The Miss Africa USA Management team proudly presents the African Queen in America Miss Fatoumata (Fifi) Souma who will reign as Miss Africa USA 2010 – 2011. Miss Fifi was crowned at the beautiful Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Saturday July 24 2010.

Fifi Souma is from the Republic of Guinea Conakry, 21 yrs old, speaks fluent French and English, Full time student at Montgomery College with a major in Communication. Fifi’s platform is to raise awareness and fight against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), promote Education of the Girl Child in Guinea and to continue as
a Goodwill Ambassador volunteering for America by teaming up
with charitable organizations across the United States to serve needy communities. According to the Judges, Fifi had a lot of poise and gleamed with confidence on stage, looked comfortable, is very talented and stood out overall.

The Pageant weekend kicked off with an elaborate VIP banquet at the University of Maryland Marriott Conference Center while the pageant show took place at Montgomery College Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD. Both events were successful and sold out beyond capacity and we do apologize to those who were turned away because the PAC had no more room for anymore attendees.

A glimpse at the audience as the National Anthem of the United States of America was being played via audio CD at the Grand finals. Miss Chinwe Enu from Nigeria followed with the African Anthem ” Nkosi Sikelele Africa”and she wowed the audience with her amazing operatic voice.

In attendance at the Miss Africa events, were African Ambassadors to the United States,
local Elected officials, University Professors, sponsors, special guests, friends and family and the 32 finalists who made it to the grand finals this year, representing different African countries in the United States of America.

The event was chaired by Valerie Ervin, Vice President of Montgomery County Council who presented a proclamation to the Miss Africa USA Pageant and the African Women’s Development Foundation, declaring July 22 -25-2010 as Miss Africa USA Pageant days in Montgomery County, she was present with her Aide Mr. Joseph Eyong who also played a very supportive role in this pageant and directed protocol very well to ensure all dignitaries were taken care of. Mr. Eyong was also instrumental in showcasing Montgomery County to the delegates and their family and friends which is what the pageant also aims to attain by highlighting the host county to the rest of the world. Montgomery County was certainly very welcoming to over 1000 guests who visited from other states, from Africa and Canada as well.
It was also great to have in the house representatives from the Federal Reserves, thanks to Mr. Wayne Pacine, Senior Inter-agency Project Analyst from the office of Staff Director, Governor of Federal Reserve System in Washington DC.

Vice President of Montgomery County Council Valerie Ervin and her Aide Mr. Eyong present the Proclamation to the leadership of the pageant: Lady Kate Njeuma, Founder and Executive Producer, Miss Linda Arrey, Pageant Coordinator.

Also in attendance were the Pageant Patrons all the way from Clayton County Georgia, Honorable Mike Glanton and his beautiful wife Pearla Glanton who have relentlessly supported the pageant over the years. Mrs Glanton presented special gift baskets for all finalists and volunteers.

From left to right: Mr. Lionel Blamir from Western Union, Hon. Mike Glanton and Mrs Pearla Glanton, Dr. Aretha Makia the host and Mr. Joseph Eyong, personal Aide to Council Woman Valerie Ervin, on stage for the coronation.

The pageant this year was hosted by Dr. Aretha Makia, a former beauty Queen from Cameroon who also received the Woman of Valor Award for being an inspiration to young women. She was supported by the following MCs Dr. Emma Osong from Cameroon and Miss Nunu Wako from Ethiopia.

The pageant this year was judged by some of the most respectable leaders and role models in the community and we are grateful for their time and commitment and for giving us a new Queen. They all agreed it was a tough pageant to judge this year and out of the 32 brilliant young ladies, only one had to go home with the Crown.

The top 4 winners following the Queen are as follows:

Miss Natasha Beckley from Sierra Leone, Natasha’s goal is to continue working with women in her Sisters for Sisters Campaign.
She aims to continue volunteering with organizations in the US and spreading her humanitarian efforts in Africa and internationally as well. It has also been reported that Miss Beckley will represent Sierra Leone at the upcoming Miss World Contest in China.
Natasha will also serve as the Queen’s Deputy as needed.

Miss Priscilla Boateng comes in 3rd place as the 2nd Princess. Priscilla hails from Ghana, she is a graduate, returning to school for a Masters degree in Marketing. Priscilla has adopted a school in her home town in Ghana where she hopes to encourage students to gain knowledge and skills in information technology. She will equip the computer lab and promote interest in IT among students in Ghana. Congratulations Miss Boateng!!!!! !!

The Judges:

Mr. Jerrod Mustaf: President and CEO of Street Basketball Assoc. Former NBA star.

Her Excellency Neneh M Gaye: Former Ambassador of Gambia to the United States of America, a journalist and diplomat by profession and an activist for women’s rights and empowerment.

Mrs Sarian Bouma: Commissioner with the Governor of Maryland African Affairs Commission, Author of the book ‘From Welfare to Millionaire’ and entrepreneur with branded
products in the market.

Mrs Astrid Tasong: Director of Vikings Unlimited, including the Vikings Center, Vikings Floral and Vikings Event Planning based in MD.

Mr. Bertini: Actor and Model based in New York.

Mr. Peter Wairegi: Editor in Chief of African-American Lifestyle Mag
and Motivational Speaker.

Coming in at 4th Place is Miss Coretha Antchouey representing the Republic of Gabon. Coretha is a medical student with an interest in women’s health. She hopes to become an OB/GYN specialist in the future which is why her platform is based on women’s health. She has launched a campaign to raise awareness on the risk of Cervical Cancer through education and screening for all women in Gabon. She has met the first Lady of Gabon and is supported by the Embassy of Gabon in the USA and she is a voice for women in Gabon. Coretha plans to continue working on her platform as a Goodwill Ambassador. Congratulations Coretha.

Miss Nigeria, Roseline Amusu comes in at 5th place. Roseline is not new to pageantry, she had represented Nigeria in the Miss Universe pageant 2005. Roseline has launched an amazing project highlighting her platform to fight against child trafficking and child slavery in Africa and the world. She is a victim of this crime and is doing everything to save children from being trafficked or to rescue those who are already child slaves. She plans to continue her work with the Break Free Foundation which she launched this summer in New York City, to do just that. We congratulate Miss Amusu.
The Pageant Management remains forever grateful to all the sponsors this year without whom this event would not have been possible.

We continue to thank

Western Union as the Presenting Sponsor of Miss Africa USA 2010
and for winning the Long term Sponsor Award. Western Union has sponsored the pageant for 4years in a row and they are not backing down. So Western Union we say big thank you. Western Union is the biggest and fastest and most affordable way to send money to Africa, we are happy that Western Union supports community programs such as the Miss Africa USA pageant. Western Union Representatives were on location to hand a big check of $3000 to the Queen and also sponsors the Cash for tuition for the First and Second runner up, a further $2000 a total of $5000. Representatives also gave out gift items to attendees as they arrived for the show. So thank you Western Union. We had a marvelous show, thanks for your support.

Thanks also to Afrotainment TV, the entire crew was at the event to cover for broadcast, from the Managing Director Yves Bolanga to Eric Noue to the camera men, we say thank you and it has been a pleasure working with Afrotainment TV. Afrotainment TV will broadcast this event on Sat July 31, channel 751 on Dish network. If you are not subscribed to Dish Network please do so and request Afrotainment TV.

The cultural showcase was amazing. All finalists went the extra length to really bring out their traditions and cultures in the various segments of the competition. Pictured above is the display of Kenyan culture by Miss Angela Wambui and Hilda Mauya both depicting the Masai culture. Well Afrotainment TV will be screening this pageant July 31 2010 so get subscribed on dishnetwork.
The video will be out at a later date.

