Dog Names

The Greyhound is a breed of dog that likely originated in Africa

Dog names come in many different forms and from places around the world. In the U.S., where I live, the most popular dog names tend to be names like Spot, Buddy, Lucky, Daisy, Coco, Angel, Spike or Rocky. Other common canine names include Bandit, Princess, Zeus, Duke and Ginger.

Somewhat surprisingly, in the last few years, I have had quite a few persons contact me looking for an African name for a dog. Fortunately, African cultures offer us suitable choices for dog names.

For instance, instead of naming a dog Buddy, you can choose a name that will let the world know your dog is your “non-human” friend by naming the dog KUUME (koo-OO-meh) or OGBO (oh-boh) meaning friend. Instead of Princess, Queenie, or King, you could name your dog, KWINI (KWEE-nee) (queen), or ADE (ah-DEH) (royal).

Looking for the perfect dog name? Each of the names below is accompanied by its meaning, pronunciation and place of origin. Which names are your favorites? If you have a suggestion or a dog with an African name, please share the name and a picture of the dog with us. Hopefully, here you will find a name to fit the size, color, or personality of your pooch.

NAME	PROUNUNCIATION	MEANING	ORIGIN	GENDER
AMAR	(ah-MAH)	Long life.	East Africa (Kiswahili)	(M)
ANE	(AH-neh)	Keep them guessing.	Nigeria (Ishan)
AZA	(AH-zah)	Powerful, strong.	Kiswahili
BAAYO	(BAH-yoh)	Orphan.	Gambia (Wolof)
BIKA	(BEE-kah)	Announcement, omen.	Kiswahili
CHAGA	(CHAH-gah)	To do vigorously.	Kiswahili	(M)
CHEBE	(CHEH-beh)	Chance, luck, fortune.	Azania (Xhosa)
DINGA	(DEHN-gah)	To wander, to be without a home.	Azania (Zulu)
DOMME	(DOHM-meh)	I have been blessed.	Ghana (Akan)
DUMA	(DOO-mah)	Lightning, thunder.	Zulu
EMI	(EH-mee)	Ghost.	West Africa (Yoruba)
ENYI	(ahn-yee)	Friend, friendship.	Nigeria (Igbo)	(F)
FAA	(FAAH)	Be useful.	Kiswahili
GONI	(GOH-nee)	A promise.	Azania (Xhosa)
INAANI	(ee-NAHN-nee)	Who is left at home?	Southern Africa
KAABO	(kah-AH-boh)	Welcome.	West Africa (Yoruba)
KAFI	(kah-fee)	Quiet, serene.	Central Africa	(F)
KAMIKAZI	(kah-mee-kaah-zee)	Queen.	Rwanda, Burundi	(F)
KANZI	(KAHN-zee)	Treasure; valuable.	East Africa (Kiswahili)	(F)
KHATA	(KHAH-tah)	Home.	Azania (Zulu)
KHAYA	(KAH-yah)	Home.	Azania (Xhosa)	(M)
KHAYAKAZI	(kah-yah-KAH-zee)	The great home; she will be refuge to many.	Azania (Xhosa)	(F)
KIFAA	(kee-FAAH)	Useful.	Kenya, Tanzania (Kiswahili)	(F)
KUUME	(koo-OO-meh)	Friend.	Namibia (Ovambo)
KWINI	(KWEE-nee)	Queen.	(Kiswahili)	(F)
LOMO	(LOH-moh)	Sunshine.	Nigeria
MINZI	(MEEN-zee)	Defender; protector.	East Africa	(M)
MOJA	(MOH-jah)	One; single.	Kiswahili
MORITI	(moh-REE-tee)	Shadow, messenger.	North Sotho
MOYO	(MOH-yoh)	Life, well-being, good health.	Malawi	(M)
NATA	(NAH-tah)	To be faithful.	Kiswahili	(F)
OBI	(OH-bee)	Heart.	Nigeria	(Igbo)
ODE	(oh-DEH)	Born along the road.	Benin
OGBO	(oh-boh)	Friend, mate, twin.	West Africa
OKAKA	(oh-KAH-kah)	Blessing.	Nigeria (Eleme)
OKRA	(OHK-rah)	Soul.	Ghana	(M)
OLEE	(oh-lee)	Happy moment.	Nigeria
RAADI	(rah-AH-dee)	Thunder.	(Kiswahili)
ROHO	(ROH-hoh)	Spirit; soul.	(Kiswahili)	(M)
RORO	(ROH-roh)	Fierce.	West Africa (Yoruba)
SAFARI	(sah-FAH-ree)	Journey, trip.	Kiswahili
SISA	(SEE-sah)	Benevolent; fondness.	Azania	(M)
SITI	(SEE-tee)	Lady.	East Africa (Kiswahili)	(F)
STARA	(s-TAH-rah)	Protected.	East Africa (Kiswahili)	(F)
SUDI	(SOO-dee)	Luck.	East Africa (Kiswahili)	(M)
TEKE	(TEH-keh)	Prayer.	Nigeria
TEZI	(TEH-zee)	One who stays.	Azania (Zulu)
TIIFU	(tee-ee-FOO)	Loyal, faithful.	East Africa (Kiswahili)	(M)
TINDO	(TEEN-doh)	Active.	Kiswahili	(M)
TITA	(tee-tah)	Prince.	Cameroon (Mubako)	(M)
TITI	(tee-tee)	Flower.	Nigeria
UCHE	(OO-cheh)	Deep thought, reflection.	Nigeria	(F)
UJE	(oo-jeh)	Happiness.	Nigeria (Igarra)

