A Political World Gazetteer: Africa

by John Knouse

This is an outline of the world's political divisions, organized by 1) continent; 2) area of continent if relevant; 3) nation; 4) national subdivision (province, state, department); 5) further subdivisions if they exist.

AFRICA

Africa is the world's second-largest continent. However, every other continent but Australia has higher mountains. Africa features the world's largest waterfall and the world's largest desert. Most of Africa is either desert, savannah, or rainforest. There are currently a total of fifty-three nations in Africa and nearby islands, plus foreign possessions.

Africa is split by the Sahara into two very different areas, Mediterranean Africa north of the Sahara, andsub-Saharan Africa south of the Sahara. The northern area is generally Arabic and Islamic. The southern area is generally Negro, with a variety of religions and languages.

Index

Mediterranean Area
Sahara/Sahel Area
Gold/Ivory/Grain Coast Area
Congo Basin Area
Eastern Horn Area
Eastern Area
Southern Area
Associated Islands


Algeria---Al Maghrib---Angola---Benin---Botswana
Burundi---Cabo Verde---Cameroon---Canary Islands---Cape Verde
Central African Republic---Chad---Comoros---Congo, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, People's Republic of the---Cote d'Ivoire---Djibouti---Egypt
Equatorial Guinea---Eritrea---Ethiopia---Gabon---Gambia
Ghana---Guinea---Guinea-Bissau---Ivory Coast---Kenya
Lesotho---Libya---Madagascar---Al Maghrib---Malawi
Mali---Mauritania---Mauritius---Mayotte---Misr
Morocco---Moçambique (Mozambique)---Namibia---Rwanda---Senegal
Seychelles---Sierra Leone---Soomaaliya (Somalia)---South Africa (Suid Afrika)---Sudan
Swaziland---Tanzania---Tchad---Togo---Uganda
Western Sahara---Zambia---Zimbabwe

AFRICA: MEDITERRANEAN

These nations are on the Mediterranean coast of Africa, and are mostly Arabic/Berber and Islamic.

MISR

 English Lanugage Name: Egypt
Origin of Name:
Country Code: EG
Capital: El Qâhira
English Langugage Name of Capital: Cairo
Origin of Capital Name:
Language:
Telephone Country Code: 20

Districts:

    Delta/Cairo Area:
  1. Beheira: Damanhûr
  2. Bûr Sa'îd (Port Said): Bûr Sa'îd
  3. Daqahlîya: El Mansûra
  4. Dumyât: Dumyât
  5. El Faiyûm: El Faiyûm
  6. Gharbîya: Tanta
  7. El Gîza: El Gîza
  8. El Iskandarîya: El Iskandarîya (Alexandria)
  9. Ismâ'ilîya: Ismâ'ilîya
  10. Kafr el Sheikh: Kafr el Sheikh
  11. Minûfîya: Shibîn el Kôm
  12. El Qâhira: El Qâhira (Cairo; also national capital)
  13. Qalyûbîya: Benha
  14. Sharqîya: Zagazig
    Sinai Peninsula:
  15. Janûb Sînâ' (South Sinai): El Tûr
  16. Shamâl Sînâ' (North Sinai): El 'Arîsh
    Along the Nile, south of Cairo area:
  17. Aswân: Asân
  18. Asyût: Asyût
  19. Beni Suef: Beni Suef
  20. El Minya: El Minya
  21. Qena: Qena
  22. Sohâg: Sohâg
    Red Sea:
  23. El Bahr el Ahmar: Hurghada
    Western Desert:
  24. Matrûh: Marsa Matrûh (on Mediterranean)
  25. El Wâdi el Jadid

LÎBIYÂ

 Formerly an Italian colony
English Language Name: Libya
Origin of Name: An ancient name for the area
Country Code: LY
Capital: Tarâbulus
English Language Name of Capital: Tripoli
Origin of Capital Name: From the region of Tripolitania, or "Three Cities"
Language: Arabic
Telephone Country Code: 218
    In the ancient region of Tripolitania (northwest Libya):
  1. Al Khums: Al Khums
  2. Al Azîzîyah: Al Azîzîyah
  3. Ghadâmis: Ghadâmis
  4. Gharyân: Gharyân
  5. Misrâtah: Misrâtah
  6. An Nuqât al Khams: Zuwârah
  7. Sawfajjin: Bâ Walîd
  8. Tarâbulus: Tarâbulus (Tripoli)
  9. Tarhûnah: Tarhû
  10. Yafran: Yafran
  11. Al Zâwîyah: Al Zâwîyah
  12. Zlîtan: Zl&#tan

    13. In the ancient region of Cyrenaica (northeast Libya):
  13. Ajdâbiyâ
  14. Banghâzî: Banghâzî
  15. Darnah: Darnah
  16. Al Fâtih: Al Marj
  17. Al Jabal al Akhdar: Al Bayda
  18. Tubruq: Tubruq

    19. The Rest of Libya:
  19. Awbârî: Awbârî
  20. Al Jufrah: Al Jufrah
  21. Al Kufrah: Al Jauf
  22. Murzûq: Murzûq
  23. Sabhâ: Sabhâ
  24. Ash Shâti: Adîri
  25. Surt: Surt (Sirte)

