kamchatka Peninsula contain active volcanoes that are part of the Ring of
Fire.
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Influence of China (People’s Republic of China) Any meaningful discussion of Asian geography must include China. Much like the ancient
Roman and Egyptian empires, China led much of the world in the arts and sciences for
thousands of years. Then, in the 19th Century, China experienced debilitating civil unrest,
significant food shortages, military defeats, and foreign occupation.
With the end of World War II, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, the government
established a dictatorship that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict and harsh
controls over everyday life of citizens. Since 1978, China has gradually introduced market-
oriented and civil reforms. Those efforts were successful as the Chinese economy quadrupled
by the year 2000. Today, modern China is an economic and political powerhouse and a
dominant force in Asia.
Tourism, always popular in China, is a growth industry. The amazing variety of physical and
cultural resources of China makes it a truly unique destination.
China is the most populous country in the world with a current population of 1,306,313,800
(yes – BILLION!). The capital city is Beijing with a metro population of 12 million. Spoken
languages include Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua,) Yue (Cantonese), Wu
(Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects. Officially, China is an
atheist nation. However the country has a long religious history tied to Daoist, Buddhist,
Muslim and Christian faiths.
A broad range of weather is common in the large country of China. There is mostly tropical
weather in the South and southeast, much cooler (and colder) temperatures in the far North,
and subarctic conditions in the far southwest in the Himalaya Mountain system. Rainfall is
heavy along the southern coastal areas, lighter in the western regions, while in the North (in
the Gobi Desert areas) participation is generally sparse.
China occupies a huge part of eastern and central (or North) Asia and is bordered by the
Yellow Sea, South China Sea, Pacific Ocean and by (14 countries) including North Korea, the
Russian Federation, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India,
Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Laos and Vietnam. China has 23 provinces, five autonomous regions and
four municipalities and two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
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China has 9,010 miles of coastline and 3,600,945 sq miles of land area. In the vast western
reaches of China, mountains, high plateaus and deserts dominate the landscape, while the land
slopes into broad plains and deltas in the center and East. The Himalayas, the world's highest
mountain range, forms its southwestern borders with India, Nepal and Bhutan. Mt. Everest, the
highest mountain on Earth at 29,025 ft. (8.850 m), sits on the border between China (Tibet)
and Nepal. In the far northeast, high mountains ring its border with the Russian Federation.
The Gobi Desert, one of the largest and driest on Earth, runs west to east along its border with
Mongolia. Here the topography varies from sand desert into the low mountain foothills and
plateaus that stretch into Mongolia. The lowest point in China isTurpan Pendi at -154 m below
sea level. From the higher elevations in the West, literally thousands of rivers drain the
country. The most significant rivers include the Yangtze (third longest river on the planet), as
well as the Heilong (Amur), Mekong, Pearl and Yellow. Nearly all of the major rivers of Central,
South and Southeast Asia originate in China.
Whew! That was a lot of information. Take some time here to draw a mountainous scene from
China’s Himalayan Mountains. Label the borders.
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Map of Asia
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A Tour of Ten Asian Countries
Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)
Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East region of
Asia and has 5,000 years of fascinating history. Known as
Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979
after the ruling shah was forced into political exile. The
country is rich in natural gas and petroleum as well as natural
beauty and cultural resources such as ancient ruins, mosques
and museums that support tourism. Iran’s population is
79,000,000 and its largest and capital city is Tehran (metro
population of 11.7 million). The major languages spoken in
Iran are Persian and Turkic. Iran is an Islamic nation and the
main religions are Shi'a Muslim and Sunni Muslim The
country is bordered by the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf
of Oman, and by the countries of Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and
Pakistan. Its coastline is 1,516 miles (2,440 km) along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The
country also borders the Caspian Sea in the North. Iran is a very rugged country of plateaus
and mountains, dominated by the Elburz Mountains in the north, and the Zagros Mountains
along its western borders. The Dasht-e Kavir is a sandstone and salty desert plateau that is one
of the hottest places on Earth in the summer.
The most significant river is the Karun, in the southwestern corner of the country. Lake Urmia
(in the far-northwest) is the country's largest body of water. The county’s highest point is Mt.
Damavand at 18,934 ft. (5,771m) while the lowest point is the Caspian Sea (-28 m).
