87 Fun and Fascinating Facts About North Africa
North Africa is a stunningly beautiful and incredibly interesting part of the African continent. The proof is in these fascinating facts!
Each country has its own landscapes, culture, politics, and favourite foods. And each and every one has many reasons for you to visit.
There are a couple of countries in North Africa, though, that might warrant a pass at the moment, for any traveller. And, unfortunately, especially for the solo female traveller.
Check out these fun facts about North Africa and see if you can pick a favourite. Then aim to visit as many as you can! And once your mind’s been blown by these, learn 98 things about Southern Africa.
Map of North Africa
Fascinating North Africa Facts
Contrary to many incorrect assumptions, the vast majority of Africa is safe and amazing for visitors. But it is a place with areas of corruption, extreme poverty, and political unrest.
So some research is always a good idea before deciding on a destination. Here are some facts that might help.
Morocco Facts
1. Morocco is on the coast in the northwest corner of Africa.
2. This is a subtropical area, and home to the largest desert in the world, the Sahara.
3. But you can also go downhill skiing here. About 78 km south of Marrakech is Oukaïmeden, in the Atlas Mountains, with 7 ski lifts. And coastal the surfing is world-class!
Algeria Facts
4. Algeria is Africa’s largest country. More than 90% of the population of these North African countries lives along the coast.
5. You’ll be happy, I hope, to learn that the sport of sheep fighting is illegal in Algeria. It’s also known as Combat taa lkbech in the Algerian Arabic language.
Tunisia Facts
6. Tunisia is Muslim, and the smallest of the countries along the Mediterranean Sea.
It’s home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
7. Women here dress in modest clothes similar to those of the Western world. Wearing a veil is not allowed in schools or universities.
Libya Facts
8. The capital city is Tripoli, with about 1.127 million people.
Most of them speak Arabic.
9. Chess is a very popular game in Libya. Many chess terms originate in the Arabic language. For example, “Checkmate” comes from shah mat, meaning “the king is dead”.
Egypt Facts
10. The home of the Great Pyramids has the highest population of any north African country.
Over 102.3 million people reside here, most on the banks of the Nile River.
11. Shooting marbles is a popular pastime for Egyptian kids, as are playing squash and tennis.
12. One fun fact about North Africa fast food – the McFalafal is a popular menu item at McDonald’s in Egypt.
Mauritania Facts
13. This desert country was once a part of French West Africa.
The French influence is still seen, especially in the country’s educational system.
14. One of the most horrifying facts about North Africa is that a law to abolish slavery was not passed here until 1981. Even worse, it’s believed that enslaved people still live in Mauritania today.
Mali Facts
15. If you ever wondered if Timbuktu was a real place, now you know – yes, it is a Malian city.
It means “place covered by small dunes”.
16. When a child in Mali loses a tooth, they will throw it into a chicken coop. The hope is that this will make a fat, delicious hen appear in the coop the next day.
17. Mali is a French-speaking country, and home to the largest mud-brick building in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenne Abidjan
Niger Facts
18. Niger is one of the least developed countries in the world, according to the UN’s Human Development Index (HDI).
19. It’s also the country with the highest fertility rate.
20. Scary fact about North Africa – Niger is the 6th largest producer of uranium, used to produce nuclear power.
21. Its national language is French, and the country boasts the W National Park, a large and important refuge for wildlife in West Africa.
Chad Facts
22. Chad is one of the world’s poorest, most hostile countries.
This is in spite of the sizeable reserves of gold, oil, and uranium.
23. Unfortunately, the country’s myriad political and infrastructure issues consistently discourage investors.
24. But, Chad is home to Zakouma National Park. The park is one of the very few refuges for wildlife in (Northern) Central Africa.
Sudan Facts
25. It might surprise you that when it comes to pyramids, Sudan has Egypt beat in number if not in size, with over 200. Egypt has a paltry 118.
26. It is a haven for wildlife fans, in the Red Sea and on dry land. Sudan is a great place for divers.
27. But, it is also the home of the war in Darfur, a region of Western Sudan. Be sure to research the current political climate before making plans to visit.
Eritrea Facts
28. Eritrea was an Italian colony in the late 1800s.
Its influence can still be seen in the large catholic churches that remain there.
29. Today this tiny nation is likened to an African North Korea. It holds the unfortunate position of last place on the 2021 World Freedom Index. This puts it in the position of being a worse dictatorship than even North Korea.
30. Eritrea is one of the most undeveloped and un-touristed countries in North Africa. Though visiting is a bit of a challenge, it’s an adventure of discovery, and worth exploring.
Cape Verde Facts
31. This small country is made up of 10 islands and 5 islets. Sal is the most popular island.
32. Climbing active volcano Pico do Fogo, is a popular activity for visitors.
33. These islands are also ideal for water sports like windsurfing and scuba diving.
34. Loggerhead turtles and humpback whales are 2 important seasonal visitors here, though they arrive in different seasons.
35. The loggerheads lay their eggs here from July to September. Humpback whales swim these waters in April and May.
Senegal Facts
36. Senegal’s capital city of Dakar is a busy city of over 3 million people.
37. It’s known for its music and markets, as well as the surf and wildlife.
38. It’s a fairly stable country politically. And, though poverty is common, Senegal is a cultural gem.
One largely unknown fact is how many incredibly interesting cultures exist in North Africa. Senegal has some of the most interesting of them.
39. French is the national language, and its artisan-crafted jewelry is renowned.
The Gambia Facts
40. This is a tiny country almost surrounded by Senegal, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
The Gambian people have an age-old tradition of storytelling, led by “griots”.