TÛNIS

 Official Name: Al Jumhuriya at Tunusiyah
English Language Name: Tunisia
Origin of Name: The nation is named after the capital city
Country Code: TN
Capital: Tûnis
Languages: Arabic and French
Telephone Country Code: 216

Administrative Centers:

  1. L'Ariana
  2. Béja
  3. Ben Arous
  4. Bizerte
  5. Gabès
  6. Gafsa
  7. Jendouba
  8. Kairouan
  9. Kasserine
  10. Kebili
  11. Le Kef
  12. Madenine
  13. Mahdia
  14. Monastir
  15. Nabeul
  16. Sfax
  17. Sidi Bouzid
  18. Siliana
  19. Sousse
  20. Tataouine
  21. Tozeur
  22. Zaghouan

AL JAZÂ'IR

 English Language Name: Algeria
Origin of Name:
Country Code: DZ
Capital: Alger
English Language Name of Capital: Algiers
Origin of Capital Name:
Languages: Arabic, Berber and French
Telephone Country Code: 213

Wiliyate:

  1. Adrar: Adrar
  2. Alger: Alger (Algiers, also national capital)
  3. Annaba: Annaba
  4. Batna: Batna
  5. El Bayadh
  6. Béchar: Béchar
  7. Bejaia: Bejaia
  8. Biskra: Biskra
  9. Blida: Blida
  10. Bordj bon Arréridj: Bordj bon Arréridj
  11. Bouira: Bouira
  12. Boumerdès: Boumerdès
  13. Ech Chélif: Ech Chélif
  14. Constantine: Constantine
  15. Aïn Defla: Aïn Defla
  16. Djelfa: Djelfa
  17. Ghardaïa: Ghardaïa
  18. Guelma: Guelma
  19. Illizi: Illizi
  20. Jijel: Jijel
  21. Khenchela: Khenchela
  22. Laghouat: Laghouat
  23. Mascara: Mascara
  24. Médéa: Médéa
  25. Mila: Mila
  26. Mostaganem: Mostaganem
  27. M'Sila: M'Sila
  28. Naama: Naama
  29. Oran: Oran
  30. Ouargla: Ouargla
  31. El Oued: El Oued
  32. Ouin el Bouaghi: Ouin el Bouaghi
  33. Relizane: Relizane
  34. Saïda: Saïda
  35. Sétif: Sétif
  36. Sidi bel Abbès: Sidi bel Abbès
  37. Skikda: Skikda
  38. Souk Ahras: Souk Ahras
  39. Tamanrasset: Tamanrasset
  40. El Tarf: El Tarf
  41. Tébessa: Tébessa
  42. Aïn Temouchent
  43. Tiaret: Tiaret
  44. Tindouf: Tindouf
  45. Tipasa: Tipasa
  46. Tissemsilt: Tissemsilt
  47. Tizi Ouzou: Tizi Ouzou
  48. Tlemcen: Tlemcen

AL MAGHRIB

 English Language Name: Morocco
Origin of Name: Means "Of the Setting Sun"
Country Code: MA
Capital: Rabat
Languages: Arabic, French, Berber, and Spanish
Telephone Country Code: 212

Préfectures:

There are two enclaves in Morocco on the Mediterranean coast that are administered by Spain:
Ceuta
Melilla

  1. Agadir: Agadir
  2. Azizal: Azizal
  3. Boulemane: Boulemane
  4. Casablanca: Casablanca
  5. Chaouèn: Chaouèn
  6. Essaouira: Essaouira
  7. Fés: Fés
  8. Figuig: Figuig
  9. Guelmine: Guelmine
  10. Al Hoceima: Al Hoceima
  11. Ifrane: Ifrane
  12. El Jadida
  13. El Kelaâ des Srarhna: El Kelaâ des Srarhna
  14. Kénitra: Kénitra
  15. Khemisset: Khemisset
  16. Khenifra: Khenifra
  17. Khouriibga: Khouriibga
  18. Larache: Larache
  19. Marrakech: Marrakech (Marrakesh)
  20. Meknès: Meknès
  21. Ben Mellal: Ben Mellal
  22. Nador: Nador
  23. Ouarzazate: Ouarzazate
  24. Oujda: Oujda
  25. Rabat-Salé: Rabat (also national capital)
  26. Er Rachidin: Er Rachidin
  27. Safi: Safi
  28. Settat: Settat
  29. Sidi Kacem: Sidi Kacem
  30. Ben Slimane: Ben Slimane
  31. Tanger: Tanger (Tangiers)
  32. Tan-tan: Tan-tan
  33. Taounate: Taounate
  34. Taroudannt: Taroudannt
  35. Tata: Tata
  36. Taza: Taza
  37. Tétouan: Tétouan
  38. Tiznit: Tiznit
Index

AFRICA: SAHARAN/SAHEL

These are nations of the southern Sahara, and the arid belt of marginally-farmable land south of it called the Sahel. Most of this region is quite arid.