We fell in love with the Viking Center, a spacious, beautiful and elegant venue for all your special events. We are proud to say the Vikings Center was a sponsor of the 2010 Miss Africa USA Pageant. The Vikings Unlimited also sponsored the Queen’s Floral Bouquet. We say thank you to the Viking Center Maryland. We enjoyed all rehearsal sessions at the Vikings Center.

Miss Amanda Sibeso Wamunyima from Zambia residing in Florida, was crowned the People’s African Princess. She won the online voting which went on for months on the website. Amanda will continue advocating for better healthcare for the people of Zambia as her platform. She also volunteers with organizations in the State of Florida.
Thanks to Mr. Kenny Lama from the Global American barter for the generous sponsorships including hotel rooms for staff, Limousine service and gift baskets. We appreciate your support for the pageant and support for all the designers who flew in from Africa for this event: Mr. Frank Osodi from Lagos Nigeria, Vera Vee Ochia from Kenya, Stella Atal from Uganda and California based designer Akouavi. We say thank you.

Special thanks to the Glanton Family, Mrs Pearla Glanton for all the hard work she put into those beautiful gift baskets, just what any pageant girl would want to take care of those last minute needs. Thank you Mrs Pearla Glanton.

Check out this head dress by Miss Namibia, Twama Nambili. I know Africans have all kinds of head wraps and head pieces and accessories but this one is new to me. Very beautiful but one has to be careful not to poke someone else with it…LOL. You can see that African Culture is very diverse.

Special thanks to a special person, Mr. Peter Wairegi, Editor in Chief of African-American Lifestyle Magazine for the generous sponsorship package for the Queen. We are grateful for your offer and sponsorship. We look forward to working with you and thanks for serving as a judge and sponsor.

To our great friends and sponsors from New York City: 2C Africa, the best travel agency for all your international travel needs. We thank you for the generous offers of luxury vacation for the Queen and her Deputy – 1st Princess. I am sure they will be grateful for the relaxation package in Las Vegas this year. We say thank you.

Lady Kate Njeuma on pageant night giving shout outs, kudos and thanks to all!!!

To our great friends and Media sponsor all the way from the beautiful State of California, CNE TV we say thank you for making out here in Maryland for the show with your entire crew. It was great working with you and we say thank you.

It was also a great pleasure to work with Access Montgomery TV: AMTV 21 and AMTV19, the crew was present at the pageant finale to capture the moments. We say thank you.

Appreciation also goes to the following: Ms Sylvie Bello for stepping in at the last minute to offer support, Fregan Motion Pictures for all the help with audio visuals, Msheel.com for sponsoring the shoes for the winners, Mrs Diane Kadji Nkengfac for offering to take care of the Queen’s hair and make up through out her reign, Erika Mitchell from Uvae Make Up and hair on location. Erika was there with her team from Atlanta Georgia to take care of the finalists make up. Thanks to all promoters who supported us, Mr Gbenga from Party Addicts, thanks to Miss Estella of Estella Couture for great networking opportunities, thanks to Mr. Ronnie Mayanja, Gloria Darko for the support.

Special thanks to the Miss Africa USA management team, the staff and volunteers for going the extra mile to make this event a success.

The A-Team: left to right: Erika Mitchell Director of Make up was present with a team of make up artists from Atlanta Ga, DJ fly, an international DJ based in Atlanta Georgia, handled all the technical and sound needs of the delegates, Harold Greaves from Harold Greaves Photography, a multi-tasker, was on hand and ready to do anything to ensure the event flowed smoothly, Miss Jessica Emeh is from Nigeria, serving as Assistant Production manager, she choreographed the opening numbers and worked hand in hand with the production manager Kyle Haggerty, Miss Linda Arrey Mbi, pageant coordinator worked hard to ensure all the finalists were ready for the pageant.
Thanks to Mrs Constance Nkwantah from Boston serving as the Communications Director, our able volunteers Williams, Judith from Boston and Lauretta, thanks to the volunteer chauffeur Mr. Panel Hegngi for his professionalism and charisma with the girls. Thanks to our photographers: Harold Greaves Photography, Sagat Studios and George Christopher Photography. We will eventually release professional shots of the event in the days ahead. We had a great production again this year thanks to the expertise of Mr Kyle Haggerty of Haggerty Associates who has been producing this African pageant (as he calls it) for 4 years now.

Delegates on the LIMO ride to Zanzibar in Washington DC, sponsored by Fredericksburg Limousines and Global American Barter.

Thanks to all the media houses represented, thanks to our vendors Niani Jewelry and the African Games. We say thank you to all artists who performed at the show, Miss Chinwe Enu, Emmanuella Tamfu, Kanja the African King and the Ngonju Dance group.
The above list is by no means exhaustive, we will continue to blog on this event because there is so much to say and so much to share for those who did not make it to the show in Maryland. We thank you for your support of the finalists and of the Miss Africa USA Pageant.

We will continue to bring you updates but for now, please join us in CONGRATULATING MISS FIFI SOUMA, Miss Africa USA 2010 -2011. Fifi is an amazing young lady and a lucky winner. She had just dropped the Miss Guinea USA Crown the week before as Miss Guinea USA 2009, in the same Performing Arts Center witnessed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea. Fifi was crowned at the same department where she attends classes. This is all a coincidence and she certainly felt comfortable in her own environment. Congratulations Miss Fifi. I am sure Montgomery College is also very proud of you.

Miss Fifi Souma was crowned by former Miss Africa USA Teizue Gayflor and she was assisted by former Miss Cameroon USA Danielle Frankie Forchive. The Queen’s Floral Bouquet was sponsored by Vikings Florals. We also thank Ma Edwan Fon for sponsoring flowers as well.

To all the beautiful and ambitious young women who made it to the finals this year, we congratulate each and everyone of you because you all won. You represented in an extra-ordinary fashion, it was a tough contest and at the end of the day your humanitarian missions which you embarked on makes you a woman of substance with a heart of gold. Go forth and continue your projects and we are all here to support you via the African Women’s Development Foundation Inc.

Thanks to all our American and non-African friends who attended this event, we hope you enjoyed a little bit of the African culture. We hope that you learned something about Africa and African culture, this in turn will help promote diversity, understanding and cultural awareness because the world today is a global village and we all need to understand and get along with each other.

Rehearsals at the Viking Center, Burtonsville, MD.

We certainly will continue blogging on this event, we will continue the kudos, the thank yous and more and also update the Miss Africa USA website. You may continue to follow reports on this event on facebook, twitter and all our social networks.

We invite fashion, cultural and international magazines to contact us for official photos of the event. Africa was certainly alive in Maryland this past weekend.

Please subscribe to our mailing list via the website to receive updates and more.

Please click on the following links to read more:

UNAA TIMES OF UGANDA

FARAI TODAY REPORTS ON THE PAGEANT

READ GUGU BANDA’S EYE WITNESS ACCOUNT OF THE PAGEANT

Apply for 2011 Miss Africa USA Pageant via the website www.missafricaunite dstates.com

From the entire team, we say thank you and Congratulations to the Queen Fatoumata (Fifi) Souma, Miss Africa USA 2010.

Yours respectfully

Lady Kate Njeuma
Founder and Executive Producer
Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant.

7883 North Main Street
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236
678 663 5892, 678 886 5950
www.missafricaunite dstates.com

Criteria for selecting the schools

The research leading up to the publication of the 100 Best High Schools in Africa began with the launching of the website in December 2000.
Chief of all questions in the research process was this: which schools impart real knowledge and ability in their students, skills that translate directly into later success?
Why is it that students who pass with high grades do not always achieve spectacularly in the professional fields?

