Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, covering an area of approximately 30.3 million square kilometers (11.7 million square miles). It is home to a diverse range of cultures, languages, and environments, and is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization" due to its long and rich history.
When it comes to the number of countries in Africa, there is some variation in the answers depending on the source. Some sources recognize 54 countries, while others recognize 55 or even 56 countries. The reason for this variation is due to political and territorial disputes, as well as the recognition of certain self-declared states.
In this article, we will explore the different perspectives on the number of countries in Africa, and provide a detailed list of the countries that are generally recognized by the international community.
how many countries in africa
Africa is a vast and diverse continent with a rich history and culture.
- 54 recognized countries
- Some sources say 55 or 56
- Political and territorial disputes
- Self-declared states
- Complex colonial history
- Changing political boundaries
- International recognition
- United Nations membership
The number of countries in Africa is a topic that can be approached from different perspectives, and the exact number depends on the criteria used for recognition.
54 recognized countries
When it comes to the number of countries in Africa, the most commonly recognized figure is 54. This number is based on the membership of the African Union (AU), which is the continental body that represents the political and economic interests of African states. All 54 countries that are members of the AU are recognized by the United Nations (UN) as sovereign states, and they participate in international organizations and forums as independent countries.
The 54 recognized countries in Africa are:
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Congo
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
These 54 countries represent a diverse range of cultures, languages, and histories, and they play an important role in global affairs.
It is important to note that the recognition of certain countries can be a complex issue, and there are some cases where there is disagreement among international organizations and countries about the status of a particular territory. However, the 54 countries listed above are generally recognized as sovereign states by the international community.
Some sources say 55 or 56
While the most commonly recognized number of countries in Africa is 54, some sources may claim that there are 55 or even 56 countries. This variation is due to the complex political and territorial situation in Africa, which includes disputed territories, self-declared states, and unrecognized countries.
- Western Sahara
Western Sahara is a disputed territory in North Africa, claimed by both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The SADR is recognized by a handful of countries, but most countries consider Western Sahara to be a part of Morocco.
- Somaliland
Somaliland is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa, which broke away from Somalia in 1991. Somaliland has its own government, currency, and military, but it is not recognized by any other country.
- Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, which was a semi-autonomous region until 1964, when it united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania. Some sources may list Zanzibar as a separate country, but it is generally considered to be a part of Tanzania.
- Mayotte
Mayotte is an island in the Indian Ocean, which is a department and region of France. Some sources may list Mayotte as a separate country, but it is considered to be a part of France.
The inclusion or exclusion of these territories and self-declared states in the count of African countries can lead to different numbers being reported. However, the 54 countries that are members of the African Union are the most widely recognized and accepted as sovereign states in Africa.
Political and territorial disputes
Africa is a continent with a complex political and territorial history, and there are a number of ongoing disputes over borders and territories. These disputes can lead to instability and conflict, and they can also make it difficult to determine the exact number of countries in Africa.
- Western Sahara
Western Sahara is a disputed territory in North Africa, claimed by both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The SADR is recognized by a handful of countries, but most countries consider Western Sahara to be a part of Morocco. This dispute has been ongoing for decades, and there is no easy solution in sight.
- Somalia/Somaliland
Somaliland is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa, which broke away from Somalia in 1991. Somaliland has its own government, currency, and military, but it is not recognized by any other country. The international community considers Somaliland to be a part of Somalia, but Somaliland has maintained its independence for over 30 years.
- Sudan/South Sudan
South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011, after a long and bloody civil war. However, the two countries continue to have disputes over their border, as well as over oil and other resources. These disputes have led to tensions and occasional clashes between the two countries.
- Ethiopia/Eritrea
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a border war from 1998 to 2000, which resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. The two countries eventually signed a peace agreement, but the border dispute remains unresolved. There have been occasional outbreaks of violence along the border in recent years.
These are just a few examples of the political and territorial disputes that exist in Africa. These disputes can make it difficult to determine the exact number of countries in Africa, and they can also lead to instability and conflict.
Self-declared states
In addition to the political and territorial disputes mentioned above, there are also a number of self-declared states in Africa. These are entities that have declared independence from their parent countries, but they are not recognized by the international community.
- Somaliland
As mentioned earlier, Somaliland is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa, which broke away from Somalia in 1991. Somaliland has its own government, currency, and military, but it is not recognized by any other country. The international community considers Somaliland to be a part of Somalia, but Somaliland has maintained its independence for over 30 years.
- Puntland
Puntland is a self-declared autonomous state in northeastern Somalia. It was established in 1998, and it has its own government and military. However, Puntland is not recognized by the international community, and it is considered to be a part of Somalia.
- Jubaland
Jubaland is another self-declared autonomous state in southern Somalia. It was established in 2013, and it has its own government and military. However, Jubaland is not recognized by the international community, and it is considered to be a part of Somalia.