WESTERN SAHARA

 Western Sahara has no real government
Formerly 1) Rio de Oro; 2) Spanish Sahara
Origin of Name:
Country Code:
Capital:
Language:

MÛRÎTÛNIYÛ

 English Language Name: Mauritania
Origin of Name: After the ancient Roman name for the Mediterranean coastal province to the north of present-day Mauritania, referring to the Moors
Country Code: MR
Capital: Nouakchott
Languages: Arabic and French

Divisions:

  1. Adrar: Atar
  2. Assaba: Kiffa
  3. Bracna: Aleg
  4. Dakhlet Nouâdhibou: Nouâdhibou
  5. Gorgo: Kaédi
  6. Guidimaka: Sélibabi
  7. Hodh ech Chargui: Nema
  8. Hodh el Gharbi: 'Ayoûn el 'Atroûs
  9. Inchiri: Akjoujt
  10. Tagant: Tidjikja
  11. Tiris Zemmour: Fderik
  12. Trarza: Rosso

MALI

 Origin of Name: After the ancient kingdom of Mali
Country Code: ML
Capital: Bamako
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 223

Divisions:

    Northeast Area:
  1. Gao: Gao
  2. Kidal: Kidal
  3. Mopti: Mopti
  4. Tombouctou: Tombouctou (Timbuktu)

    5. Southwest Area:
  5. Kayes: Kayes
  6. Koulikoro: Koulikoro
  7. Ségou: Ségou
  8. Sikasso: Sikasso

BURKINA FASO

 Formerly Upper Volta (after Volta River)
Origin of Name: Means "Land of Upright Men"
Country Code: BF
Capital: Ouagadougou
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 226

Districts:

NIGER

 Pronunciation: nee - ZHAIR
Origin of Name: After the Niger River
Country Code: NE
Capital: Niamey
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 227

Divisions:

  1. Agadez: Agadez
  2. Diffa: Diffa
  3. Dosso: Dosso
  4. Maradi: Maradi
  5. Niamey: Niamey
  6. Tahoua: Tahoua
  7. Zinder: Zinder

TCHAD

 English Language Name: Chad
Country Code: TD (for Tchad)
Capital: N'Djamena
Languages: French, Arabic and native languages
Currency: CFA Franc; XAF
Telephone Country Code: 235

Divisions:

  1. Batha: Ati
  2. Biltine: Biltine
  3. Borkou-Ennedi: Tibesti
  4. Chari: Baguirmi
  5. Faya: Langeau
  6. Guera: Mongo
  7. Kanem: Mao
  8. Lac: Bol
  9. Logone-Occidental: Moundou
  10. Logone-Oriental: Doba
  11. Mayo-Kébbi: Bongor
  12. Moyen-Chari: Sarh
  13. Ouaddaï: Abéche
  14. Salamat: Am Timan
  15. Tandjilé: Lai

CENTRAFRIQUE

 English Language Name: Central African Republic
Formerly (briefly): Central African Empire
Origin of Name: From its location in Africa
Country Code: CF
Capital: Bangui
Currency: CFA Franc; XAF
Languages: French and Sango
Telephone Country Code: 236

Divisions:

    Western:
  1. Lobaye: Mbaïki
  2. Mambéré-Kadéï: Berbérati
  3. Nana-Mambéré: Bouar
  4. Ombella-Mpoko: Bangui
  5. Ouham-Pende: Bozoum
  6. Sangha-Mbaéré: Nola

    7. Central:
  7. Basse-Kotto: Mobaye
  8. Kémo: Sibut
  9. Nana-Grébizi: Kaga Bandoro
  10. Ouaka: Bambari
  11. Ouham: Bossangoa

    12. Northern:
  12. Bamingui-Bangorau: Ndélé
  13. Vakaga: Birao

    14. Eastern:
  14. Haute-Kotto: Bria
  15. Haut-Mbomou: Obo
  16. Mbomou: Bangassou

AS SÛDÂN

 Origin of Name:
Country Code: SD
Capital: Khartoum
Languages: Arabic and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 249

Old Divisions:

  1. Ash-Sharqîyah ("The East")
  2. Ash-Shamâlîyah ("The North")
  3. Al-Wusta
  4. Al Khartûm
  5. Al Isti Wâ'ìyah
  6. A'Âlî an-Nîl ("Upper Nile")
  7. Bahr- al-Ghazâl
  8. Dorfûr
  9. Kordofân

Modern Divisions:

    Northern:
  1. Bahr-el-Ahmar ("Red Sea"; formerly part of Ash-Shamâlîyah): Bûr Sûdân (Port Sudan)
  2. An Nî ("The Nile"; formerly part of Ash-Shamâlîyah): Ed Damer
  3. Esh Shamâlîya ("The North"; formerly part of old Ash-Shamâlìyah): Dongola

    4. Southeast:
  4. A 'Âli an Nîl ("Upper Nile"; formerly part of A'Âlî an-Nìl): Malakâl
  5. Gedaref (formerly part of Ash-Sharqîyah): Gedaref
  6. El Gezira (formerly part of Al-Wusta): Wâd Medanî
  7. Kassalâ (formerly part of Ash-Sharqìyah): Kassalâ
  8. El Khartûm: El Khartûm
  9. An Nîl el Abyad ("White Nile"; formerly part of Al-Wusta): Rabak
  10. An Nîl el Azraq ("Blue Nile"; formerly part of Al-Wusta): Ed Damazin