The main criteria used by Africa Almanac were, in order of importance:

1) The strength and active reach of the old boys and old girls associations and networks of the schools, especially as they act through re-unions, financial donations to the school, and alumni websites and newsletters. The rationale for this was that there is no better way a school’s impact on students is better felt than in the degree of loyalty maintained after the students leave the school.
2) The profile of the school, especially in terms of academic excellence and/ or its success in extracurricular activity, particularly sports and the performing arts. This would be obvious for a school to be regarded as successful, especially where it performs well both in academic and extracurricular disciplines.
3) The presence and visibility of the school on the Internet, in such areas as the maintenance of a website or some form of user group and chat room. Good schools of the 21st century would, as a matter of course, have made some strides toward acquiring some form of Internet presence.
4) The presence of the school in the news and its tendency to attract news coverage on radio, television, magazine articles, and newspaper news stories and features.
5) The reputation, achievements, and high profile of the school’s current and past students. The rationale would be that the crowning achievement of a school — its very reason for being — is to produce students and alumni who impact society in a meaningful way.

The 100 best high schools in Africa, 2003

Source: Africa Almanac research
As at May 20, 2003

Africa’s 50 oldest schools (by Country)

Africa’s 50 oldest schools (by Date)

Africa’s 100 Best Secondary Schools, 2003

As at October 1, 2003 Source: Africa Almanac research

1. Grey College South Africa
2. Rift Valley Academy Kenya
3. King Edward VII SchoolSouth Africa
4. Hilton College South Africa
5. St. George’s College Zimbabwe
6. Prince Edward School Zimbabwe
7. InternationalSchool of Kenya Kenya
8. Accra Academy Ghana
9. Lycée Lamine Guèye Senegal
10. Adisadel College Ghana
11. St John’sCollege Houghton South Africa
12. Maritzburg College South Africa
13. Lycée Guebre Mariam Ethiopia
14. Selborne College South Africa
15. St Alban’s College South Africa
16. Lycée Lyautey Morocco
17. Durban High School South Africa
18. Grey High School South Africa
19. St Andrew`s College South Africa
20. Gateway High School Zimbabwe
21. Glenwood High School South Africa
22. Rainbow International School Uganda
23. Lycée Moulay Youssef Morocco
24. Kearsney College South Africa
25. St.James High School Zimbabwe
26. Wynberg Boys High School South Africa
27. Pretoria Boys High School South Africa
28. Lycée Français de Tananarive Madagascar
29. MauritiusCollege of the Air Mauritius
30. InternationalSchool Moshi Tanzania
31. Le Collège Mermoz Ivory Coast
32. Strathmore School Kenya
33. Parktown Boys’ High School South Africa
34. InternationalSchool of Tanganyika Tanzania
35. Holy Child School Ghana
36. Christ The King College Onitsha Nigeria
37. Graeme College South Africa
38. JeppeHigh School for Boys South Africa
39. Alliance High School Kenya
40. HillcrestSchool Jos Nigeria
41. Kingswood College South Africa
42. Hamilton High School Zimbabwe
43. Lincoln International School Uganda
44. Lycée Victor Hugo Morocco
45. Alexandra High School South Africa
46. École Normale Supérieure Guinea
47. Ghana International School Ghana
48. Arundel School Zimbabwe
49. Rondebosch Boys’ High School South Africa
50. Starehe Boys’ Centre Kenya
51. AmericanInternational School of Johannesburg South Africa
52. Victoria Park High School South Africa
53. Methodist Boys High School Sierra Leone
54. Harare International School Zimbabwe
55. Methodist Girls High School Sierra Leone
56. Lenana School Kenya
57. St. Andrew’s High School Malawi
58. Benoni High School South Africa
59. Waddilove High SchoolZimbabwe
60. Roedean School South Africa
61. Wykeham Collegiate Independent School for Girls South Africa
62. Lycee Francais du Caire Egypt
63. Christian Brothers’ College Bulawayo Zimbabwe
64. Kamuzu Academy Malawi
65. Mount Pleasant High School Zimbabwe
66. Mfantsipim School Ghana
67. Chisipite Senior SchoolZimbabwe
68. Gayaza High School Uganda
69. Kutama College Zimbabwe
70. Wheelus High School Libya
71. Michaelhouse School South Africa
72. Westville Boys’ High School South Africa
73. Namilyango College Uganda
74. GovernmentCollege Umuahia Nigeria
75. Muir College South Africa
76. Wesley Girls High School Ghana
77. Alexander Sinton High School South Africa
78. Lycée Faidherbe Senegal
79. RoyalCollege PortLouis Mauritius
80. Lycée La Fontaine Niger
81. Lycée Lyautey de Casablanca Morocco
82. Settlers High School South Africa
83. Nyeri High School Kenya
84. Pinetown Boys’ High School South Africa
85. Kings’ College Lagos Nigeria
86. Lycée Français Liberté Mali
87. Paarl Boys’ High School South Africa
88. St. Paul‘s College Namibia
89. Tafari Makonnen School Ethiopia
90. Wynberg Girls’ High School South Africa
91. Bingham Academy Ethiopia
92. Port Shepstone High School South Africa
93. Clapham High School South Africa
94. Hillcrest Secondary School Kenya
95. South African College School South Africa
96. Lycée Blaise Diagne Senegal
97. St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls South Africa
98. Townsend High School Zimbabwe
99. St.Gregory’s College Nigeria
100. Allan Wilson High SchoolZimbabwe

Defining dates in African history, 5000 B.C-2000 A.D

5000 B.C The people of northern Africa began practicing farming.

4000 The vast area stretching across northern Africa and down to central Africa began drying up, turning into what is today the Sahara desert.

3100 Upper and lower Egypt were united by King Menes to become Egypt of antiquity, one of the greatest of world civilizations. Menes also founded the first Egyptian dynasty.

2686 Construction work on the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Egypt began.

2650 The first great pyramid, called the Step Pyramid, was built for the king Zoser and it stood at about 60 metres high.

3000The Third Pharaoh of the First Egyptian Dynasty conquered the Nubian people of the Upper Sudan area. The future Kushite empire grew out of this conquest.

2000 To the south of Egypt, the kingdom of Kush began to rise to greatness.

1991King Amenemhet founded Dynasty XII, a dynasty that would greatly increase the power of the already increasingly powerful kingdom of Egypt.

1670 Immigrant leaders known as Hyskos rulers, founded a dynasty that would rule Egypt for 100 years.

1490 A new king named Thutmose III ascended the Egyptian throne. Under his reign, which lasted until 1436, Egypt reached the peak of its power, greatness, and splendor. At an almost yearly interval for 20 years, Thutmose led military invasions into the southwestern Asian territories of Syria and Palestine and annexed them to the Egyptian empire.

1367Amenhotep IV came to the throne, changed his name to Akhenaton, and changed Egypt’s history in a dramatic way. He was a worshipper of the a sun god called Aton, represented as the disk of the sun. He urged Egyptians to worship Aton, and moved the capital to a new city called Akhetaton, about 280 kilometres north of the city of Thebes. The arts flourished during his reign.

1070 The Dynasty XX of Egypt came to an end, and with it began the decline of Egypt as a great nation as power struggles between priests and royals divided Egypt into small, weak states.

663The Kushites were expelled from Egypt by the Assyrians and moved to the south, where they established their new capital at Meroe, in present-day Sudan.