1. Iran was previously known by this name. _______________________________________
2. Name three bodies of water bordering Iran. __________, __________________________,
_________________________
3. Iran is located on the continent of Asia. What Asian region is Iran part of?
____________________________
4. Name the salty desert plateau in Iran that is one of the hottest places on Earth during the
summer. ____________________________________________
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5. Find a picture of a mosque. Sketch it below.
U.A.E. (United Arab Emirates)
Formerly known as the Trucial States, the United Arab
Emirates are a federation of seven individual states, all
ruled by emirs. Founded between the 7th and 8th
centuries, the Trucial States granted the United Kingdom
control of their defense and foreign affairs in treaties
signed during 19th century. In 1971, six of these states -
Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and
Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab
Emirates. They were then joined in 1972 by Ra's al
Khaymah. The economy is based primarily on oil and the
U.A.E. plays an important role in the leadership of the
Middle East. Abu Dhabi, the country's capital, and Dubai
(the largest city), are the largest and most modern cities
famed for their high-rise buildings and stylish hotels. The
country’s population is about 5 million. The U.A.E. has a coastline of 819 miles (1,318 km)
along the Persian Gulf. Most of the federation is a desert wasteland, with large, rolling sand
dunes, as the outer reaches of the Rub'Al Khali Desert stretch into the country. The coastal
areas fronting the Persian Gulf are flat. The Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape in the
northeast, and the country's highest point is located there. Interestingly, there are no
significant rivers or lakes. The country also includes numerous small islands situated offshore
in the Persian Gulf. The highest point is Jabal Yibir at 5,666 ft. (1,727 m), and the lowest point
is the Persian Gulf - at sea level.
The U.A.E. is located on the Tropic of Cancer and bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman and the
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Persian Gulf. The desert weather of the United Arab Emirate is hot and dry throughout the
year, with very little rainfall. The brief winter months (December - February) do bring some
mild cooling, especially in the hills and mountains of the northeast. Summer high temperatures
(July - August) reach the low 100s, while winter low temperatures seldom drop below 40º F.
1. Name the capital city and the largest city in the UAE. ______________ and
____________________________
2. The UAE is a federation of seven individual states each ruled by an
________________________________.
3. UAE was formerly known as the _________________________________ States.
4. The economy of the UAE is based primarily on what natural resource?
_____________________________
5. Draw a picture to show the lowest and highest points of UAE. Label them.
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Pakistan (Islamic Republic of Pakistan)
In 1947, as British rule came to an end in India, Pakistan was created when the Muslim-
dominated parts of India (to the west and east) of
Hindu India, were given autonomy. Those two areas
were called East and West Pakistan and they were
separated (right down the middle) by India. The city of
Islamabad became the capital city when it was officially
moved from Karachi (the largest city) in 1959. Then, in
1971, East Pakistan demanded independence, and is
now the country of Bangladesh. Today, West Pakistan is
simply known as Pakistan. As one of the most populous
but poor countries in the world with a population
of 190 million, Pakistan faces enormous economic and
social problems. Fortunately it possesses a
growing, diverse economy and immense natural
resources. Pakistanis speak many languages including Punjabi, Sindhi, Siraiki, Pashtu, Urdu
and English. Founded as an Islamic nation, the prominent religions are Sunni Muslim and Shi'a
Muslim. Pakistan is considered to be both part of the Indian subcontinent and positioned in the
Middle East. The country is bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, China, India and the Arabian Sea
with a coastline of 650 miles (1,046 km). At the heart of Pakistan is the Punjab Plain which is
bisected by the Indus River and fronts its border with India. In the southwest part of the
country is the arid and dry Baluchistan Plateau that extends to the border with Iran. Pakistan’s
most dramatic landscape is located in the North, at the western edges of the Himalayas,
including the Hindu Kush which is home to some of the tallest mountain peaks in the world.
The highest point in Pakistan is K2, or (Mount Godwin- Austen), is the second tallest mountain
on Earth at 28,250 ft. (8,611 m). The mountainous areas of west-central Pakistan, along the
border with Afghanistan, include the Ras Koh, Safed Koh and Toba Kakar ranges. The Indus
River and its numerous tributaries, one of the world's most significant waterways drain the
entire country. Pakistan has four provinces, including Balochistan, North-West Frontier
Province, Punjab and Sindh plus the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Islamabad
Capital Territory. From the Arabian Sea, to the high mountain of the north, Pakistan's climate
varies widely. Generally, south and east of the mountains, the country is hot and dry in the
summer months, with very little rain. Along the southern coastal areas humidity is very high.