    11. South:
  11. Barh el Jebel (formerly part of Al Isti Wâ'îyah): Jûbâ
  12. El Buheirat (formerly part of Bahr al-Ghazâl): Rumbê
  13. Gharb el Istiwa'iya ("Western Equatoria"; formerly part of Al Isti Wâ'îyah): Yâmbiô
  14. Jonglei (formerly part of A 'Âlî an-Nîl): Bô
  15. Sharq el Istiwa'iya ("Eastern Equatoria"; formerly part of Al Isti Wâ'îyah): Kapoeta
  16. Warab (formerly part of Bahr al-Ghazâl): Warab
  17. Wehda (formerly part of A 'Âlî an-Nîl): Bentin

    18. West:
  18. Gharb Bahr el Ghazâl (formerly west part of Bahr el Ghazâl): Wâw
  19. Gharb Dârfûr (formerly west part of Dârfûr): El Geneina
  20. Gharb Kordofân (formerly west part of Kordofân): El Fula
  21. Janub Dârfûr (formerly south part of Dârfûr): Nyala
  22. Janub Kordofâ (formerly south part of Kordofân): Kâdugli
  23. Shamâl Bahr el Ghazâl (formerly north part of Bahr el Ghazâl): Aweil
  24. Shamâl Dârfûr (formerly north part of Dârfûr): El Fâsher
  25. Shamâl Kordofân (formerly north part of Kordofân): El Obeid
Index

AFRICA: GOLD/IVORY COAST

These nations are present in a long strip along the southern and southwestern coast of Africa's western bulge. They typically include tropical rainforest or other heavy forest by the coast, becoming more arid inland. This area was the source for most of the slaves of the Americas, although many of them were brought here from other areas.

SÉNÉGAL

 Official name: Republique de Sénégal
Origin of Name:
Country Code: SN
Capital: Dakar
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 221

Divisions:

  1. Cap Veri (Cape Green; on the Atlantic coast): Dakar
  2. Casamance (on Atlantic): Ziguinchor
  3. Diourbel: Diourbel
  4. Fleuve (on Atlantic): Saint-Louis
  5. Louga (Atlantic): Louga
  6. Sénégal Oriental ("Eastern Senegal"): Tambaounda
  7. Sine-Saloum (Atlantic): Kaolack
  8. Thiès (Atlantic): Thiès

THE GAMBIA

 Official name: Republic of the Gambia
Origin of Name: After the Gambia River (the nation comprises the bank lands of the lower Gambia)
Country Code: GM
Capital: Banjul
Languages: English and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 220

Administrative Centers:

  1. Banjul
  2. Brikama
  3. Georgetown
  4. Kanifing
  5. Kerewan
  6. Mansa
  7. Santa Su

GUINÉE

 Formerly French Guinea
Origin of Name:
Country Code:
Capital: Conakry
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 224

Districts:

GUINÉ-BISSAU

 Formerly Portuguese Guinea
Origin of Name:
Country Code: GW
Capital: Bissau
Languages: Portuguese and Guinean Creole
Telephone Country Code: 245

Administrative Centers:

  1. Bafatá
  2. Bissau
  3. Bissorã
  4. Bolama
  5. Cacheu
  6. Catió
  7. Fulacunda
  8. Gabú
  9. Quinhamel

SIERRA LEONE

 Origin of Name: (Saw-tooth) Mountains of the Lion
Country Code: SL
Capital: Freetown
Languages: English and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 232

Districts:

LIBERIA

 A nation founded by American ex-slaves, who became the oligarchic elite, on the Grain Coast of Africa
Origin of Name: From Latin, meaning Land of Freedom
Country Code: LR
Capital: Monrovia
Languages: English and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 231

Counties:

  1. Bong: Gbarnga
  2. Cape Mount (Atlantic): Robertsport
  3. Grand Bassa (Atlantic): Buchanan
  4. Grand Gedeh: Tchien
  5. Lofa: Voinjama
  6. Maryland (Atlantic): Harper
  7. Montserrado (Atlantic): Monrovia
  8. Nimba: Saniquelie
  9. Sinoe (Atlantic): Greenville

GHÁNA

 Formerly Gold Coast
Origin of Name:
Country Code: GH
Capital: Accra
Languages: English and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 233

CÔTE D'IVOIRE

 Pronunciation: kuht dee - VWAHR; the initial o is intermediate between an English long o and short u
English Language Name: Ivory Coast
Official Name: Republique du Côte d'Ivoire
Origin of Name:
Country Code: CI
Capital: Abidjan
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 225

Administrative Centers:

