Africa

Africa is the second largest continent in the world, with 54 countries and a surface area of 11,677,293 square miles. Its highest point is Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro, which rises 19,340 feet above sea level. Africa has extensive mineral resources, including gold, diamonds and copper. Its longest river is the Nile, which runs 4,132 miles from Burundi to Egypt. Its largest lake is the 26,828 square mile Lake Victoria, which is surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Africa’s many regions attract visitors for a variety of reasons. North Africa offers a Mediterranean experience and ancient Egyptian ruins. West African countries are known for their music and excellent cotton fabrics. Venture to the center and eastern parts of the continent for its rich wildlife and a chance to see gorillas in their natural habitat. Southern Africa draws tourists to the increasingly popular Cape Town, the country Lesotho and safaris in Botswana and South Africa.