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The Book

“One thing that sets this book apart from other name books is that it makes clear that it’s not just for babies.” _{-Los Angeles Times}

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They Say…
“Askhari Johnson Hodari is to be congratulated and celebrated for simplifying African Americans’ process of reconnecting with a most fundamental aspect of who we are—our names. The African Book of Names has the potential to serve as a catalyst for understanding and embracing our heritage more fully than ever before.”
- Lori Robinson, author of I Will Survive: The African-American Guide to Healing from Sexual Assault and Abuse
Did You Know?

except Ethiopia, Africa was colonized

With the possible exception of Ethiopia, all of Africa was colonized by non-African countries. The United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Portugal all claimed to rule parts of Africa without the consent of the African population.

2013-06-16T08:24:38+00:00

With the possible exception of Ethiopia, all of Africa was colonized by non-African countries. The United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Portugal all claimed to rule parts of Africa without the consent of the African population. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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no other continent has as many countries, divisions, or languages

No other continent has as many countries or languages as Africa.

2013-06-16T12:35:40+00:00

No other continent has as many countries or languages as Africa. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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the equator runs

In Africa, the equator runs along for almost 2500 miles, passing through 6 countries: Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya and Somalia.

2013-06-16T08:28:56+00:00

In Africa, the equator runs along for almost 2500 miles, passing through 6 countries: Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya and Somalia. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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highest birth rates

Niger, Mali and Uganda take the #1,2 and 3 spots for the highest birth rates in the world (2009).

2013-06-16T12:54:15+00:00

Niger, Mali and Uganda take the #1,2 and 3 spots for the highest birth rates in the world (2009). Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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most populated city in Africa

The most populated city in Africa is the Egyptian capital of Cairo with an estimated 9.12 million residents in the metropolitan area (2011).

2013-06-16T12:31:26+00:00

The most populated city in Africa is the Egyptian capital of Cairo with an estimated 9.12 million residents in the metropolitan area (2011). 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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57% of the world’s cocoa

Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire produce 57% of the world’s cocoa.

2013-06-16T12:42:51+00:00

Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire produce 57% of the world’s cocoa. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Lake Malawi has largest number of fish

Lake Malawi has the largest number of fish species in the world. There are over 500 species.

2013-06-16T12:41:11+00:00

Lake Malawi has the largest number of fish species in the world. There are over 500 species. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Benin & twins

Benin, in West Africa has the largest national average of twinning, with 27 twins per 1,000 births.

2013-06-16T12:42:20+00:00

Benin, in West Africa has the largest national average of twinning, with 27 twins per 1,000 births. 2 people like this post. Like Unlike

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African languages

African languages are varied with more than 1000 languages spoken across the continent.

2013-06-16T09:01:06+00:00

African languages are varied with more than 1000 languages spoken across the continent. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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African population lives in cities

At least half of the African population lives in cities, towns, or modern coastal cities. Highly urbanized areas of Africa include (but are not limited to): Lagos, Alexandria, Algiers, Abidjan, Johannesburg, Capetown, and Kinshasa.

2013-06-16T12:27:25+00:00

At least half of the African population lives in cities, towns, or modern coastal cities. Highly urbanized areas of Africa include (but are not limited to): Lagos, Alexandria, Algiers, Abidjan, Johannesburg, Capetown, and Kinshasa. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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world’s oldest desert

The world’s oldest desert is the Namib Desert, in Namibia; and it is the only desert in the world inhabited by elephant, rhino, giraffe and lion.

2013-06-16T12:22:43+00:00

The world’s oldest desert is the Namib Desert, in Namibia; and it is the only desert in the world inhabited by elephant, rhino, giraffe and lion. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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Nigeria most populated country

With a population of more than 113 million, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and the 10th most populous country in the world.