332 The Macedonian ruler, Alexander the Great, conquered Egypt and added it to his great empire. In that year, he also founded the Egyptian city of Alexandria, named in his honour.

323 Alexander died and his empire was divided between his generals.

305 One of them, Ptolemy, took control of Egypt and founded a dynasty called the Ptolemies. The Ptolemies advanced Greek culture and learning in Egypt, built elaborate temples in honour of the Egyptian gods, exploited Egypt’s natural resources and expanded trade with other nations. Alexandria was made Egypt’s capital, a city that would become one of the most famous of the ancient world, most famous in particular for its library and museum.

51 Cleopatra VII (69-30 B.C), the legendary 18 year-old second daughter of Ptolemy XII, succeeded her father upon his death that year. Although widely believed to have been Egyptian, Cleopatra was actually a Greco-Macedonian, but was the only one in her family to learn the Egyptian language. She co-ruled with her 15-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII, who also doubled as her husband. The historian Plutarch recorded thus: “For her actual beauty, it is said, was not in itself so remarkable that none compared with her, or that no one could see her without being struck by it, but the contract of her presence, if you lived with her, was irresistable; the attraction of her person…and the character that attended all she said or did, was something bewitching.”

37 Cleopatra married the Roman general Mark Anthony, a joint ruler of Rome.

30 The Roman general Ocatvian entered Alexandria city. Cleopatra’s alliance with the renegade Mark Anthony had enraged Rome, causing Octavian to turn his anger on Egypt. Realizing that the odds were against her, Cleopatra took her own life, legend having it that she held a snake in her hand and made it strike her dead.

300 A.D The first settlers of Zimbabwe arrived in the area.

350 The kingdom of Kush, which had been dominant for more than 2000 years, was defeated by the eastern African kingdom of Axum, and dwindled to its final decline. To the west of Africa, the future, great empire of Ghana began to take shape.

639 Bands of Muslim Arabs from Syria invaded Egypt, planting the seeds of Islam in Africa and radically changing Egypt from a Coptic Christian society, to a predominantly Muslim nation.

642 The Arab invaders captured the then capital of Egypt, Alexandria.

700 At about this time, Muslim Arab traders began to migrate and settle along the Indian Ocean coast of eastern Africa, in present-day Somalia, Kenya, Zanzibar, and mainland Tanzania, and Mozambique. A flourishing trade and Muslim- influenced culture arose and with it, the Kiswahili language, a hybrid of Arabic and Bantu languages.

710 The Arabs completed their conquest of North Africa, also spreading Islamic culture to West Africa.

969Rulers known as the Fatimid (who claimed direct descent from Fatima, one of the two daughters of Islam’s founder the prophet Muhammad), took control of Egypt and founded the city of Cairo (Al-Qahirah), making it Egypt’s capital in 973, a city that would grow and eventually become the largest in Africa by the early 21st century.

1100 Ancient Zimbabwe began to rise to greatness as a farming and trading empire in central Africa.

1235 Sundiata, the ruler of the Kangaba, began his five-year conquest of the nearby areas of Sosso.

1240 The Ghana empire was defeated by Sundiata, king of Mali. As a child, Sundiata could neither walk nor talk, but he overcame this handicap and transformed Mali into a great power.

1307 The legendary ruler of Mali, Mansa Musa (1312-1337) ascended the throne of Mali. History would record him as Africa’s wealthiest-ever king.

1324 Mansa Musa made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Accompanied by more than 500 people with him, each of them carrying a staff of solid gold, Mansa Musa passed through Cairo, giving away so much gold that the price of the precious metal fell and the economy was effected for more than twenty years after that. As a result of his pilgrimage, Mali started to appear in the maps of Europe and the Near East.

1433 Portuguese explorers, on their way back to Europe from a voyage to West Africa, took two Negroes with them as slaves.

1434Zar’a Ya’cob (1434-1468) ascended the throne of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Under his reign, the first contact between Ethiopia and the western nations was established. He sent Ethiopian Coptic monks to study in Europe.

1446 The Portuguese sailed past the present nation of Cape Verde in West Africa, on the first of several voyages that would later result in the establishment of European colonial rule across Africa.

1450 Work began on the building of the Great Enclosure, a complex brick wall fortress that would come to be regarded in latter centuries as one of the greatest ancient African monuments.

1493 Askia Muhammad (1493-1528) came to the throne of Songhai.

1495In a pilgrimage to Mecca reminiscent of that made by Mansa Musa in 1324, Askia Muhammad visited Mecca, in a trip remembered for its extravagance and pomp. Upon his return, he determined to transform Songhai into a staunchly Muslim kingdom. He would not succeed, but under his reign, the legendary city of Timbuktu would reach its peak as a centre of Muslim learning and commerce, including being host to the university of Timbuktu, a centre to which he brought scholars from Europe and Arabia.

1498 The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, having traveled round the cape of southern Africa, reached Malindi, in present-day Kenya, en route to India.

1517Bartolome de las Casas, the Bishop of Ciapas, appealed to the Spanish king, Charles V, to send Negroes as slaves to the Spanish colonies in the Americas. His request was approved, thus sparking off what would eventually become the trans- Atlantic slave trade, in which more than 30,000,000 Africans over a period of more than 400 years, were taken to the western world, forever changing the history of Africa.

1591 Bands of Moroccan invaders conquered and overrun the kingdom of Songhai.

1595 The Dutch started settling on the west coast of Africa, near present-day Guinea.

1619 The Dutch began importing African slaves into their colony of Virginia in the United States.

1626 The French started settling along the mouth of the river Senegal in West Africa.

1652Dutch-born settlers, led by Jan Van Reibeeck of the Dutch East India Company, established a new home, Cape Town, in southern Africa, having taken over Portuguese trading posts on the west coast of Africa.

1657 The Dutch East India Company allowed some of its employees to leave the company and start their own businesses. They were called Boers (Dutch for farmers), and would go on to play a major role in the unfolding history of Southern Africa.

1671 An English preacher named George Fox, the founder of the pacifist Quaker Christian movement, began denouncing slavery as an evil and calling for its abolition.

1679 The Dutch East India Company began inviting other non-Dutch Europeans to come and settle in the Cape Colony, setting off a European immigration ¨that would profoundly alter the history of southern Africa.

1713 The British government was granted the right by Spain to ship slaves to the Spanish-American colonies.

1783 The Quakers in England created an anti-slavery society, whose goal was to rally public and political opinion against the slave trade.

1795France defeated the Netherlands at war and Britain took control of the Cape Colony to keep it out of French control.

1798 The French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte attacked Egypt and defeated the Mamelukes rulers in the Battle of the Pyramids. Napoleon brought with him French scholars who helped revive the study of the Egyptian writings of antiquity.

1801The Ottomans of Turkey, with British assistance, expelled the French from Egypt and control of the country fell to a Turkish army officer named Muhammad Ali, who set in motion a drastic programme of modernization in Egypt, and introduced western education to the country, sending educational delegations to Europe and bringing European teachers to Egypt, in much the fashion that Ataturk would later westernize Turkey.

1806 Britain re-possessed the Cape Colony, after having first returned it to the Dutch in 1803.

1807An act in the British parliament called for the abolition of “all manner of dealing and trading in slaves”. in all of Britain’s territories.

1814The Netherlands formally handed the Cape Colony to the British.

1816 An organisation in the upper south of the United States, called the American Colonization Society, was formed to demand for the abolition of slavery.

1820 This American Colonization Society, with some grants from the federal government, began shipping some freed slaves back to West Africa. In that year, too, the first British settlers began to arrive in the Cape Colony of South Africa.

