Ghana
- hot and dry climate, tropical along coast
- borders Gulf of Guinea
- contains Lake Volta, which is the largest lake on the planet
- highest point, Mount Afadjato, rises 2,887 feet
- north region is covered by low, bush savannas and scattered, grassy plains
- in 1960 Muslim was the main religion, but now Christianity takes up 74% while Islam takes up 18%
- around 6.3 slaves were shipped from Western Africa to North and South Africa to benefit other societies
- about 5,000 slaves a year were shipped from the Gold Coast
- controlled all of West Africa's trade routes by 800 AD with the help of a strong army
- became wealthy by taxing traders while trading gold, salt, sheep, cattle, honey, leather, and cloth
- used silent bartering to keep gold mine locations a secret
- trade allowed Ghana to expand and spread beliefs
- started after 300 AD by the Soninkes
- reached peak under Tunka Manin
- fell in the 1200's due to invasion, overgrazing, and rebellions
- over 100 ethnic groups
- main language today is English
- well-known for hand-carved tools, fertility dolls, and kente cloth
- family is important and shows identity, loyalty, and responsibility
- currently a republic, led by John Dramani Mahama
- multiparty political system with a new, U.S. based constitution
Works Cited
- http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/ghana/ghland.htm
- https://my.vanderbilt.edu/f13afdevfilm/2013/09/religion-in-ghana/
- http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/history/slave-trade.php
- History Textbook
- http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/ghana-guide
- http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/ghana/constitution-politics
Mali
- savanna grassland that rolls over high plateaus
- around 65% is covered by desert (hot and dry)
- highest point, Hombori Tondo, rises 3,789 feet
- Niger River
- 98% Muslim
- controlled trade all across the Sahara
- slave trade helped the food surplus
- agriculture advancements allowed them to grow and trade beans, onions, rice, and cotton, along with gold and salt
- rose to power under Sundiata
- gained wealth, power, and fame under their most famous ruler, Mansa Musa
- in 1324 Mansa Musa left Mali on a pilgrimage to Mecca
- by the 1500's the empire crashed due to poor leadership
- population composed of many ethnic groups
- French is the official language
- music plays a key role
- democracy today led by Ibrahim Boubacar Keita
- many terrorists acts and droughts today
Works Cited
- http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/mali/mlland.htm
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/03/mali-war-religious-faultlines
- http://jjcweb.jjay.cuny.edu/history/worldspring09/mali.html
- History Textbook
- http://www.our-africa.org/mali/people-culture
- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13881370
Songhai
- landforms- rainforest, Niger River, Sahara Desert, and the grasses of the savanna
- hot and wet from May to October
- cold and dry from November to February
- main religion is Islam
- trusted slaves to not overthrow there rulers and to proved unbiased advice
- traded with people all across Sahara to Morocco and the Middle East
- exchanged gold, salt, copper, iron, kola nuts, and cloth
- trade was vital for economic growth and political stability of Songhai
- rebelled in the 1400's to get freedom
- expansion led by Sunni Ali who became ruler in 1464
- Muhammad Ture led rebellion against Sunni Baru and later gained the title, Askia the Great
- Moroccan army set out in 1591 and destroyed the empire
- blend of traditional West African beliefs
- daily life based on teachings of Islam
- language was Songhay
- lived in large families
- millet was the main part of their diet
- men generally wear trousers and loose-fitting shirts
- parents see formal schooling as a loss
- system set up in provinces
- dynastic
- organized by a caste system
Works Cited
- http://songhaiempire1.weebly.com/geography.html
- https://ancientafricah.wikispaces.com/Songhai%27s+religion
- http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/songhai-african-empire-15-16th-century
- History Textbook
- http://www.ducksters.com/history/africa/songhai_empire.php
- http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Japan-to-Mali/Songhay.html
- http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/whic/ReferenceDetailsPage/ReferenceDetailsWindow?zid=a23cd7c68785f1a4a851d0f82857f5e6&action=2&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CCX3048600061&userGroupName=seat24826&jsid=5c6cbc46bafc38b2b6a3b52ffad
Zimbabwe
- tropical climate
- Manfungabusa plateau covers most of Zimbabwe
- average elevation is 4,500 feet
- monotheistic religion with a god named Mwari
- no slave trade in Zimbabwe
- economy based on cattle husbandry, crop cultivation, and the trade of gold
- Zimbabwe means "stone houses"
- abandoned in the 15th century
- wealthy lived in large, stone homes while the poor lived in mud huts
- Robert Mugabe is currently president
- population of around 14 million
Works Cited
- http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/zimbabwe/zwland.htm
- http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/
- www.afrik-news.com/article18317.html
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Great-Zimbabwe
- www.ushistory.org/civ17d.asp
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