In the northern and western mountains, summers are much cooler, and winter brings heavy
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snow. Throughout the Hindu Kush and the rugged peaks of the far north, Arctic-like conditions
in winter are normal. The heaviest rain (central and south), falls July through September, while
winters do bring some light rain. In the central Punjab region, May - July are the hottest
months, with daily high temperatures averaging near 90º F. High temperatures above 100º F
are common. Winter lows seldom fall below 40º F. The coastal areas enjoy milder, more
consistent temperatures, with
daily highs averaging near 85º F, and winter lows near 55º F. Some of the agricultural products
of Pakistan include cotton wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables, milk, beef, mutton and
eggs.
1. Pakistan is officially part of two different regions of Asia. Name the two regions.
_________________ and _____________________
2. Pakistan’s climate is widely varied with humid sub-tropical zones in the southeast near the
Arabian Sea and Arctic-like winters in the mountainous region to the North. What is the
name of this mountainous region at the western edge of the Himalayas? _______________
3. This important Asian river drains nearly all of Pakistan. __________________________
4. Pakistan was formed after 1947 when it became independent from what neighboring
country? __________________________
5. What countries border Pakistan? __________________________________________________________________
6. Draw some of the agricultural products of Pakistan. Label them.
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Bangladesh
For many thousands of years a long list of regional empires
and European nations fought for control of the waterlogged
land now called Bangladesh (official name is Peoples’
Republic of Bangladesh). Ruled by Britain in the 19th and
20th centuries, and once part of India, Bangladesh (formerly
called East Pakistan), was formed in 1971 when it officially
separated from its union with West Pakistan (now called
Pakistan). As one of the most crowded countries on Earth,
much of the lush, low-lying landscape is subject to yearly
flooding, and the subsequent devastation of cyclones. Those natural hazards have adversely
affected the nation's economy and its people, as they often cause great loss of life. Although not
a major tourism destination, Bangladesh is known for its natural beauty, the friendly people,
the capital city of Dhaka, and the easy-going beach resort of Cox's Bazar - home to the world's
longest beach. The population is 161 million. The capital city of Dhaka has about 14 million
residents. Major languages are Bengali (official) and English. Major religions are Muslim and
Hindu. Bangladesh is located on the Indian subcontinent in south-central Asia and is bordered
by the Bay of Bengal, India and Burma (Myanmar). It has a coastline of 360 miles (580 km). As
a nation of rivers, Bangladesh is in essence a large delta comprised of three significant rivers;
the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The Ganges is one of the most important rivers in the
world that begins in the Himalayas and drains much of northern India as well as Bangladesh,
two of the most densely populated nations on Earth. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is one of the
most flood-prone countries in the world, and when the spring snowmelt from the Himalayas
runs south to the Indian Ocean, the rivers often overflow. Replete with coastal mangrove
forests and tropical rain forests, the land is mostly flat, with a few hilly areas in the east and
southeast. The highest point is Keokradong - 4,035 ft. (1,230 m) and the lowest point is the
Indian Ocean at sea level. Bangladesh, one of the wettest places on the planet, is hot and rainy
in the summer months. Most of the annual rainfall (often over 60 inches per year) comes
during the monsoon season from June to September. In contrast, very little rain falls in the
cooler months (November - February). March, April and May are the warmest months with
high temps near 90º F. Winter lows seldom Fall below 55º F.
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1. Like Pakistan, Bangladesh was once part of what neighboring country?
______________________________
2. Due to immense rainfall during the summer monsoon season and low-lying river deltas,
Bangladesh is one of the ________________________________________ places on Earth that is subject to
repeated flooding.
3. Three major rivers drain Bangladesh, but the most famous and important is the_________
4. What resort area in southeast Bangladesh is home to world’s longest beach?________________
Malaysia
Archaeological evidence indicates that human
beings began inhabiting present-day Malaysia
over 40,000 years ago. Malaysia has been
controlled by outsiders for much of its modern
history. Europeans arrived on the Malay
Peninsula in the 17th century, as the Dutch
established trading posts along the coasts. It was
the British that recognized the strategic position
of the Malay states and their abundance of natural resources, subsequently colonizing
and controlling the region for over 150 years. During World War II, the Japanese invaded, and
occupied the area until 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula
(southern parts of Burma ((Myanmar)), Thailand and the Peninsular Malaysia) formed the
Federation of Malaya, and in 1957, gained independence from Britain. Malaysia itself was
formed in 1963 when Singapore
and the states of Sabah and Sarawak joined the Peninsular Malaysia Federation; the island,
city-nation of Singapore located at the very tip of the Malay Peninsula subsequently became
independent in 1965. Located in Southeast Asia, just north of the Equator, the exotic, tropical
islands and lands of Malaysia contain some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and a
collection of unrivaled rainforests and national parks. The country’s population is about 24
million. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur has a metro population of about 3.8 million.
