Africa boasts of being the second largest as well as the second most populous continent in the world next only to Asia.
Africa offers amazing attractions such as the rain forests of the Congo, ancient Pyramids, rich wildlife, the majestic Sahara desert, the river Nile and many more. We take a look at the 11 largest nations in this interesting continent.
1. Algeria
Area- 919,594 square miles Population- 41 million Capital - Algiers
Most of this nation is desert. Only 12% of the area is inhabited. Algeria is located in North Africa and most Algerians live along the Mediterranean coast.
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Area- 905,567 square miles Population- 81 million
Capital- Kinshasa
The country has a tropical climate. Note that this nation is different from the Republic of the Congo. The nation is located in central Africa and is rich in natural resources.
3. Sudan
Area- 718,722 square miles
Population- 40 million
Capital- Khartoum
Sudan is located in North-East Africa. The country has more pyramids than Egypt. The count is over 200. In 2011, South Sudan seceded from Sudan.
4. Libya
Area- 679,362 square miles Population- 6.9 million Capital- Tripoli
The Sahara Desert comprises around 90% of this oil rich nation. Unfortunately, a civil war is ensuing at present in this country.
5. Chad
Area- 495,755 square miles
Population- 14.9 million Capital- N’Djamena
This is a landlocked nation situated in north-central Africa. The country's name comes from Lake Chad. More than 120 languages and dialects exist here.
6. Niger
Area- 489,191 square miles
Population- 21.5 million
Capital- Niamey
Niger is a landlocked country located in western Africa. The country is home to the majestic Niger River. Niger is known as one of the hottest countries on Earth.
7. Angola
Area- 481,400 square miles
Population- 30 million
Capita- Luanda
Angola is a nation situated on the west coast of Southern Africa. Overcoming a war ridden past, the country has emerged as one of the wealthiest nations in Africa.
8. Mali
Area- 478,766 square miles
Population- 18.6 million
Capital- Bamako
Mali is a landlocked nation located in western Africa. The historic place of Timbuktu is located in this country. The country is a major exporter of salt.
9. South Africa
Area- 471,010 square miles Population- 57 million
Capital- Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Pretoria
Africa's southernmost nation, South Africa is home to diverse populations and cultures. Did you know that the country boasts of the Earth's largest visible crater?
10. Ethiopia
Area- 435,186 square miles
Population- 105 million
Capital- Addis Ababa
Located in East Africa, Ethiopia is a landlocked nation. It is one of the oldest nations in the world. Ethiopia boasts of being the sole country to have 13 months in a year.
11. Mauritania
Area- 397,700 square miles
Population- 4.1 million
Capital- Nouakchott
Mauritania is a nation located in Northwest Africa. It is one of the continent's newest oil producers. The country's population comprises of several nomads.