1822 The American Colonization Society helped found a new nation, Liberia, composed largely of freed American slaves.

Jan. 1, 1831 An American named William Lloyd Garrison published the first issue of a newspaper called the Liberator, in which he demanded the immediate abolition of slavery, without compensation to the slave owners.

1833 The British parliament passed a bill outlawing slave trade throughout the British empire, with compensation to the slave owners.

1836 The Boers of South Africa, in order to get away from the British-controlled Cape Colony, began one of the most famous journeys in African history, called the Great Trek, in which they loaded all their belongings onto ox-drawn, canvas-covered wagons, and re-located to the interior of the country.

1838 The Boers clashed with and defeated the Bantu-speaking Zulu people who tried to oppose their migration into the interior, and thereafter established the Orange Free State.

1843 Britain annexed the Natal area of South Africa.

1848 France formally abolished the slave trade throughout its territories.

1849 Muhammad Ali of Egypt died, leaving most of the modern institutions he had helped found, in a state of near collapse.

1851 Britain took control of the port of Lagos in Nigeria and from this base was laid the foundation of British colonial rule over Nigeria.

1852 Britain recognized the independence of Transvaal of South Africa.

1854 Britain recognized the independence of the Orange Free State of South Africa. In Egypt, the successor to Muhammad Ali, his son Said Pasha, granted a French company the contract to build a canal through the Isthmus of Suez.

1858 Portugal abolished the slave trade throughout its territories.

1863 The Netherlands abolished the slave trade throughout all its territories.

1865The United States, after adopting the 13th Amendment, abolished the slave trade.

1869 The Suez canal was opened, creating for the first time, a link between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea and greatly shortening the travel time it took to sail from Europe to Asia and by that, stimulated commerce between Europe and the Far East.

1870An area rich in diamonds was discovered in the present-day Kimberley, in South Africa, setting off one of the most dynamic economic booms in African history, as well as a descent on the area by fortune seekers similar to the California gold rush in the United States.

1871Britain annexed the Kimberley area.

1873 Ismail, Said Pasha’s nephew, became Khedive (ruler) of Egypt, and launched a major public works programme that included the building of railways, roads, canals, and boosted the export of cotton.

1877 Britain annexed the Transvaal.

1879The British defeated the Zulu forces led by Shaka Zulu.

1880The Boers rose in a rebellion against British control of Transvaal, in the first of two Boer wars with Britain.

1881 The Boers defeated the British.

1886An area called Witwatersrand was discovered to be rich in gold, in what is the present-day city of Johannesburg. It set off a gold rush to Transvaal and started the future nation of South Africa onto the path of becoming by far the richest and most powerful country in Africa, producing more than 45 percent of the entire continent’s industrial output by the turn of the 21st century. The sudden prosperity of Transvaal also resulted in a law restricting the political rights of foreigners, most of whom were British, and out of which grew British-Boer tensions.

1888 Brazil abolished the slave trade.

1891 The first excavations of the ruins of the Great Zimbabwe were made by the British archaeologist J. Theodore Bent, hired by Cecil Rhodes.

1896The British South Africa Company defeated the Black Africans, resulting in a takeover of the land, which was re-named Rhodesia.

1899The Boers of Transvaal and Orange Free State declared war on Britain and the second Boer war got underway.

1902 The Boers, who had fought fiercely, were defeated by the British and surrendered, leaving these two Boer republics under the control of the British.

Major assassinations and political killings in African history, 1950-2003

Source: Africa Almanac.com research
March 29, 1959 — Barthelemy Boganda (Central African Republic); President; killed by bomb planted on plane.
July 24, 1959 — Mwami Rudahigwa ( Rwanda), Tutsi tribal king; circumstances of death unclear.
January 17, 1961 — Patrice Lumumba (Congo), nationalist leader; reportedly killed in American CIA-backed action.
January 13, 1963 — Sylvanius Olympio (Togo), President; killed by coup makers.
January 15, 1966 – Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Nigeria) Prime Minister, Nigeria; killed by coup makers.
January 15, 1966 — Ahmadu Bello (Nigeria), provincial Prime Minister; killed by coup makers.
July 29, 1966 — Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (Nigeria ), military head of state; killed by coup makers.
September 6, 1966– Hendrik Verwoerd (South Africa), Prime Minister; shot by gunman in parliament.
February 3, 1969 – Eduardo Mondlane ( Mozambique), guerrilla leader; killed by letter bomb.
October 15, 1969 — Abdirashid Shermarke (Somalia), President; assassination.
July 5,1969 — Tom Mboya (Kenya), foreign minister; assassination by lone gunman.
September 28, 1972 — Benedicto Kiwanuka (Uganda), former Prime Minister; killed in army barracks.
November 23, 1974 — Aman Michael Andom (Ethiopia), Head of state; executed by firing squad.
March 2, 1975 — Josiah Mwangi Kariuki (Kenya), independence struggle leader; murdered in forest.
April 13, 1975 — François Tombalbaye (Chad), President; killed by coup makers.
August 27, 1975 — Haile Selassie (Ethiopia), head of state; forcefully suffocated during detention.
February 13, 1976 — Murtala Mohammed (Nigeria), military head of state; assassination.
February 3, 1977 — Tefere Bante (Ethiopia), Head of state; executed by firing squad.
February 17, 1977 — Janani Luwum ( Uganda), Anglican archbishop; killed in staged car accident.
February 17, 1977 — Wilson Erinayo Oryema (Uganda), cabinet minister; killed in staged car accident.
February 17, 1977 — Charles Oboth-Ofumbi (Uganda), cabinet minister; killed in staged car accident.
March 19, 1977 — Mariem Ngouabi (Republic of Congo), President; killed by coup makers.
May 1977 — Ali Sohili (Comoros), President; killed by coup makers.
September 12, 1977 — Steve Biko (South Africa), anti-apartheid campaigner; murdered during detention.
October 28, 1977 — Ali Sohili (Comoros), President; killed by coup makers
June 16, 1979 — Akwasi Afrifa (Ghana), former Military head of state; executed by firing squad.
June 16, 1979 — Frederick Akuffo (Ghana ), former Military head of state; executed by firing squad.
June 16, 1979 — Ignatius Acheampong (Ghana), former Military head of state; executed by firing squad.
August 3, 1979 — Francisco Macias Nguema (Equatorial Guinea), President; killed by coup makers.
April 12, 1980 — William Tolbert (Liberia), President; killed by coup makers.
October 6, 1981 — Anwar Sadat ( Egypt), President; shot dead by militant Muslim soldiers.
December 2, 1983 — David Oyite-Ojok (Uganda), army chief of staff; killed by bomb on helicopter.
October 19, 1986 – Samora Machel (Mozambique), President; killed in plane crash when pilot was misdirected by false radio beacon.
March 7, 1987 — Andrew Kayiira (Uganda ), former rebel leader; killed by unknown gunmen.
October 15, 1987– Thomas Sankara (BurkinaFaso), military head of state; killed by coup makers.
November 27, 1989 – Ahmed Abdallah ( Comoros), president; killed by coup makers.
February 12, 1990– Robert Ouko (Kenya), foreign minister; allegedly murdered by top political rivals.
September 5,1990 — Samuel Doe (Liberia ), President; mutilated, killed by rebel leader Prince Johnson.
October 3, 1990 – Fred Rwigyema (Uganda/Rwanda), rebel leader; shot by fellow rebel commanders.
June 29, 1992 — Muhammad Boudiaf ( Algeria), President; killed by assassin.
April 14, 1993 – Chris Hani (South Africa), ANC secretary general; shot dead by right-wing gunman.
October 21, 1993 — Melchior Ndadaye ( Burundi), President; killed by Tutsi army paratroopers.
April 6, 1994 — Juvenal Habriarimana (Rwanda), President; killed by missile attack on incoming plane.
April 6, 1994 — Cyprien Ntaryamira (Burundi), President; killed by missile attack on incoming plane.
April 7, 1994 – Agathe Uwilingiyimana (Rwanda), Woman Prime minister; killed by Hutu militiamen.
April 21, 1994 — Rosalia Gicanda ( Rwanda), last Tutsi queen; killed by Hutu militiamen during genocide.
August 1, 1996 — Mohammad Farrah Aideed (Somalia), warlord; killed in firefight with rival rebel faction.
January 28, 1998 — Firmin Sinzoyiheba (Burundi), Defence minister; killed by bomb on helicopter.
May 16, 1998 — Seth Sendashonga (Rwanda), former cabinet minister; allegedly shot by state agents.
June 27, 1998 — Matoub-Lounes (Algeria), Berber singer; killed by renegade Islamic group.
April 9, 1999 — Ibrahim Bare Mainassara (Niger ), President; shot dead during attempted army coup.
January 16, 2000– Laurent Kabila (Democratic Republic of Congo), President; shot by bodyguard.
May 12, 2001 — Kinfe Gebremedhin (Ethiopia), head of intelligence services; shot by army Major.
February 22, 2002 — Jonas Savimbi (Angola), rebel leader; killed in battle action with government army.