- Azawad
Azawad is a self-declared state in northern Mali. It was established in 2012 by Tuareg separatists. However, Azawad is not recognized by the international community, and it is considered to be a part of Mali.
These are just a few examples of the self-declared states that exist in Africa. These states are not recognized by the international community, and they often face challenges in terms of security, governance, and economic development.
Complex colonial history
Africa has a complex colonial history, which has had a profound impact on the continent's political and territorial landscape. European powers began colonizing Africa in the 15th century, and by the late 19th century, most of the continent was under European control. The colonial powers imposed their own borders and administrative systems, which often divided ethnic groups and created artificial political units.
- Arbitrary borders
The borders of many African countries were drawn by European colonial powers, often with little regard for ethnic or linguistic boundaries. This has led to a number of conflicts and disputes over territory.
- Divided ethnic groups
The colonial powers often divided ethnic groups into different countries, which has led to tensions and conflicts between these groups. For example, the Ewe people are divided between Ghana and Togo, and the Yoruba people are divided between Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
- Artificial political units
The colonial powers also created artificial political units, such as the Belgian Congo and French West Africa. These units were often based on administrative convenience rather than on ethnic or linguistic factors. This has led to challenges in building national unity and identity in some African countries.
- Legacy of colonialism
The legacy of colonialism continues to shape Africa today. Many African countries are still struggling with the economic and political problems that were caused by colonial rule. Additionally, the arbitrary borders and divided ethnic groups that were created by the colonial powers continue to be a source of conflict and instability.
The complex colonial history of Africa is one of the factors that has contributed to the difficulty in determining the exact number of countries in Africa. The arbitrary borders and divided ethnic groups that were created by the colonial powers have led to disputes and conflicts, and they have also made it difficult to build national unity and identity in some African countries.
Changing political boundaries
The political boundaries of Africa have been constantly changing since the colonial era. New countries have been created, old countries have been divided, and some countries have even disappeared altogether. This has made it difficult to keep track of the exact number of countries in Africa.
- Decolonization
The decolonization of Africa in the mid-20th century led to the creation of many new countries. These countries were often based on the arbitrary borders that had been drawn by the colonial powers. This led to a number of conflicts and disputes over territory.
- Secessionist movements
Secessionist movements have also played a role in changing the political boundaries of Africa. These movements are groups that want to break away from their parent country and form their own independent state. Some secessionist movements have been successful, while others have failed.
- Unification movements
In some cases, countries have merged together to form larger political entities. For example, Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form Tanzania in 1964. Similarly, North and South Sudan united to form Sudan in 1956, although they later separated again in 2011.
- Failed states
Some countries in Africa have failed to maintain their territorial integrity and have effectively ceased to exist. For example, Somalia has been plagued by civil war and lawlessness for decades, and it is now considered to be a failed state.
The changing political boundaries of Africa have made it difficult to determine the exact number of countries in Africa. This is because the number of countries can change over time, as new countries are created, old countries are divided, and some countries cease to exist.
International recognition
International recognition is a key factor in determining the legitimacy of a state. When a state is recognized by other states, it gains access to a number of benefits, including diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and membership in international organizations. However, the process of international recognition can be complex and contentious, especially in cases where there are disputes over territory or sovereignty.
In the case of Africa, there are a number of countries that are not universally recognized by the international community. This includes self-declared states, such as Somaliland and Puntland, as well as countries that have been involved in territorial disputes, such as Western Sahara and South Sudan.
The lack of international recognition can have a number of negative consequences for a country. It can make it difficult to attract foreign investment and trade, and it can also limit a country's ability to participate in international organizations and forums. Additionally, the lack of international recognition can make it difficult for a country to resolve disputes with its neighbors.
Despite the challenges, there are a number of ways that a country can gain international recognition. One way is through the United Nations (UN). The UN is the world's largest international organization, and it has a membership of over 190 countries. When a country is admitted to the UN, it is a sign that it has been recognized by the international community.
Another way that a country can gain international recognition is through bilateral agreements with other countries. When two countries establish diplomatic relations, it is a sign that they recognize each other's sovereignty. Bilateral agreements can also be used to resolve disputes and to promote cooperation between countries.
International recognition is an important factor in determining the legitimacy of a state. The lack of international recognition can have a number of negative consequences for a country. However, there are a number of ways that a country can gain international recognition, including through the UN and through bilateral agreements with other countries.
United Nations membership
The United Nations (UN) is the world's largest international organization, and it has a membership of over 190 countries. The UN was established in 1945 after the Second World War, with the aim of preventing future wars and promoting peace and security around the world. The UN also works to promote human rights, social and economic development, and environmental protection.
All 54 countries that are recognized by the African Union are also members of the United Nations. This means that the UN recognizes the sovereignty of these countries and considers them to be legitimate states. UN membership allows African countries to participate in a wide range of international activities, including peacekeeping missions, trade negotiations, and climate change conferences.