  1. Abengourou
  2. Abidjan
  3. Aboisso
  4. Adzopé
  5. Agboville
  6. Agnibilékrou
  7. Bangolo
  8. Béoumi
  9. Biankouma
  10. Bongouanou
  11. Bouaké
  12. Boudoudou
  13. Bouna
  14. Boundiali
  15. Dabakala
  16. Daloa
  17. Danané
  18. Daouko
  19. Dimbkro
  20. Divo
  21. Duékoué
  22. Ferkessédougou
  23. Gagnoa
  24. Grand-Lahou
  25. Guiglo
  26. Issia
  27. Katiola
  28. Korhogo
  29. Lakota
  30. Man
  31. Mbahiakro
  32. Niablé
  33. Odienne
  34. Oumé
  35. Sakassou
  36. San Pedro
  37. Sassandra
  38. Séguéla
  39. Soubré
  40. Tabon
  41. Tanda
  42. Tengréla
  43. Tiassalé
  44. Toumodi
  45. Vavona
  46. Yamoussoukro
  47. Zuénoula

TOGO

 Origin of Name:
Country Code: TG
Capital: Lomé
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 228

Divisions:

  1. Centrale: Sokodé
  2. Kara: Kara
  3. Maritime: Lomé
  4. Plateaux: Atakpamé
  5. Savanes: Dapaong

BÉNIN

 Formerly Dahomey
Origin of Name:
Country Code: BJ
Capital: Cotonou
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 229

Divisions:

  1. Atakora: Natitingou
  2. Atlantique: Cotonou
  3. Borgou: Parakou
  4. Mono: Lokossa
  5. Quéme: Porto-Novo
  6. Zou: Abomey
Index

AFRICA: CONGO BASIN

These are nations that include most of the African rain forest and immediately-surrounding areas, centered around the Congo River.

NIGERIA

 Origin of Name: After the Niger River
Country Code: NG
Capital: Abuja
Languages: English and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 234

Divisions:

  1. Abia: Umaahia
  2. Adamawa: Yola
  3. Akwa Ibom: Uyo
  4. Bauchi: Bauchi
  5. Bay Elsa: Yepagoa
  6. Benue: Makurdi
  7. Borno: Maiduguri
  8. Cross River: Calabar
  9. Delta: Outsha
  10. Ebonyi: Abaliki
  11. Edo: Benin City
  12. Enuga: Enuga
  13. Federal Capital Territory: Abuja
  14. Gombe: Gombe
  15. Imo: Owerri
  16. Jigawa: Dutse
  17. Kaduna: Kaduna
  18. Kano: Kano
  19. Katsina: Katsina
  20. Kebbi: Birnin-Kebbi
  21. Kwara: Ilorin
  22. Lagos: Ikeja
  23. Nassarawa: Lafia
  24. Niger: Minna
  25. Ogun: Abeokuta
  26. Ondo: Akure
  27. Osun: Oshogbo
  28. Oyo: Ibadan
  29. Plateau: Jos
  30. Rivers: Port Harcort
  31. Sokoto: Sokoto
  32. Taraba: Jalingo
  33. Zamfara: Gusau

CAMEROUN

 English Language Name: Cameroon (both versions are acceptable official versions, since this is a bilingual nation)
Origin of Name:
Country Code: CM
Capital: Yaoundé
Currency: CFA Franc; XAF
Languages: French, English and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 237

Divisions:

  1. Adamaoua: Ngaoundéré
  2. Centre (Center): Yaound‚
  3. Est (East): Bertoua
  4. Extrême-Nord (Extreme North): Maroua
  5. Littoral (Coast): Douala
  6. Nord (North): Garoua
  7. Nord-Ouest (North-West): Bamenda
  8. Ouest (West): Bafoussam
  9. Sud (South):
  10. Sud-Ouest (South-West): Buea

GUINÉE ECUATORIAL

 Origin of Name: French for Equatorial Guinea, being on the Equator
Country Code: GQ
Capital: Malabo
Languages: Spanish and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 240

Administrative Centers:

    Bioko Island
  1. Luba
  2. Malabo

    3. Río Muni
  3. Bata
  4. Ebebiyin
  5. Mongomo

GABON

 Origin of Name:
Country Code: GA
Capital: Libreville
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 241

Divisions:

  1. Estuaire: Libreville
  2. Haut-Ogooué: Masuku (formerly Franceville)
  3. Moyen-Ogooué: Lambaréné
  4. Ngounié: Mouila
  5. Nyanga: Tchibanga
  6. Ogooué-Ivindo: Makokou
  7. Ogooué-Lolo: Koulamontou
  8. Ogooué-Maritime: Port-Gentil (Port Pleasant)
  9. Woleu-Ntem: Orem

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

 Origin of Name:
Country Code: CG
Capital: Brazzaville
Languages: French and Sango
Currency: CFA Franc; XAF
Telephone Country Code: 242

Divisions:

  1. Bouenza: Madingou
  2. Cuvette: Owando
  3. Kouilou: Pointe-Noire (Black Point)
  4. Lékoumou: Sibiti
  5. Likouala: Impfondo
  6. Niari: Loubomo
  7. Plateaux: Djambala
  8. Pool: Kinkala
  9. Sangha: Ouesso

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

 Formerly Zaïre
Origin of Name: Named after the Congo River
Country Code:
Capital: Kinshasa (formerly named Leopoldville)
Languages: French and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 243

Divisions:

  1. Bandundu: Bandundu
  2. Bas-Zaïre: Matadi
  3. Equateur: Mbandaka
  4. Haut-Zaïre: Kisingani
  5. Kasai Occidental: Kananga
  6. Kasai Orientale: Mbuji-Mayi
  7. Maniema: Kindu
  8. Nord-Kivu: Goma
  9. Shaba: Lubumbashi
  10. Sud-Kivu: Bukaru
  11. Shaba