41. The local national sport is wrestling. If you visit The Gambia, try to take in a match.
42. The book and TV series Roots were set here.
Guinea-Bissau Facts
43. This small country is a migrant and refugee territory inside Africa. It’s become an incredible mosaic of cultures.
44. The cash crop here is cashew nuts. Unfortunately, that industry is rivalled by the cocaine trade.
45. It also has one of the world’s highest death rates due to air pollution.
46. However, Guinea-Bissau is a relatively safe country and is very welcoming to travellers. It’s a cultural treasure trove and a must for anyone who is fascinated by interesting people.
Guinea Facts
47. Formerly French Guinea, this is one of 3 African countries with “Guinea” in its name. This Guinea is known fondly for its 320 km of luscious beaches.
48. Guinea is home to the famous Centre d’Art Acrobatique Keita Fodeba, in the capital city of Conakry. The school has trained some of the greatest acrobats and contortionists in Africa.
Sierra Leone Facts
49. Sierra Leone’s modern claim to fame is blood diamonds, aka. conflict diamonds.
50. It also has an exciting variety of wildlife, which is unfortunately under heavy risk. This is entirely due to humans – mining, civil war, and deforestation.
51. However, there is a bright light for chimpanzees, in the shape of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Find it in Freetown.
Liberia Facts
52. Calling all surfers! Liberia has some of the best surfing in Africa.
53. Something everyone should know about North Africa? It’s home to the rare Pygmy Hippopotamus. They stand just over 3 feet tall when they’re grown.
54. The country was established as a home for freed slaves from America. This proved to be more successful in thought than execution, however.
Côte d’Ivoire Facts
55. Abidjan, the economic capital of the country, is the third largest French-speaking country in the world.
56. The Ivory Coast is the largest producer of coffee beans in the world.
57. It also contains the only remaining rainforest in West Africa.
58. The country is a popular spot to visit, with artisanal chocolate and high fashion just 2 of the main attractions.
Burkina Faso Facts
59. The capital city is Ouagadougou, which means “You are welcome here at home with us”.
And it is home, to 60 different ethnic groups.
61. In fact, they hold Africa’s largest craft market, the International Art and Craft Show.
60. Each group has its own unique folk music. The people of Burkina Faso are also known for their artistic talents.
Ghana Facts
62. Ghana is a leading exporter of gold, diamonds, and cocoa.
You can also find gold and diamond jewelry as well as cocoa products at the Kumasi Central Market.
63. This is West Africa’s largest open-air market and includes handicrafts, as well. If you’re an audiophile, you may be aware that the inventor of Afro-jazz, Kofi Ghanaba, is from Ghana.
Togo Facts
64. The capital city of Lomé is thought to be Africa’s most beautiful city.
The sprawling, cosmopolitan city has been called the “Paris of West Africa”.
65. Unfortunately, the life expectancy here is just 60.8 years, almost 12 years less than the global average.
66. Togo’s Fazao-Malfakassa National Park has the most diverse topography in West Africa. With forests to rocky cliffs, the park is also home to 203 species of wildlife.
Benin Facts
67. In Benin it’s considered good luck if you cross paths with a python, which are sacred here.
These are not to be confused with Benin’s very deadly poisonous snakes.
68. Benin is also the birthplace of voodoo and celebrates National Voodoo Day. No dolls or pins, though. Voodoo in Benin is a belief system and is all about making a positive impact on others.
Nigeria Facts
69. Nigeria is home to more people than any other country in Africa, at over 211 million.
70. With this many people, it’s not surprising that more than 500 different languages are thought to be spoken here.
71. It’s also one of the most industrialized countries in Africa. It has a booming film industry, known as Nollywood, which is bigger than Hollywood. About 200 movies are produced every week.
Cameroon Facts
72. Cameroon is sometimes known as Africa in miniature. It’s said that each climate and ecological system in Africa can be found in Cameroon.
73. There are also a variety of African languages – around 230 – and cultures represented in Cameroon.
74. Cameroon is often listed as one of the world’s most dangerous countries. Violent crime, terrorism, and kidnapping are common.
Central African Republic Facts
75. This is another country with a spot on the list of the most dangerous countries.
76. Somewhat in contrast, it also plays host to 597 species of identified butterflies.
77. It also has 2 national parks, a variety of wildlife, and large concentrations of elephants and western lowland gorillas.
78. It is one of the countries least affected by light pollution, thereby affording epic stargazing.
South Sudan Facts
79. Boma National Park in South Sudan is host to one of Africa’s Great Migrations.
It involves 1.3 million antelope of different species.
80. A new discovery, it’s considered on par with the Great Wildebeest Migration between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, in southern Africa.
It’s the hope that a tourism economy can be built around this migration.
Ethiopia Facts
81. Ethiopia is not only Africa’s oldest country, it also has the most African UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
82. The country receives highest honours for being the spot where the coffee bean originated.
83. Ethiopia uses a 13-month calendar. This fact means that the country’s date is 7 years behind the rest of the world.
Djibouti Facts
84. Lake Assal of Djibouti is saltier than the Dead Sea.
85. It also has fantastic diving in its Gulf of Tadjoura, especially during whale shark season.
86. A 2011 Djibouti postage stamp featured American pop star Michael Jackson.
87. This is the most urbanized country in sub-Saharan Africa. Almost 80% of its population is considered urban.
Summing it Up: Fun Facts About North Africa
North Africa has 29 different countries, all with many different personalities. The number of interesting facts about this fascinating part of the world is endless. I hope you get to visit a few of these countries and collect a few facts in person.
Happy travels!
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