Malaysians speak many different
languages including Bahasa Melayu (official), English, assorted Chinese dialects and other
indigenous languages. Religions in Malaysia included Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu and
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Christianity. Malaysia is immediately north of the Equator and located on both the southern tip
of the Malay Peninsula and on the northern edges of the island of Borneo. With an extensive
coastline of 2,905 miles (4,675 km), Malaysia borders by the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca,
assorted smaller seas, and the countries of Brunei, Burma (Myanmar),Thailand, Indonesia and
neighboring Singapore across the narrow Singapore Strait). Malaysia is comprised of
Peninsular Malaysia, which is part of mainland Southeast Asia, and the states of Sabah and
Sarawak on the northern edges of the island of Borneo. The coastal plains in Malaysia (in some
areas rather wide) rise gently into hills and mountains that are covered by dense rain forest.
Off its coastlines, Malaysia includes hundreds of very small islands. Over two dozen rivers flow
from the mountains, with the Pahang, Rajang and Sugut being the most significant. Malaysia’s
highest point is Mt. Gunung Kinabalu -13,451 ft. (4,100 m) on the island of Borneo. The lowest
point is sea level.
Due to its location near the Equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate with many sunny days.
Temperatures ranging from 70 to 90ºF (22 to 33ºC) are consistent throughout most of the
year. Two monsoon seasons (April to October) and (October to February) bring consistent, yet
moderate rainfall. Relative humidity is very high year-round.
The natural beauty of Malaysia is a major tourism draw, as few places on Earth are as pristine
and unspoiled. The country offers an incredible array of un-crowded beaches, rain forests and
hundreds of tropical islands. Malaysia has a world-renowned park system, including Taman
Negara National Park, with its gigantic trees, plants and colorful wildlife; Sabah's state parks
and stunning Mount Kinabalu; the world's largest orangutan sanctuary near the town of
Sandakan and Sarawak's collection of national parks, some of the most unique anywhere.
1. Malaysia is located on two different land masses in Asia, the Malay Peninsula and what
island? _______________________
2. Malaysia is famous for its natural beauty and parks including the world’s largest sanctuary
for what animals? ________________________
3. Name three foreign countries that have occupied, controlled or established trading posts in
Malaysia. ______________, _____________________ and _____________________
4. Much of Malaysia has a tropical climate due to its location just north of the _____________.
5. Draw an orangutan in the box below. See if you can find out what they like to eat and
include that in your drawing.
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Indonesia (Republic of Indonesia)
Indonesia is comprised of over 18,000 counted islands and
is by far the largest and most varied archipelago (island
chain) on Earth. It spans almost two million square
kilometers between Asia and Australia and is positioned
on the Equator across a region of immense volcanic
activity. Many of the smaller islands here are still
uninhabited with the larger islands of Java, Kalimantan
(Borneo), Irian Jaya (Papua), Sumatra and Sulawesi home
to most of the country’s 250 million people. The capital
(and largest) city of Jakarta is on the island of Java. This
tropical country and its many islands are one of the most stunning destinations on our planet
and tourism is a cornerstone of the Indonesian economy. Because Indonesia spans so many
islands and cultures many languages are spoken across the country including Bahasa
Indonesia (official), English, Dutch, Arabic and many local dialects. Although Indonesia is not
officially an Islamic nation, the majority religion is Muslim (88%), along with Protestant,
Catholic and others. Indonesia straddles the Equator and is therefore in both the northern and
southern hemispheres, as well as the eastern hemisphere. It's positioned just to the north of
Australia in far Southeast Asia and is bordered by the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, over a dozen
regional seas, and the countries of Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. Because of its
many islands, Indonesia’s has an amazing 33,999 miles (54,716 km) of coastline (one of the
longest in the world). The larger islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya
are quite mountainous, with some peaks reaching 12,000 ft. The highest elevations (over
16,000 ft) are found on Irian Jaya in the east with the highest point at Mt. Puncak Jaya at
16,502 ft. (5,030 m). Located along the “Ring of Fire” (a circle of active volcanoes circling the
Pacific Ocean), Indonesia has some 400 volcanoes within its borders, of which at least 90 still
active in some way. Significant rivers include the Barito, Digul, Hari, Kampar, Kapuas, Kayan
and Musi. Due to its location at the Equator, Indonesia is generally hot and humid throughout
the year, with moderate cooling in the higher elevations. Average temperatures (highs and
lows) vary little throughout the year. Brief, daily rainstorms are the norm, and the rainy season
runs from mid-December through March.
