Africa

Each stage in the development of humankind can be traced

in the African record. In the nineteenth century, the northern European colonial powers divided the rest of Africa among themselves. Exploitation followed of the continent's wealth and people, with few resources being invested for the continent's own benefit. The domestication of cattle in Africa precedes agriculture and seems to have existed alongside hunter-gathering cultures. It is speculated that by 6000 B.C.E. cattle were already domesticated in North Africa. About a million years ago humans explore northwards out of Africa, beginning the process by which mankind has colonized the planet.

on its territory, which consists of 29.2 million square kilometers,

there are 55 states.  The geographical position of Africa is such that it is located immediately in the northern and southern hemisphere. Due to this the climate here is very diverse.

kinds of antelope are still found in some parts of

the country. In the great game parks, animals may be seen living in natural surroundings. So extensive is the variety both of smaller mammals and of plants that they have not yet all been identified. The number of different kinds of birds is approximately 900; that of snakes, 200. The number of species of insects is estimated at 40,000, and there are about 1,000 kinds of fish.

very dry and hot climate on it. It literally intersects with

the line of the equator, from which the cooler, but at the same time more arid climatic zones diverge to the north and south. Also there is a lot of precipitation. In the equatorial belt is the hottest point of Africa - Dallall. To the north and south of the equator are subequatorial zones. There are abundant precipitation during the whole summer, and in the winter period monsoons come here, bringing a drought.

one of the world's most famous safari parks. One of

the oldest game reserves in South Africa, the park offers visitors the chance to see the "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife. offers visitors the chance to see the "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife.

between a rugged range of mountains and the sea. On

Table Mountain's eastern slopes, the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens lie within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Penguins waddle along the golden beaches in False Bay, while south of the city, Cape Point is home to abundant wildlife and diverse botanical wonders.  One of Cape Town's top attractions is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

wildlife, this vast conservation area is home to the famous

black-maned Kalahari lion, stately gemsbok with their V-shaped horns, the sprawling nests of sociable weavers, meerkats, and many birds of prey. Other predators such as leopard, cheetah, and hyenas are also found here. Other predators such as leopard, cheetah, and hyenas are also found here.

white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings, Stellenbosch is one of the best

preserved towns from the era of the Dutch East India Company. History buffs can take a walk back in time at the Village Museum, a group of four restored houses and gardens dating from 1709 to 1850.  Rupert Museum displays important works by South African artists, and the Botanic Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is another top tourist attraction. In the surrounding area, nature buffs can hike and bike on the wilderness trails in the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

of the most popular vacation destinations in South Africa and

home to the country's highest peaks. The region encompasses the World Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a region of jaw-dropping beauty with jagged basalt buttresses and San rock art, and Royal Natal National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, magnificent cliff face and source of South Africa's main rivers. Dense forests flourish in the sheltered valleys, and the area is home to more than 800 different species of flowering plants as well as a rich diversity of wildlife. In the summer, the mountain landscapes are lush and fertile with gushing waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. In the winter, snow cloaks the dramatic peaks.

by oil transmission n ship ports, water resources poor management,

lack of financial resources required for sustainable development and efficient utilization of resources, absence of effective regional and basin development plans and shared management, and under-estimation of the groundwater potential to supplement irrigation and drinking water supplies.
 Energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa varies dramatically and dominates fuel consumption. According to reports the use of wood for fuel is predominant in both rural and urban locations and accounts for approximately 70% of total energy use. This cause another problem – deforestation. In Sub-Sahara region Nigeria consistently leads to commercial energy consumption. Thus, according to data in 2001, Nigeria consumed 0.92 quadrillion Btu (quads), 32% of all energy consumed in the region. Although domestic demand for energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa is growing rapidly, consumption levels remain well below world averages.

requires greater protection and a sustainable use that will ensure

the income of those who depend on it. There is a need to maximize biodiversity landscape protection, to give priority to biodiversity areas close to areas of high population density, and to give balanced attention to such regions as the arid and semi-arid areas.

be specified being a controversial subject of heated discussion among

the representatives of the academia. In a number of countries such as Nigeria and Angola, fore example, oil is the principle source of benefits. However it is pretty clear that new technologies used in oil exploration are extremely harmful for the environment. Environmental problems are common and rise heated debates. 

agriculture and arable lands, and mismanagement of available water resources

combined with poor economic policies to support food production. Land degradation is also a serious environmental problem. However, Africa owns vast areas of unexploited arable land which could be exploited in the future through the integrated management of land, water and human resources.