UGANDA

 Origin of Name:
Country Code: UG
Capital: Kampala (formerly Entebbe)
Languages: English and native languages
Telephone Country Code:

Districts:

ANGOLA

 Origin of Name:
Country Code: AO
Capital: Luanda
Languages: Portuguese and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 244

Provinces:

  1. Bié
  2. Cabinda
  3. Cuando Cubango
  4. Cuanza Norte
  5. Cuanza Sul
  6. Cunene
  7. Huambo
  8. Huíla
  9. Lunda Norte
  10. Lunda Sul
  11. Moxico
  12. Zaire
Index

AFRICA: EASTERN HORN

These are nations of Africa's easternmost promontory, the Horn. It's bordered on the northeast by the Red Sea and the southeast by the Indian Ocean. It includes both sere desert and moist highlands.

ERITREA

 Formerly part of Ethiopia
Origin of Name: From the Greek for "Red Sea"
Country Code:
Capital: Asmara
Language:
Telephone Country Code: 291

Divisions:

    On Red Sea
  1. Akale Guzay: Adi K'eyih
  2. Denakil: Aseb
  3. Sahil: Nak'fa
  4. Samkar: Massawa (or Mits'iawa)

    5. Inland
  5. Baraka: Ak'ordat
  6. Hamasen: Asmara
  7. Senhit: Keren
  8. Seraye: Adi Ugri

ITIOPYA

 Once known as Aksum
English Language Name: Ethiopia
Origin of Name: From the Greek for "Burnt Faces"
Country Code:
Capital: Addis Ababa
Languages: Amharic and other native languages
Telephone Country Code: 251

Divisions:

    Northern
  1. Tigray: Mek'ele
  2. Gonder: Gonder
  3. Welo: Dese

    4. Western
  4. Gojam: Debre Mark'os
  5. Ilubabor: Gore
  6. Kefa: Jima
  7. Welega: Nek'emte

    8. Southern
  8. Bale: Goba
  9. Gamo Gofa: Arba Minch'
  10. Sidamo: Yinga Alem

    11. Central and Eastern
  11. Argi: Asela
  12. Harerge: Harer
  13. Shewa: Addis Ababa (also national capital)

DJIBOUTI

 Formerly French Somaliland
Origin of Name:
Country Code: DJ
Capital: Djibouti
Languages: French and Arabic
Telephone Country Code: 253

Administrative Centers:

  1. Ali Sahieh
  2. Dikhil
  3. Djibouti
  4. Obock
  5. Tadjura

SOOMAALIYA

 English Language Name: Somalia
Somalia has no real government.
Origin of Name: From the Somali people
Country Code: SO
Capital: Muqdisho (Mogadishu)
Languages: Somali (a native language), Arabic, English, and Italian
Telephone Country Code: 252

Divisions:

  1. Awdal: Baki
  2. Bahool: Xuddur
  3. Bari: Boosaaso
  4. Bay: Baydhabo
  5. Benaadir: Muqdisho
  6. Galguduud: Dhuusamarreeb
  7. Gedo: Garbahaarrey
  8. Hiiraan: Beledweyne
  9. Jubbada Dhexe: Bu'aale
  10. Jubbada Hoose: Kismayyo
  11. Mudug: Gaalkacyo
  12. Nugaal: Garoowe
  13. Sanaag: Ceerigaabo
  14. Shabeellaha Dhexe: Jawhar
  15. Shabeellaha Hoose: Maka
  16. Sool: Laascaanood
  17. Togheer: Buro
  18. Woqooyi Gelbeed: Hargeysa

KENYA

 Origin of Name: Named after Mt. Kenya; Kenya is an abbreviation of the Kikuyu "Kere-Nyaga" which means "Mountain of Whiteness"
Country Code: KE
Capital: Nairobi
Origin of Capital Name: From the Masai "Enkare Nairobi" meaning "Place of Cool Waters"
Languages: Swahili (a native language), English, and other native languages
Telephone Country Code: 254

Divisions:

  1. Central: Nyeri
  2. Coast: Mombasa
  3. Eastern: Embu
  4. Northeastern: Garissa
  5. Nyanza: Kisuma
  6. Rift Valley: Nakuru
  7. Western: Kakamega
Index

AFRICA: EASTERN

This designation includes nations of the Rift Valley east to the Indian Ocean. Many of the racial groups here are of Nilotic derivation as well as Bantu and others.