There are a few African countries that are not members of the United Nations. These include Somaliland, a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa, and Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The lack of UN membership for these countries can make it difficult for them to participate in international organizations and forums, and it can also limit their access to foreign aid and investment.
However, even though Somaliland and Western Sahara are not members of the UN, they are still recognized by some countries and international organizations. For example, Somaliland has diplomatic relations with a number of countries, and it is a member of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Western Sahara is recognized by the African Union and by a handful of countries, and it is a member of the Arab League.
United Nations membership is an important factor in determining the legitimacy of a state. It allows countries to participate in a wide range of international activities and to access foreign aid and investment. However, there are a few African countries that are not members of the UN, and this can make it difficult for them to participate in international affairs.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how many countries are in Africa:
Question 1: What is the most commonly recognized number of countries in Africa?
Answer: The most commonly recognized number of countries in Africa is 54.
Question 2: Why do some sources say there are 55 or 56 countries in Africa?
Answer: Some sources may include self-declared states or disputed territories in their count of African countries. This can lead to a higher number than the 54 countries that are recognized by the African Union and the United Nations.
Question 3: What are some examples of self-declared states in Africa?
Answer: Some examples of self-declared states in Africa include Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland in Somalia, and Azawad in Mali. These states are not recognized by the international community, but they have their own governments and military forces.
Question 4: What are some examples of disputed territories in Africa?
Answer: Some examples of disputed territories in Africa include Western Sahara, which is claimed by Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and the Abyei region, which is claimed by Sudan and South Sudan.
Question 5: How does the complex colonial history of Africa affect the number of countries in Africa?
Answer: The complex colonial history of Africa has led to the creation of artificial borders and divided ethnic groups. This has made it difficult to determine the exact number of countries in Africa, as there are disputes over territory and sovereignty.
Question 6: What role does international recognition play in determining the number of countries in Africa?
Answer: International recognition is a key factor in determining the legitimacy of a state. When a country is recognized by other countries, it gains access to a number of benefits, including diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and membership in international organizations. The lack of international recognition can make it difficult for a country to resolve disputes with its neighbors and to participate in international affairs.
Question 7: How many countries in Africa are members of the United Nations?
Answer: All 54 countries that are recognized by the African Union are also members of the United Nations.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
These are just a few of the questions that people have about how many countries are in Africa. The number of countries in Africa can be a complex issue, but it is important to understand the different factors that contribute to the varying numbers that are reported.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for understanding the number of countries in Africa:
Tips
Here are a few tips for understanding the number of countries in Africa:
Tip 1: Be aware of the different perspectives on the number of countries in Africa.
There is no single answer to the question of how many countries are in Africa. The number can vary depending on the criteria used for recognition. It is important to be aware of the different perspectives on this issue in order to understand the varying numbers that are reported.
Tip 2: Consider the role of international recognition.
International recognition is a key factor in determining the legitimacy of a state. When a country is recognized by other countries, it gains access to a number of benefits, including diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and membership in international organizations. The lack of international recognition can make it difficult for a country to resolve disputes with its neighbors and to participate in international affairs.
Tip 3: Look at the membership of the African Union and the United Nations.
The African Union and the United Nations are two of the most important international organizations in Africa. All 54 countries that are recognized by the African Union are also members of the United Nations. This is a good way to get a sense of the number of countries that are generally recognized by the international community.
Tip 4: Be aware of the complex colonial history of Africa.
The complex colonial history of Africa has led to the creation of artificial borders and divided ethnic groups. This has made it difficult to determine the exact number of countries in Africa, as there are disputes over territory and sovereignty. It is important to understand this history in order to understand the current political landscape of Africa.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of the number of countries in Africa and the factors that contribute to the varying numbers that are reported.
In conclusion, the number of countries in Africa is a complex issue with no easy answer. However, by understanding the different perspectives on this issue and by considering the role of international recognition, the membership of the African Union and the United Nations, and the complex colonial history of Africa, you can gain a better understanding of this topic.
Conclusion
The number of countries in Africa is a complex issue with no easy answer. There are 54 countries that are recognized by the African Union and the United Nations, but some sources may include self-declared states or disputed territories in their count, which can lead to a higher number. The complex colonial history of Africa has also contributed to the difficulty in determining the exact number of countries in Africa.
International recognition is a key factor in determining the legitimacy of a state. When a country is recognized by other countries, it gains access to a number of benefits, including diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and membership in international organizations. The lack of international recognition can make it difficult for a country to resolve disputes with its neighbors and to participate in international affairs.
In conclusion, the number of countries in Africa is a topic that can be approached from different perspectives, and the exact number depends on the criteria used for recognition. However, by understanding the different perspectives on this issue and by considering the role of international recognition, the membership of the African Union and the United Nations, and the complex colonial history of Africa, you can gain a better understanding of this topic.
Ultimately, the question of how many countries are in Africa is not just a matter of numbers. It is also a question of politics, history, and international relations. By understanding the different factors that contribute to the varying numbers that are reported, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the African continent.