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Western Africa

Western Africa. Geography and History. African Regions. There are 5 main African Regions: Northern Region Central Region Western Region Eastern Region Southern Region. Note: Africa is the only continent centered on the equator. Africa is spread over all four hemispheres.

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Western Africa

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  1. Western Africa Geography and History

  2. African Regions • There are 5 main African Regions: • Northern Region • Central Region • Western Region • Eastern Region • Southern Region

  3. Note: Africa is the only continent centered on the equator

  4. Africa is spread over all four hemispheres.

  5. African Waterways • Africa is surrounded by 4 bodies of water • Atlantic Ocean • Indian Ocean • Red Sea • Mediterranean Sea

  6. Geography Central Africa has a large rainforest

  7. Geography • The Nile River is the longest River in the world!

  8. Geography • The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world. • It’s located in the Northern Region.

  9. Trade • Camels were the main form of transportation across the desert for trade.

  10. Trade • Many items were traded across the Sahara desert. Gold Salt

  11. Homes were made of: Grass (thatched) roofsMud, grass, water, sticks, branches

  12. Empires • There were 3 main empires in ancient Western Africa. • Ghana • Mali • Songhai

  13. Ghana • 300-1235 A.D. • First trading empire – trade caravans • Traded gold for salt with Europe and the Middle East – they were of equal value • Main religion: Islam • Ghana was defeated by the king of Mali in 1235.

  14. Mali • 1235-1464 • Farming empire • Trans-Saharan Trade • Mansa Musa – greatest ruler • Religion - Islam

  15. Songhai • 1464-1585 • King: Sunni Ali • Greatest trade empire of West Africa • Last great trade empire of West Africa • Taken over by North Africa

  16. Village Life • Farming • Most important activity • Grew millet (wheat grain) • Raised chickens, goats, and cows • Traded others in the region for food they could not produce themselves.

  17. Religion, Dance, and Music • One god created their world • Many, lesser gods ruled over daily life • Islam was also popular • Needed to please the gods, or bad things would happen. • Music and Dancing

  18. Family • Life was centered around the family. • Families were very large – included mother, father, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, sons’ wives and children…often all in one house! • Kinship

  19. Government • Kinship, or family relationship was basis for government • Lived in clans • Male head of each clan became a village chief. • Decided when to plant and harvest • Formed armies • Resolved conflicts • Acted as judge

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