RWANDA

 Origin of Name:
Country Code: RW
Capital: Kigali
Languages: Kinyarwanda (a native language) and French
Telephone Country Code: 250

Administrative Centers:

  1. Butare
  2. Byumbu
  3. Cyangugu
  4. Gikongoro
  5. Gisenya
  6. Gitarama
  7. Kibungo
  8. Kibuye
  9. Kigali
  10. Ruhengeri

BURUNDI

 Swahili Language Name: Urundi
Origin of Name: Kirundi for "[Land] of Rundi People"
Country Code: BI
Capital: Bujumbura
Languages: Kirundi (a native language), French and Swahili (a native language)
Telephone Country Code: 257

TANZANIA

 Pronunciation: tahn - zen - EE - ah
Origin of Name: Combination of the names of the formerly separate nations Tanganyika and Zanzibar; Tanganyika was named after Lake Tanganyika, and means "Sail in the Wilderness"; Zanzibar means
Formed by the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar
Country Code: TZ
Capital: Dar es Salaam
Origin of Capital Name: Arabic for "Haven of Peace"
Languages: Swahili (a native language), English, and other native languages
Telephone Country Code: 255

Divisions:

    Eastern
  1. Pemba (island off the coast): Chake Chake
  2. Zanzibar (on Zanzibar Island): Zanzibar
  3. Koani (on Zanzibar Island): Koani
  4. Mkokotoni (on Zanzibar Island): Mkokotoni
  5. Pwani ("Coast"; on Indian Ocean coast): Dar es Salaam (also national capital)
  6. Mtwara (on Indian Ocean coast): Mtwara
  7. Ruvuma (inland south): Songea

    8. Central Rift Valley/Ranges
  8. Arusha: Arusha
  9. Dodoma: Dodoma
  10. Iringa: Iringa
  11. Morogoro: Morogoro
  12. Tanga (also on coast): Tanga

    13. Western
  13. Kigoma: Kigoma
  14. Mara: Musoma
  15. Mbeya: Mbeya
  16. Mwanza: Mwanza
  17. Shinyanga: Shinyanga
  18. Singida: Singida
  19. Tabora: Tabora
  20. Ziwa Magharibi ("West Lake"; on Lake Victoria): Bukoba

MALAWI

 Formerly Nyasaland
Origin of Name:
Country Code: MW
Capital: Lilongwe
Languages: Chichewa ( a native language) and English
Telephone Country Code: 265

Divisions:

  1. Central: Lilongwe
  2. Northern: Mzuzu
  3. Southern: Blantyre

MOÇAMBIQUE

 English Language Name: Mozambique
Origin of Name:
Country Code: MZ
Capital: Maputu
Language: Portuguese and native languages
Telephone Country Code: 258

Districts:

  1. Cabo del Gado: Porto Amélia
  2. Gaza: Joao Belo
  3. Inhambane: Inhambane
  4. Lourenço Marques: Lourenço Marques
  5. Manica e Sofala: Beira
  6. Moçambique: Moçambique
  7. Niassa: Cabral
  8. Tete: Tete
  9. Zambezia: Quelimane

ZAMBIA

 Formerly Northern Rhodesia
Origin of Name: After the Zambezi River
Country Code:
Capital: Lusaka
Languages: English and local languages
Telephone Country Code:

Divisions:

  1. Central: Kabwe
  2. Copperbelt: Ndola
  3. Eastern: Chipata
  4. Luapula: Mansa
  5. Lusaka: Lusaka
  6. Northern: Kasama
  7. Northwestern: Solwezi
  8. Southern: Livingstone
  9. Western: Mongu
Index

AFRICA: SOUTHERN

This includes the nations of southernmost Africa, largely nations with large areas of desert and arid lands. Original inhabitants were principally Khoisan but have since been overtaken by Bantu-derived peoples and Europeans.

SOUTH AFRICA

 Afrikaans Language Name: Suid Afrika
Origin of Name: From location
Country Code:
Capitals: 1) Capetown (Kaapstad; legislative); 2) Pretoria (administrative); 3) (judicial)
Languages: English, Zulu (a native language), Xhosa (a native language), Afrikaans (a Dutch dialect), other native languages
Telephone Country Code: 27

Provinces:

Eastern/Northern/Western Cape were formerly one province, Cape Province or Kaapprovinsie
  1. Eastern Cape: King William's Town
  2. Free State (formerly Orange Free State or Oranje Vrystaat): Bloemfontein
  3. Gauteng: Johannesburg
  4. Kwazulu-Natal: Pietermaritzburg
  5. Mpumalanga: Nelspruit
  6. Northern Cape: Kimberley
  7. Northern Province: Pietersburg
  8. Northwest: Mmabatho
  9. Western Cape: Capetown (Kaapstad)

NGWANE

 English Language Name: Kingdom of Swaziland
Origin of Name:
Country Code: SZ
Capital: Mbabane
Languages: English and s/Swati, a native language
Telephone Country Code: 268

Divisions:

  1. Hhohho: Mbabane
  2. Lubombo: Siteki
  3. Manzini: Manzini
  4. Shiselweni: Nhlangano

LESOTHO

 Formerly Basutoland, a British colony; entirely within South Africa
Official name: Kingdom of Lesotho
Origin of Name: After Basotho people (singular Mosotho); meaning land of Basotho people
Country Code: LS
Capital: Maseru
Languages: English and Sesotho, a native language
Telephone Country Code: 266

Administrative Centers:

  1. Butha Bethe
  2. Hlotse
  3. Mafeteng
  4. Maseru
  5. Mohale's Hoek
  6. Mokhotlong
  7. Moyeni
  8. Qacha's Neck
  9. Teyateyaneng
  10. Thaba-Tseka