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1. Indonesia is the largest and most varied _________________________________________ on Earth.
2. With over 400 ____________________________________, Indonesia earns its place on the “Ring of
Fire.”
3. According to the map of Indonesia, the main islands that make up northern Indonesia are
also collectively named the____________________________________ Islands.
4. Indonesia shares the large island of Borneo with two other countries. Name them.
_______________________ and _________________________________________________
Philippines (Republic of Philippines)
Located on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean and along the Ring
of Fire, the Philippines is the second-largest archipelago on Earth
after Indonesia, with over 7,100 individual islands counted within its
borders. For hundreds of years the Philippines was a Spanish colony,
but then was ceded to the U.S. in1898, following the Spanish-
American War. At the end of World War II in 1946, the Philippines
attained total independence. Since gaining independence the
government has struggled with failed dictators and ineffective
elected leaders. The country has suffered from a number of natural
disasters and struggles economically with a largely poor population
nearly 88 million. Despite many natural resources, the Philippines also has one of the highest
rates of deforestation in the world. At the current rate of deforestation it has been estimated
that the country’s virgin forests are in danger of disappearing by 2010. The capital and largest
city of Manila is located on Luzon. Languages spoken include Filipino (official), English
(official), Tagalog and Spanish. Major religions are Catholic (81%), Muslim (5%) and
Protestant (5%). The Philippines is positioned off the southeastern coast of Asia, directly east
of Vietnam and northeast of Malaysia. This island nation is literally surrounded by the Pacific
Ocean, and many smaller bodies of water including the Philippine Sea, Celebes Sea, Sula Sea
and the South China Sea. Like Indonesia, the Philippines has a vast coastline of 22,549 miles
(36,289 km). The Philippine islands, positioned on the Ring of Fire, are subject to frequent
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The Mayon Volcano is the most active in the Philippines,
and is considered one of the most dangerous on Earth. However, it does not stand alone. In
1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted and proved to be one of the most significant volcanic events in
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recorded history. Spanning about 1,100 miles (North to South), its many volcanic islands are
mostly mountainous, with narrow coastal plains. Many islands are covered by tropical rain
forest. Luzon is the largest island, followed by Mindanao, and both have numerous volcanoes.
The longest river is the Cagayan (Río Grande de Cagayan) on Luzon, 217 miles, (350 km) long.
Other significant rivers (on Luzon) include the Abra, Bicol, Chico, and Pampanga. On Mindanao,
important rivers include the Mindanao River and the Agusan. Laguna de Bay, just southeast of
Manila, is the largest lake of the Philippines. Lake Taal, also south of Manila, occupies a huge
volcanic crater and contains an island that is itself a volcano.
Lake Lanao is the largest lake of Mindanao and the source of the Agusan River. The highest
point in the country is Mt. Apo at 9,692 ft. (2,954 m) and the lowest point is sea level.
The Philippines is tropical, very warm and humid throughout the year, and are subject to
seasonal monsoon rains (May - October) and (November - February). Annual rainfall is heavy
but varies widely. The greatest amounts Fall along the mountainous east coasts of Luzon,
Samar, and the northern tip of Mindanao. The Philippines (especially the eastern coasts of
Luzon and Samar) are also subject to frequent typhoons (the same as hurricanes) (July -
October). On average, five may cause significant destruction each year. Between March and
May, hot, dry weather prevails across the islands, with high humidity levels. Temperatures in
Manila range from 70° F to 90° F, with an average annual temperature of 80° F.
1. Much of Philippine culture, including language, place names and food are influenced by the
past colonial rule by what European country? __________________________________________
2. Like Indonesia, the Philippines has many active volcanoes. Which active volcano located
on the island of Luzon had a major eruption in 1991? ___________________________________
3. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, name three of the small seas that border the Philippines.