African leaders who died of natural causes or in accidents

Source: Africa Almanac research

African Countries’ Tribes

Ethnic groups & the ethnic origins of well-known Africans

Algeria

Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

Well-known Algerians

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika (Arab)

Angola

Ovimbundu 37%, Mbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Well-known Angolans

Jonas Savimbi, late guerrilla leader (Ovimbundu); José Eduardo dos Santos (mixed race mestico Angolan/Portuguese); first leader of MPLA party Mário de Andrade (Mestico);

Benin

99% Black African (54% of the population are Fon, Adja, Bariba and Yoruba), Europeans 5,500

Botswana

Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1%

Burkina Faso

Mossi (about 24%), Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani

Burundi

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

Well-known Burundians

Former president Pierre Buyoya (Tutsi); former president Jean-Baptiste Bagaza (Tutsi); assassinated president Melcior Ndadaye (Hutu); singer Khadja Nin (Tutsi)

Cameroon

Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwest Bantu 8%, Eastern Negritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Well-known Cameroonians

President Paul Biya (Beti)

Cape Verde

Creole (mixed race European and native African) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Central African Republic

Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M’Baka 4%, Yakoma, Ubangi, Europeans 6,500 (including 3,600 French)

Well-known Central Africans

Former president Andre Kolingba (Yakoma)

Chad

North and center: Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi, Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba); South: non-Muslims (Sara [the largest ethnic group, 25% of the population], Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa)

Well-known Chadians

Former President Hissène Habré (Gorane)

Comoros

Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Congo, Republic of

Kongo 48%; north: Sangha 20%, M’Bochi 12%; center: Teke 17%, Europeans 8,500 (mostly French)

Congo, Democratic Republic

The four largest tribes- Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic)- make up about 45% of the population

Well-known Congolese

Former President Mobutu Sese Seko (Ngbande); late president Laurent Kabila (Baluba); President Joseph Kabila (Banyamulenge Tutsi); late political leader Patrice Lumumba (Batetela)

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Baoule 23%, Bete 18%, Senoufou 15%, Malinke 11%, Agni, foreign Africans (mostly Burkinabe and Malians, about 3 million)

Well-known Ivorians

Former president Felix Houphouët-Boigny (Baoulé), former president Henri Konan Bedie (Baoulé), OAU-AU secretary general Amara Essy (Akan)

Djibouti

Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5%

Egypt

Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%

Well-known Egyptians

Legendary queen Cleopatra (Greek-Macedonian); President Hosni Mubarak (Arab); First Lady Suzanne Mubarak (Arab); assassinated President Anwar Sadat (Arab/Sudanese Arab)

Equatorial Guinea

Bioko (primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos), Río Muni (primarily Fang), Europeans less than 1,000, mostly Spanish

Well-known Equatorial Guineans

Eritrea

Tigrinya 50%, Tigre and Kunama 40%, Afar 4%, Saho (dwellers of Red Sea coast area) 3%

Well-known Eritreans

President Issias Afeworki (Tigrinya/Ethiopian Tigrean)

Ethiopia

Oromo 40%, Amhara 25%, Tigrean 12%, Sidama 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali 6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%

Well-known Ethiopians

Late Emperor Haile Selassie (Oromo/Amhara/Gurage); Emperor Menelik II (Amhara); former military leader Lieutenant-Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam (Shankalla); 1992/2000 Olympic 10,000 metres champion Derartu Tulu (Oromo); 5,000m, 10,000m world record holder Haile Gebreselassie (Oromo); Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (Tigrean/Eritrean Tigrinya); two-time Olympic marathon champion Abebe Bikila (Oromo)

Gabon

Fang 25%, Punu 23%, Nzeiby 13%, Mbede (Obamba/Bateke) 9%, Kota 7%, and Myene 5%; Pygmies 0.7%, naturalized population 0.3%, foreigners 15%

Well-known Gabonese

President Omar Bongo (Bateke)

Gambia, The

Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%, non-Gambian others 1%

Ghana

Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, European and other 0.2%

Well-known Ghanaians

Founding President Kwame Nkrumah (Akan), UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (Akan), former president Jerry Rawlings (Scottish/Ewe); film maker Kofi Boateng (Ashanti)

Guinea

Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Susu 20%, smaller tribes 10%

Well-known Guineans

Founding president Ahmed Sékou Touré (Malinke)

Guinea-Bissau

Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%, European and mixed European and native African less than 1%

Kenya

Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, Asian, European, and Arab 1%, other 15%

Well-known Kenyans

Founding president Jomo Kenyatta (Kikuyu); former president Daniel arap Moi (Kalenjin);President Mwai Kibaki (Kikuyu); former Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino (Kalenjin); murdered minister Tom Mboya (Luo), former world marathon record holder Tegla Loroupe (Pokot); world 800 metres record holder Wilson Kipketer (Kalenjin); former Vice President George Saitoti (Kikuyu)

Lesotho

Sotho 99.7%, Europeans 1,600, Asians 800

Well-known Basotho

Liberia

Indigenous African tribes 95% (including major groups Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, and Bella), Americo-Liberians 5% (descendants of former American slaves)

Well-known Liberians

President Charles Taylor (Gio); former president Samuel Doe (Krahn), former rebel leader Roosevelt Johnson (Krahn); former president William Tubman (Americo-Liberian); assassinated president William Tolbert Jr. (Americo-Liberian)

Libya

Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, Tunisians

Madagascar

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry-Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran

Well-known Madagascans

Independence leader Philibert Tsiranana (Merina); former head of state General Gabriel Ramanantsoa (Merina); former President Didier Ratsiraka (Betsimisaraka); President Marc Ravalomanana (Merina); former President Albert Zafy (Tsimihety)

Malawi

Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European

Mali

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Well-known Malians

Legendary king Mansa Musa (Mandinka); Rokia Traore (Bamana); former president Mousa Traore (Bamana); singer Salif Keita (Mandinka)

Mauritania

Mixed Maur/Black African 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%

Mauritius

Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole (mixed European and Black African) 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%

Well-known Mauritian

Prime Minister Aneerood Jugnauth (Hindu); politician Paul Berenger (Franco-Mauritian); political leader Jooneed Jeerooburkhan (Indo-Muslim);

