Africa and the Western Africa Critical Analysis

The demographic, economic and political profiles are clearly explained and distinguished. Part I. The African Continent Africa is the second largest continent in the world covering an area of 30. 37 million square kilometers. Its North boarders the southern part of the Mediterranean Sea while the West boards the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean to the East. African countries have numerous resources and minerals like gold, diamond, copper, diatomite etc. It is also characterized by numerous agricultural products as well as fisheries. Most highlands in Africa are characterized by the red volcanic soils that promote Agriculture. As a result of this, African countries are able to earn their revenue through exports of minerals, fishing as well as the agricultural products. However, most of the people living in the rural areas mainly rely on agriculture as a source of living.

In the traditional setting, these language groups have unique forms of worship and relation with their God. This may however not apply today as the religion in Africa has been multifaceted having major influence on culture, art and philosophy. Research shows that 45% of the African populations are adherents of Christianity while the rest in Islam as well as the lesser Traditional African Religions. Part II. West Africa West Africa is the region covering most of the sub-Saharan Africa on the West and boarders the Atlantic Ocean. Senegal’s economy is mainly driven by tourism, mining, fishing and agriculture which is particularly the main primary source of employment in the rural regions. It’s exports include fertilizer production, phosphate mining, commercial fishing and agricultural products.

It also relies heavily on remittances, foreign direct investment as well as donor assistance. On the other hand, Mali still remains among the 25 poorest countries in the world while relying on agricultural exports and gold mining as the main source of revenue. While gold and cotton exports make up 80% of the country’s exports, Mali still remains dependent on foreign Aid. Political aspect. Senegal whose capital city is Dakar experiences one of the most stable democracies in the modern Africa. It actively participates in regional mediation as well as peace keeping programs. The country also involves the use of a multi-party system and maintains its traditions of civilian rules. On the other hand, Mali practices the use of a democratic government.