2013-06-16T08:10:14+00:00

With a population of more than 113 million, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and the 10th most populous country in the world. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Youth literacy in Zimbabwe

Youth literacy (ages 15-24) is highest in Zimbabwe at 99%.

2013-06-16T12:52:44+00:00

Youth literacy (ages 15-24) is highest in Zimbabwe at 99%. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Africa more than 3 times

Africa is more than three times the size of the United States. The United States fits into Africa 3.3 times.

2013-06-16T08:05:02+00:00

Africa is more than three times the size of the United States. The United States fits into Africa 3.3 times. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Equatorial Guinea is richest

Equatorial Guinea is the richest country in Africa.

2013-06-16T12:43:45+00:00

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Sierra Leone’s capital city Freetown

Sierra Leone's capital city Freetown was founded by freed slaves in the 1790's. They settled near an old cotton tree that is still alive today and one of the city's main tourist attractions. Imagine what that tree has seen...

2013-06-16T08:15:15+00:00

Sierra Leone’s capital city Freetown was founded by freed slaves in the 1790′s. They settled near an old cotton tree that is still alive today and one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Imagine what that tree has seen… Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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life began in Africa

Human life began in Africa. People lived in Africa for at least 4 million years before they lived anywhere else in the world.

2013-06-16T08:04:42+00:00

Human life began in Africa. People lived in Africa for at least 4 million years before they lived anywhere else in the world. 2 people like this post. Like Unlike

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highest & lowest point in Africa

The highest point in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at 5895 meters high. The lowest point is Lake Asal in Djibouti at 153 meters below sea level.

2013-06-16T08:31:31+00:00

The highest point in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at 5895 meters high. The lowest point is Lake Asal in Djibouti at 153 meters below sea level. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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largest country in Africa

The largest country in Africa is Sudan, the smallest is The Seychelles. The most populated country is Nigeria and the largest city is Cairo in Egypt.

2013-06-16T08:54:41+00:00

The largest country in Africa is Sudan, the smallest is The Seychelles. The most populated country is Nigeria and the largest city is Cairo in Egypt. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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South Sudan

South Sudan is the newest country in Africa. It was officially born on July 9, 2011 (2013).

2013-06-16T12:37:00+00:00

South Sudan is the newest country in Africa. It was officially born on July 9, 2011 (2013). Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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bigger than sahara

Only three countries in the world are bigger than the Sahara– Russia, Canada, and China.

2013-06-16T20:28:50+00:00

Only three countries in the world are bigger than the Sahara– Russia, Canada, and China. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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world’s biggest hospital

The world's biggest hospital is in Soweto. In terms of land area, South Africa's Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is the biggest hospital in the world, as it stands on 173 acres of land (as of 2009).

2013-06-16T08:09:42+00:00

The world’s biggest hospital is in Soweto. In terms of land area, South Africa’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is the biggest hospital in the world, as it stands on 173 acres of land (as of 2009). Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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15 landlocked countries

There are 16 landlocked countries in Africa (2013).

2013-06-16T12:40:14+00:00

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Madagascar

Madagascar is the home of the worlds largest as well as the smallest chameleons! Almost half of the world’s chameleon species live on the island of Madagascar.

2013-06-16T08:09:17+00:00

Madagascar is the home of the worlds largest as well as the smallest chameleons! Almost half of the world’s chameleon species live on the island of Madagascar. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest structure in the world for more than 4,000 years.

2013-06-16T12:34:29+00:00

The Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest structure in the world for more than 4,000 years. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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hottest place in the world

The hottest place in the world is recorded at Al’Azizyah in Libya.

2013-06-16T12:40:43+00:00

The hottest place in the world is recorded at Al’Azizyah in Libya. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Africa is warmest continent

Africa is the warmest continent. The equator runs through Africa about halfway between the northern-most and southern-most points.

2013-06-16T09:03:04+00:00

Africa is the warmest continent. The equator runs through Africa about halfway between the northern-most and southern-most points. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Sudan used to be largest country

Sudan used to be the largest country in Africa by area before it was divided, now Algeria is Africa’s largest country (2013).

2013-06-16T12:37:43+00:00

Sudan used to be the largest country in Africa by area before it was divided, now Algeria is Africa’s largest country (2013). Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Egypt is 2nd most populous country

Egypt is the second most populous country in Africa with over 82 million people (2011).

2013-06-16T12:30:18+00:00

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Namibia has tallest

Namibia has some of the tallest (and most beautiful) sand dunes in the world.

2013-06-16T08:13:22+00:00

Namibia has some of the tallest (and most beautiful) sand dunes in the world. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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Nobel Prizes

Eighteen African people have been awarded a Nobel Prize. They came from Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

2013-06-16T12:51:38+00:00

Eighteen African people have been awarded a Nobel Prize. They came from Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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population & race

The African population is 80% Black, 19% Arab, and 1% Asian, European (2009).