______________________, _____________________, and _______________________________________
4. The Philippine archipelago is comprised of more than _______________ islands.
5. What is meant by the term ring of fire? _________________________________________________________
6. What is a tropical rainforest? Draw one below. What animals might you see there?
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Japan
Steeped in centuries of culture and history, Japan, an
archipelago of four major islands (Hokkaido, Honshu,
Shikoku and Kyushu) and over 4,000 smaller islands,
is a mostly mountainous country with only 15% of its
land cultivable. As a result, its largest cities ring the
coastline -18,486 miles (29,751 km) long. The
mammoth and dense metropolis (and capital city) of
Tokyo (metro population of 31.8 million), and the
other huge cities along the Pacific Ocean are home to
most of Japan’s 127.8 million people. Despite its
relatively small land area and moderate sized
population, Japan has the second largest
industrialized economy in the world behind the U.S.
Japan is a world leader in technology, electronics and
automobiles. Japan’s cities have a fast-paced culture
and excitement, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. However, the rural coastal villages and
wilderness areas, the winter wonderland of Sapporo, and remote islands exist as well. The
official language is Japanese and main religions include Buddhist and Shinto (85%). Positioned
off the eastern coast of Asia, east of the Korean Peninsula, this island country is bordered by
the Philippine Sea, East China Sea, Sea of Japan (East Sea), Sea of Okhotsk and the North Pacific
Ocean. A long ridge of rugged mountains runs through the heart of Japan, punctuated by steep
treelined slopes, and deep valleys on the Pacific Ocean side, and lower hills and mountains
along the Sea of Japan side. The main interior mountain ranges include the Akaishi, Hido and
Kiso, where elevations exceed 9,800 ft. (3,000 m). The country's highest point, Mt. Fuji,
southwest of Tokyo, is a dormant volcano with a height of 12,388 ft. (3,776 m). The lowest
point in Japan is Lake Hachirogata at -13 ft. (-4 m) below sea level. Like many other island
nations of eastern Asia, the islands of Japan are located on the Ring of Fire and as a result
suffer from frequent, violent earthquakes and some serious volcanic activity. A small series of
plains are situated along the coastal areas. A notable number of (very short) rivers flow briskly
down the mountains into the coastal areas. The largest river in Japan is the Shinano. The
weather in Japan varies dramatically north to south, and many travelers feel the ideal months
to visit are March through May. In the northern reaches of the country, the summers are warm
and comfortable, while winters are long and cold. In the central regions, summers are hot and
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humid, and winters short. In the southwestern areas, summer weather can be subtropical, very
hot and humid, with mild winters. The islands of Japan receive significant amounts of rain,
with the highest amounts occurring during summer and early fall.
1. Which of Japan’s four major islands is home to the capital city of Tokyo? _______________
2. Because major mountain chains cover most of Japan, only ___________% of the land is
cultivable (can be used to grow crops).
3. Japan has the second largest __________________________ in the world; only the United
States is larger.
4. Name the four seas surrounding the islands of Japan. ______________________,
________________________, _______________________ and _____________________
5. Draw a scene from any Japan location (urban, suburban, rural) and label.
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The Korean Peninsula (North and South Korea)
Archaeological evidence on the Korean Peninsula indicates that humans inhabited this
land some 500,000 years ago. In the last century much has happened on this
volatile land. In a land-grab, Japan annexed the entire peninsula in 1905, but at the end of
World War II in 1945, Korea was split into North and South, with the 38th parallel the general
demarcation line. In many cases, families were literally split in two by this action.
Five years later, in 1950, North Korea, with aid
from China and the former Soviet Union, tried to
conquer the southern region, but was defeated by
the army of the South Korean Republic which
was backed by the United States. Today, North and
South Korea are as different as black and white
when economies, living conditions and personal
freedoms are compared, but on the Korean
Peninsula today there are millions of people still
hoping for the eventual reunification of their
common culture and extended families.
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of
Korea)
~ Population approx. 25 million
~ Capital City Pyongyang (2.6 million) metro (3.4
million)
~ Languages: Korean
~ Religions: Buddhist, Confucianism, some
Christian
~ Coastline 1,550 miles (2,495 km)
North Korea occupies the northern half of the
Korean Peninsula, which extends southward from
the Asian continent and China. North Korea is
bordered by China, Russia and South Korea, and by
the Korean Bay, Yellow Sea and East Sea (Sea of
Japan). North Korea is an economically and socially isolated nation which is closed to
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foreigners. Its totalitarian government does not allow travel to and from the country and little
is known about life for average North Koreans. North Korea is composed of a series of
medium-sized mountain ranges and large hills, most separated by deep, narrow valleys. The
highest peak is located on its northern border with China at Paektu-san at 9,002 ft. (2,744 m).