Morocco

Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Mozambique

Indigenous tribal groups 99.6% (main tribes: Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika, Sena, Makua, and others), Europeans 0.06%, Euro-Africans 0.2%, Indians 0.08%

Well-known Mozambicans

Founding president Samora Machel (Shangana)

Namibia

Ovambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, mixed European and native African 7.4%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Whites 6.6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5% Of the Whites: Afrikaaners 60%, of German descent 30%, Anglo-Saxons 10%

Well-known Namibians

President Sam Nujoma (Ovambo)

Niger

Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 4,000 French expatriates

Nigeria

Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo 71% of population, others Kanuri, Ibibio, Tiv, Ijaw

Well-known Nigerians

President Olusegun Obasanjo (Yoruba); former president Ibrahim Babangida (Hausa); Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka (Yoruba); Pop singer Sade, (Yoruba/English); late singer Fela Kuti (Yoruba)

Rwanda

Hutu 80%, Tutsi 19%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%

Well-known Rwandans

President Paul Kagame (Tutsi); late president Juvenal Habyarimana (Hutu); former president Pasteur Bizimungu (Hutu)

São Tomé and Príncipe

Mestico (mixed European and native African) Angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), Forros (descendants of freed slaves), Servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), Tongas (children of Servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Senegal

Wolof 36%, Fulani 17%, Séréré 17%, Toucouleur 9%, Diola 9%, Mandingo 9%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 2%

Well-known Senegalese

President Abdoulaye Wade (Wolof); former president Leopold Senghor (Séréré); musician Mansour Seck (Fula); Baaba Maal (Fulani);

Seychelles

Seychellois (mixture of Asians, Africans, Europeans)

Sierra Leone

Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other indigenous 39%, Creole, European, Lebanese, and Asian 1%

Somalia

Somali 85%, rest are Somali Bantu (sometimes called Mushunguli), Arabs

Well-known Somalis

Former fashion model Iman (Somali); former president Siad Barre (Somali); late rebel leader General Mohamed Farah Aideed (Somali)

South Africa

Blacks 75.2%, White 13.6%, Coloured 8.6%, Indian 2.6%

Well-known South Africans

Former president Nelson Mandela (Tembu); former president P.W. Botha (Afrikaaner); legendary entrepreneur Sammy Marks (Lithuanian-born Jew); Shaka Zulu (Zulu); President Thabo Mbeki (Xhosa); singer Miriam Makeba (Xhosa); Jazz guitarist Jonathan Butler (coloured); Nobel Prize laureate Nadine Gordimer (Jewish); freedom fighter Walter Sisulu (Xhosa); Winnie Mandela (Tembu); Reggae singer Lucky Dube (Zulu)

Sudan

Arab 39%, Dinka 12%, Beja 6%, Beja 6%, West Africans 6%, other foreigners 2%

Well-known Sudanese

Rebel leader John Garang (Dinka); President Omar al-Bashir (Arab); fashion model Alek Wek (Dinka/Nuer)

Swaziland

African 97%, European 3%

Tanzania

Mainland: Sukuma-Nyamwezi 13 %, others Haya, Nyakyusa, Nyamwezi, and Chaga, Asian, European, and Arab 1%. Zanzibar: 90% Arab, mixed Arab and native African, native African

Well-known Tanzanians

Founding president Julius Nyerere (Wazanaki), President Benjamin Mkapa (Ngoni), First Lady Anna Mkapa (Chagga), opposition leader Augustine Mrema (Chagga)

Togo

Ewe, Mina, and Kabre) 99%, European and Syrian-Lebanese less than 1%

Well-known Togolese

President Gnassingbé Eyadéma (Kabré), opposition leader Léopold Gnininvi (Ewé)

Tunisia

Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, Jewish less than 1%

Uganda

Baganda 17%, Karamojong 12%, Basoga 8%, Iteso 8%, Langi 6%, Banyarwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Banyoro 3%, Batoro 3%, European, Asian, Arab 1%, other 23%

Well-known Ugandans

Former president Idi Amin (Kakwa/Lugbara); President Yoweri Museveni (Balenge Tutsi/Banyankole); former president Milton Obote (Langi); 1972 Olympic 400m hurdles champion John Akii-Bua (Langi), Princess Elizabeth Bagaya (Batooro); singer Lou Bega (Muganda/German); singer Geoffrey Oryema (Acholi)

Zambia

Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga, Ngoni, Lunda, Kaonde, Luvale African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%

Well-known Zambians

Founding President Kenneth Kaunda (Malawian Bemba); President Levy Mwanawasa (Bemba); Pop singer Samantha Mumba (Zambian/Irish); former president Frederick Chiluba (Bemba); former Vice President Christon Tembo (Tumbuka)

Zimbabwe

Shona 71%, Ndebele 16%, other 11%, White 1%, mixed and Asian 1%

Well-known Zimbabweans

President Robert Mugabe (Zezuru); late political leader Joshua Nkomo (Ndebele); musician Oliver Mtukudzi (Shona); former Prime Minister Ian Smith (Scottish)

A thousand dollars or less per person per year in GDP – the consequence of poverty, genocide, years of war, lack of natural resources, poor farm management, and limited access to clean water and health care.
This is the follow-up to 24/7 Wall St.’s Twenty Most Productive Nations. Eighteen of the poorest countries by GDP per capita are in Africa. That is not surprising given the famine and war that have racked the continent for the better part of the last four decades. Contributing to these hardships is that many of these countries were recently territories or protectorates of European nations.
The concentration of poverty and the lack of national productivity would have looked very different five decades ago. In the 1960s, China and India were relatively poor nations, with huge populations, low literacy rates, and tremendous untapped resources. Both nations improved their fortunes through education programs and through the organization of rural populations who were brought to cities to turn raw materials into finished goods.
Most of the poorest nations in Africa do not have effective central governments due to instability and civil war. Corrupt officials at all levels bleed money from the economy, “redirecting” aid from the West and “taxing” whatever the country’s immature industries produce on their own.
Many of Africa’s nations are resource-rich. Some have taken advantage of it. Nigeria is one of the largest oil-producing nations in the world. Meanwhile, other African countries with significant natural resources, like the Democratic Republic of Congo, do not have access to the capital needed to create an infrastructure that could exploit its resources.
The greatest problem for many of these counties is that they have limited means to improve their financial conditions. Some do not have arable land, others have negligible deposits of metal, oil, or gas. Each one been perpetually poor. And with a few exceptions, there is only modest hope that their situations will improve in the decades to come. They must rely on whatever aid they receive from the West, and perhaps Russia and China. They are now and likely will remain the poorest nations.

20) Republic of Haiti

*Population: 9.2 million
*GDP (ppp): $11.5 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $1,338
The poorest nation outside of the African continent, Haiti has been beset by natural disasters, poor health conditions, drought and famine. The country experienced some of its worst years under the 30-year rule of physician and brutal dictator Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who was succeeded by his son, “Baby Doc” Jean-Claude. Under the rule of these men, Haiti experienced a massive brain drain, which it is still recovering from. The recent 7.0 earthquake in Port-au-Prince has not helped matters.

19) Burkina Faso

*Population: 16.2 million
*GDP (ppp): $17.7 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $1,304
The infrastructure of this west African nation has been plagued by frequent droughts and several coups since the 1980s. This country’s main export is cotton, which due partly to these intense droughts and heavy fluctuations in the industry, has been an unreliable cash crop.