ZIMBABWE

 Formerly Bechuanaland, a British colony, later Southern Rhodesia
Origin of Name: Means "Big Rock" (in some versions, "Big House")
Country Code:
Capital: Harare (formerly Salisbury)
Language: English and a variety of native languages

Divisions:

  1. Manicaland: Mutare
  2. Mashonaland Central: Bindura
  3. Mashonaland East: Harare
  4. Mashonaland West: Chinhoyi
  5. Masvingo: Masvingo
  6. Matabeleland North: Bulawayo
  7. Matabeleland South: Gwanda
  8. Midlands: Gweru

BOTSWANA

 Formerly Rhodesia, a British colony
Official name: Republic of Botswana
Country Code: BW
Capital: Gabarone
Languages: Setswana (native), English
Telephone Country Code: 267

Divisions:

  1. Barolong: Ramatlabama?
  2. Central: Serowe
  3. Chobe: Kasane
  4. Ghanzi (includes part of Kalahari Desert): Ghanzi
  5. Kgalagadi (includes part of Kalahari Desert): Tshabong
  6. Kgatleng: Mochudi
  7. Kweneng (includes part of Kalahari Desert): Molepolole
  8. Ngamiland (includes most of Okavango Swamp): Maun
  9. Ngwaketse: Kange
  10. Northeast: Francistown
  11. Southern: Kanye
  12. Southeast: Gabaraone

NAMIBIA

 Formerly Southwest Africa, a British colony
Origin of Name: From the Namib Desert
Country Code: NA
Capital: Windhoek
Language: Afrikaans, English, German, native languages
Telephone Country Code: 264

Divisions:

  1. Ovamboland (northern Namibia)
    1. Grootfontein (Great Fountain): Grootfontein
    2. Kaokoveld (Atlantic): Ohopoho
    3. Okavango (includes Caprivi Strip, narrow strip of land extending east): Rundu
    4. Outjo (Atlantic): Outjo
    5. Ovamboland: Ondangua
    6. Tsumeb: Tsumeb
  2. Damaraland (central Namibia)
    1. Gobabis: Gobabis
    2. Karibib: Karibib
    3. Okahandja: Okahandja
    4. Omaruru: Omaruru
    5. Otjiwarongo: Otjiwarango
    6. Swakopmund (Atlantic): Swakopmund
    7. Windhoek: Windhoek
  3. Groot Namaland (southern Namibia, including Namib Desert on Atlantic coast)
    1. Bethanien: Bethanien
    2. Gibeon: Mariental
    3. Keetmanshoop: Keetmanshoop
    4. Lüderitz (Atlantic): Lüderitz
    5. Matahöhe: Matahöhe
    6. Rehoboth: Rehoboth
    7. Walvisbaai (Walvis Bay; Atlantic): Walvisbaai
    8. Warmbad: Karasbung
    Index

    AFRICA: ASSOCIATED ISLANDS

    MADAGASIKARA

     Formerly the Malagasay Republic
    English Language Name: Madagascar
    Origin of Name:
    Country Code: MG
    Capital: Antananarivo
    Origin of Capital Name:
    Language:
    Telephone Country Code: 261

    Divisions:

    1. Antananarivo: Antananarivo
    2. Antsiranana: Antsiranana
    3. Fianarantsoa: Fianarantsoa
    4. Mahajanga: Mahajanga
    5. Toamasina: Toamasina
    6. Toliara: Toliara

    CABO VERDE

     English Language Name: Cape Verde
    Origin of Name: Portuguese for Green Cape
    Country Code: CV
    Capital:
    Currency: Cape Verde Escudo; CVE
    Language: Spanish
    Telephone Country Code: 238

    COMORES

     English Language Name: Comoros
    Origin of Name:
    Country Code: KM
    Capital: Moroni (on Ngazidja Island)
    Language:
    Currency: Comoros Franc; KMF
    Telephone Country Code: 269

    Major Islands:

    1. Ngazidja (French name: Grande Comore): Moroni (also national capital)
    2. Nzwani (French name: Anjouan; English name: Johanna): Mutsamuda
    3. Mwali (French name: Mohéli): Fomboni
    4. Maore (French name: Mayotte): Dzaoudzi; Maore is claimed by Comoros but still administered as a French territory.

    Mayotte

     French Possession
    Native name: Maore
    Country Code:
    Capital: Dzaoudzi
    Language: French

    CANARY ISLANDS

     Name:
    Capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (the Palms of Grand Canary; on Gran Canaria); Santa Cruz de Tenerife (on Tenerife)
    Language:
    Telephone Country Code:

    Major Islands:

    1. Fuerteventura
    2. La Gomera
    3. Gran Canaria
    4. El Hierro
    5. Lanzarote
    6. La Palma
    7. Tenerife

    SEYCHELLES

     Origin of Name:
    Country Code: SC
    Capital: Victoria (on Mahé Island)
    Language:
    Telephone Country Code:

    Major Islands:

    1. La Digue
    2. Mahé
    3. Praslin
    4. Silhouette
    Plus many smaller islands

    MAURITIUS

     Origin of Name:
    Country Code: MU
    Capital:
    Language:
    Telephone Country Code:

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