Along the west coast there are wide coastal plains, while along the Sea of Japan coastline,
narrow plains rise into mountains. Similarly to South Korea, dozens of small islands dot the
western coastline. North Korea’s longest river is the Yulu (Yalu). Other large rivers include the
Tumen, Taedang and Imjin. The lowest point is sea level. North Korea experiences long, cold,
and somewhat dry winters.
Summers are brief; often hot (central and south) and quite humid. Winter temperatures
(November - February) seldom rise above 32º F, and temps below -10º F are not uncommon.
Summers (June - August) enjoy high temperatures in the 80s. Approximately 65% of North
Korea's annual rainfall occurs between June and September. South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Unlike North Korea, South Korea has a democratic government with elected leaders and an
open society. Despite its young age, the new South Korea has made great strides in becoming
an important, leading industrialized nation. Following years of on-going political rancor and
much-needed social policy changes, the modern, transformed country of South Korea, and its
dramatically expanded economy garnered the world's attention in a big way by successfully
staging the Summer Olympics of 1988, and the 2002 soccer World Cup. South Korea is a
growing and prosperous industrial economy focused on technology, consumer products, heavy
machinery and automobiles. Tourism is also now growing rapidly, especially in the Australian
and Asian markets.
~ Population approx. 49 million
~ Capital City Seoul (9.8 million) metro (20.5 million)
~ Languages: Korean, English
~ Religions: No affiliation (46%), Buddhist (26%) Christian (26%)
~ Coastline 1,499 miles (2,413 km)
South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, which extends southward
from the Asian continent. South Korea is bordered by North Korea, and by the Yellow Sea, East
Sea
(Sea of Japan) and the Korea Strait. South Korea shares much of the same geography and
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54
climate as North Korea. South Korea is very hilly and mountainous in the east, where the
Taebaek Mountains dominate the landscape. The hilly land (central) slopes toward the West
and becomes undulating coastal plains where most of the people live and useable agricultural
land is found. The country's highest point is Mt. Halla-san, an extinct volcano located on Cheju
Island at 6,398 ft. (1,950 m). The lowest point is sea level.The western and southern coastlines
are covered by thousands of islands and narrow channels. Significant rivers include the Kum,
Han and Naktong. The weather in South Korea is of the four-seasons variety: Spring is chilly
with frequent drizzle; summers are hot and often rainy, with the heaviest
rainfall during the monsoon season (June - July). The fall months are beautiful and pleasant as
dry cooler winds blow in from the North. Winters bring much colder conditions with snow or
rain. Milder winter temperatures are the norm along the southern coastal islands. Winter high
temperatures (November - February) seldom rise above 45º F, and in the higher elevations,
low temperatures below -10º F are common. Summers (June - August) enjoy high
temperatures in the 80s, and in the far south, conditions border on tropical.
1. Archeological evidence indicates that humans have lived on the Korean Peninsula over
_________________________________________ years ago.
2. In 1945, following decades of occupation by Japan, Korea was split into two countries at
what parallel (latitude) line? ____________________________________________
3. South Korea’s highest point is an extinct volcano Mt. Halla-san located on ______________island.
4. The capital city of North Korea is _____________________________________________.
5. In box #1, draw and label a scene from North Korea. In box #2, draw a scene from South
Korea and label.
1
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Quick Asia Quiz 1. Both the highest point and lowest point on the surface of the Earth are located in Asia.
What is the highest point? _________________ What is the lowest point? ________________
2. Asia is generally separated into four regions. Can you name all four?
_________________. __________________, ___________________, __________________
3. Two Asian countries are “trans-continental” because they span both Asia and Europe. One
such country is Russia. Can you name the other? _____________________________
4. The two highest mountains on Earth can be found in what Asian range? ________________
5. What is the name of the north-to-south mountain range that
separates European Russia
from Asian Russia? ____________________________________
6. Which Asian country has the largest population of any nation on
Earth: China or India?
___________________
7. The deepest lake on Earth is ____________________, located in
____________________.
8. The largest island chain or archipelago is also this Asian country?
____________________
9. Many Asian countries including Japan, the Philippines and
Indonesia have active volcanoes.