18) Federal Republic Of Nepal

*Population: 28.9 million
*GDP (ppp): $31.5 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $1,205
Land-locked and isolated, one-third of Nepal’s GDP comes from small-time agriculture. Like Burkina Faso, the country has experienced much political instability over the past few decades. While the nation has significant potential for the development of a hydroelectric power infrastructure, this instability, coupled with the nation’s propensity for natural disasters, has left this resource largely untapped.

17) Republic Of Uganda

*Population: 33.4 million
*GDP (ppp): $36.9 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $1,195
Uganda has a great deal of potential with its vast natural resources, particularly precious metals and minerals. However, more than 80% of the population is employed in agriculture. The underdevelopment of a mining infrastructure, as well as a general lack of industrialization, is largely due to large-scale civil unrest and international conflict with neighboring countries, including this list’s number one: the Democratic Republic of Congo.

16) Republic Of Mali

*Population: 13.7 million
*GDP (ppp): $15 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $1,172
Another agriculture-heavy region, densely populated Mali relies heavily on its tobacco industry, which makes up at least 50% of total exports. While the government has attempted to develop an industrial infrastructure aided by the IMF, the UN, and several other philanthropic organizations, Mali has experienced major setbacks. In particular, the unpredictable and unreliable availability of utilities, including electricity, water and telecommunications has deterred foreign investors and hampered development.

15) Republic Of Rwanda

*Population: 11,055,976
*GDP (ppp): $9.9 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $1,149
Rwanda is one of the countries on this list which shows signs of hope. The genocide in 1994 left the nation’s infrastructure in ruins and its people in the depths of poverty. Like several others on this list, this nation is rich in minerals. Efforts to develop this resource, aided by the international perception of increased stability after nearly 1 million deaths during the genocid , have caused mineral production to replace coffee and tea as Rwanda’s main export.

14) Republic Of Guinea

*Population: 10.3 million
*GDP (ppp): $10.3 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $991
Guinea retains significant potential in agricultural and mineral resources, as well as hydroelectric development, but a wide range of issues, including a literacy rate of less than 30% and political uncertainty, has left these industries underdeveloped.

13) Federal Democratic Republic Of Ethiopia

*Population: 88 million
*GDP (ppp): $70.9 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $954
One of the largest and poorest of the African nations, Ethiopia relies heavily on agricultural exports (particularly coffee) to sustain GDP. Heavy droughts, poor farming practices, price fluctuations, and a two-year war with Eritrea hurt the industry, causing many coffee growers to switch to other crops. In 2005, the IMF forgave the country’s debt, which has led to improved conditions.

12) Republic Of Mozambique

*Population: 22 million
*GDP (ppp): $18.6 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $933
Since becoming independent in 1975, Mozambique has struggled to bring itself out of extreme poverty. Working against massive foreign debt with the aid of international organizations, the nation has managed to garner some attention from investors and has developed a sizable aluminum industry. The growth and export potential of the aluminum industry has been hampered by a sharp drop in the price of the metal since the global economic recession.

11) Republic Of Madagascar

*Population: 21.3 million
*GDP (ppp): $19.7 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $932
Until 1990, Madagascar had a socialist-oriented government, which was replaced by one which has relied heavily on the IMF for economic guidance. A burgeoning tourism industry has developed, but several political crises, as well as the global recession, have hurt the nation’s best hope for growth in the past few years.

10. Republic Of Malawi

*Population: 15.4 million
*GDP (ppp): $11.3 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $884
Although there have been slight improvements since the 2005 election of President Mutharika, high levels of poverty, HIV/Aids and corruption continue to burden Malawi, one of the world’s most densely populated and least developed countries. In addition, the overuse of agricultural land – the nation’s primary natural resource – has contributed to over half of the Malawian population living below the poverty line. There are plans for exploiting the country’s uranium reserves.

9. Togolese Republic (Togo)

*Population: 6.2 million
*GDP (ppp): $5.3 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $826
Experiencing ongoing political unrest since gaining independence from France in 1960, Togo is considered to be one of the world’s poorest countries. Led by the universally condemned President Faure Gnassingbe, son of the corrupt political leader Gnassingbe Eyadema, Togo has only recently begun to rebuild its relationship with the international community after years of human rights violations. With help from the World Bank and the IMF, Togo’s government has plans to work to improve economic growth through increased privatization, government transparency, and support from foreign donors.

8. Republic Of Sierra Leone

*Population: 5.2 million
*GDP (ppp): $4.3 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $759
Although rich in minerals and agricultural resources, Sierra Leone suffered a ten-year war, which ended in 2002. Poverty and unemployment remain great hurdles for the recovering nation. The export of diamonds, often called “blood diamonds,” benefits only a small minority of the country. For much of the general population, peace and prosperity seem unattainable.

7. Central African Republic

*Population: 4.8 million
*GDP (ppp): $3.2 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $745
A site of constant political turmoil, the CAR has undergone three decades of bumbling military dictatorships , a decade of unruly civilian government, and an unstable transitional government established by a military coup. All of this has happened since gaining independence from France in 1960. There is great potential for economic growth within CAR’s timber and diamond industries, however years of corruption and political instability have undermined this progress.

6. Republic Of Niger

*Population: 15.9 million
*GDP (ppp): $10.1 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $719
Featuring an arid climate which suffers from drought cycles and desertification, Niger suffers from a stifled economy that is consistently undercut by price fluctuations in uranium, the country’s primary export. These facts, in addition to Niger’s prolonged history of post-independence military rule, keep the nation as one of the poorest in the world, devastated by disease and corruption.

5. State Of Eritrea

*Population: 5.8 million
*GDP (ppp): $3.7 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $679
Having only gained its independence from Ethiopia 17 years ago, Eritrea has faced many problems. Problems that arise from its position as a small, underdeveloped country that continues to experience military conflict since its sovereignty. The country’s single party government, run by the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice, maintains total control over the economy through military force and the expansion of government-owned businesses.

4. Republic Of Liberia

*Population: 3.7 million
*GDP (ppp): $1.4 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $424
As a result of years of civil war and a cycle of incompetent government administrations, Liberia has suffered extensive economic hardships since a 1980 military coup led by Samuel Doe. Fortunately, an abundance of water, timber, and mineral resources offer a chance for salvation for to the nation’s war-ravaged infrastructure.

3. Republic Of Burundi

*Population: 9.8 million
*GDP (ppp): $3 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $400
Having recently emerged from a civil war between the Hutu and Tutsi factions, Burundi’s economy faces many challenges. It is landlocked, lacking in resources, largely uneducated (only one in two children attend school), and one in every fifteen adults has HIV/Aids. Although recent political stability has proven beneficial, poverty remains extremely prominent.

2) Republic Of Zimbabwe

*Population: 11.6 million
*GDP (ppp): $332 MILLION (note: whoa!)
*$GDP Per Capita: $354
One of, if not the poorest nation in the world, Zimbabwe’s economy has suffered from war with the Democratic Republic of Congo and hyperinflation as a result of the overprinting of currency. A violent land redistribution campaign has scared away most potential foreign investors.

1) Democratic Republic of Congo

*Population: 70.9 million
*GDP (ppp): $20.6 billion
*$GDP Per Capita: $332
Although rich with economic resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo has suffered from war and corruption since its independence in 1960. Once the second most industrialized country in Africa, it now has in the lowest GDP per capita in the world. Lack of infrastructure and the flight of businesses reflect the effects of what has been termed as Africa’s “world war,” where an estimated three million lives were lost.
- Douglas A. McIntyre, Charles B. Stockdale, and Michael B. Sauter

This table provides figures about the 50 most populous nations in the world. China is the most populous.