2013-06-16T12:45:40+00:00

The African population is 80% Black, 19% Arab, and 1% Asian, European (2009). 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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ethnic groups

There are at least 3000 distinct ethnic groups in Africa; Nigeria alone has more than 370 recognized groups.

2013-06-16T12:50:28+00:00

There are at least 3000 distinct ethnic groups in Africa; Nigeria alone has more than 370 recognized groups. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Africa has more gold, diamonds

Africa has more gold, diamonds, chrome, copper, plutonium, cobalt, titanium and jewels than any other continent, with little to show for the exploitation of African resources.

2013-06-16T08:08:04+00:00

Africa has more gold, diamonds, chrome, copper, plutonium, cobalt, titanium and jewels than any other continent, with little to show for the exploitation of African resources. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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1.033 billion people

Approximately 1.033 billion people live on African continent (2011).

2013-06-16T08:05:21+00:00

Approximately 1.033 billion people live on African continent (2011). 4 people like this post. Like Unlike

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world’s largest desert

The world’s largest desert, the Sahara, is in Africa.

2013-06-16T12:20:41+00:00

The world’s largest desert, the Sahara, is in Africa. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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Ethiopia never colonized

Ethiopia was the only nation in Africa that was not colonized by Europeans.

2013-06-16T12:46:25+00:00

Ethiopia was the only nation in Africa that was not colonized by Europeans. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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language v. population

Approximately 25% of the world’s languages are spoken only in Africa, however, Africa accounts for 16% of the world’s population (2009).

2013-06-16T12:49:28+00:00

Approximately 25% of the world’s languages are spoken only in Africa, however, Africa accounts for 16% of the world’s population (2009). Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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2nd largest canyon in the world

The Fish River canyon in Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world.

2013-06-16T12:35:57+00:00

The Fish River canyon in Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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Africa centrally located

Africa is the most centrally located of all of the continents.

2013-06-16T12:29:19+00:00

Africa is the most centrally located of all of the continents. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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world’s longest river

The world’s longest river, the Nile, is in Africa.

2013-06-16T12:21:05+00:00

The world’s longest river, the Nile, is in Africa. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Liberia was settled

Liberia was settled by former American slaves, who came back to Africa.

2013-06-16T12:46:54+00:00

Liberia was settled by former American slaves, who came back to Africa. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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largest lake in Africa

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.

2013-06-16T12:32:41+00:00

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Sudan Pyramids

While Egypt is most well known for its pyramids, the Republic of Sudan has 223 pyramids, double the number of pyramids in Egypt.

2013-06-16T12:33:51+00:00

While Egypt is most well known for its pyramids, the Republic of Sudan has 223 pyramids, double the number of pyramids in Egypt. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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Africa is second largest

Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent.

2013-06-16T08:30:22+00:00

Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent. 1 person likes this post. Like Unlike

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sand boarding

Sand boarding is popular in Egypt, Morocco, Niger, South Africa, Algeria, and Libya.

2013-06-16T08:14:15+00:00

Sand boarding is popular in Egypt, Morocco, Niger, South Africa, Algeria, and Libya. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Maasai

The Maasai, in their bright red clothing, are probably the most familiar African ethnic group.

2013-06-16T12:47:26+00:00

The Maasai, in their bright red clothing, are probably the most familiar African ethnic group. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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1st African female president

The first African female president was Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

2013-06-16T12:50:58+00:00

The first African female president was Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. Be the first to like. Like Unlike

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Dog Names

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The Book

They Say…

Did You Know?

except Ethiopia, Africa was colonized

no other continent has as many countries, divisions, or languages

the equator runs

highest birth rates

most populated city in Africa

57% of the world’s cocoa

Lake Malawi has largest number of fish

Benin & twins

African languages

African population lives in cities

world’s oldest desert

Nigeria most populated country

Youth literacy in Zimbabwe

Africa more than 3 times

Equatorial Guinea is richest

Sierra Leone’s capital city Freetown

life began in Africa

highest & lowest point in Africa

largest country in Africa

South Sudan

bigger than sahara

world’s biggest hospital

15 landlocked countries

Madagascar

Great Pyramid

hottest place in the world

Africa is warmest continent

Sudan used to be largest country

Egypt is 2nd most populous country

Namibia has tallest

Nobel Prizes

population & race

ethnic groups

Africa has more gold, diamonds

1.033 billion people

world’s largest desert

Ethiopia never colonized

language v. population

2nd largest canyon in the world

Africa centrally located

world’s longest river

Liberia was settled

largest lake in Africa

Sudan Pyramids

Africa is second largest

sand boarding

Maasai

1st African female president

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