What is the name of the chain of volcanoes that connect all of these mountains along the Pacific
Ocean? ____________________________________________
10. Can you name the three countries that share the large island of Borneo?
___________________, _____________________, and _______________________
11. The second highest mountain on Earth is K2 located in what country?
______________________
12. Many Southeast Asian countries are affected by heavy late summer rains (June –
September) called ______________________.
13. The __________________ is one of Earth’s most important rivers because it drains two of
the most populous areas on the plant: northern India and Bangladesh.
14. Name the countries of Indochina. _____________, _____________, and _______________
15. Japan is very mountainous. How much land in Japan is cultivable? ___________________
16. North and South Korea are separated by a line that crosses which latitude? ____________
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Fill in the the continents!
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List of Asian Countries and Capitals - study them
Countries Capital Countries Capital Afghanistan Kabul Russia Moscow
Armenia Yerevan Saudi Arabia Riyadh
Azerbaijan Baku Singapore Singapore
Bahrain Al Manamah Sri Lanka Colombo
Bangladesh Dhaka Dha Syria Damascus
Bhutan Thimpu Taiwan Taipei
Brunei Bandar Seri Begawan Tajikistan Dushanbe
Cambodia Phnom Penh Thailand Bangkok China Beijing Turkey Ankara
East Timor Dili
Georgia Tbilisi Turkmenistan Ashgabat
India New Dehli United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi
Indonesia Jakarta Uzbekistan Tashkent
Iran Tehran Vietnam Ha Noi
Iraq Baghdad Yemen Sanaa
Israel Jerusalem Phillippines, Manila
Japan Tokyo Qatar, El Doha Pakistan, Islamad
Jordan Amman
Kazakhstan Astana
South Korea Seoul
North Korea Pyongyang
Kuwait Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan Bishkek
Laos Vientiane
Lebanon Beirut
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur
Maldives Male
Mongolia Ulaanbaatar
Myanmar Rangoon
Nepal Kathmandu
Oman Mascat
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Asia-Africa Word Search-Just for Fun
T B W K M A W A B U Y N L A Z O J U O M Q I O S K I A I I N Q G T R W M T N B I R T B N A Z X N V U S A D A F A S E D P E L E O W N U D X Z N I R O A J L T A C R D G A O N K I N J O B N Z X B F I R G P A A E Y Y A I P O I H T E A A P T S K S O U T H A F R I C A S Q I G A O I D F A Q S C W D C C A O G I B R N Q Y A N A H G K A W O S I I P A N I G E R I A D R R C H E L B I F K O R E A B Y A C H A V D J R E Y U A K L U U D M O V P E G L X B P Q T K
AFRICA ASIA BOTSWANA
BURUNDI CHINA CONGO
ETHIOPIA GHANA INDONESIA
IRAN JAPAN KOREA
LIBERIA MADAGASCAR MALAYSIA
NIGERIA PAKISTAN SOUTHAFRICA
TANZANIA
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More Geography Resources
Want to find out more information about your favorite continent or country?
Check out these websites:
www.nationalgeographic.com
Most maps were taken from the website
www.worldatlas.com. Other resources include:
www.geographia.com
www.factmonster.com
www.africaguide.com
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
Don’t forget to also use your MCPS Online Resources!
Hey alright!
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Algeria Algiers Angola Luanda Benin Porto-Novo Botswana Gaborone Burkina Faso Ouagadougou Burundi Bujumbura Cameroon Yaounde' Cape Verde Islands Praia Central African Republic Bangui Chad N'Djamena Comoros Moroni Congo Brazzaville Cote d'Ivoire Abidjan Djibouti Djibouti Egypt Cairo Equitorial Guinea Malabo Eritrea Asmara Ethiopia Addis Ababa Gabon Libreville Gambia Banjul Ghana Accra Guinea Conakry Guinea-Bissau Bissau Kenya Nairobi Lesotho Maseru Liberia Monrovia Libya Tripoli Madagascar Antananarivo
Malawi Lilongwe Mali Bamako Mauritania Nouakchott Mauritius Port Louis Morocco Rabat Mozambique Maputo Namibia Windhoek Niger Niamey Nigeria Abuja Rwanda Kigali Sao Tome' and Principe Sao Tome' Senegal Dakar Seychelles Victoria Sierra Leone Freetown Somalia Mogadishu South Africa Pretoria Sudan Khartoum Swaziland Mbabane Tanzania Dar es Salaam & Dodoma Togo Lome' Tunisia Tunis Uganda Kampala Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) Kinshasa Zambia Lusaka Zimbabwe Harare
List of African Countries