List of Countries in Africa (Alphabetical Order)
As the second largest continent, Africa has an area of 30.3 million square kilometers, which represents 20.4 percent of the Earth’s land area. The name Africa derives from Roman times. In Roman times, “Africa” was the name of the Carthage area of present-day northeast Tunisia. Later, Africa became the name of the south coast of the Mediterranean and has been the name of the African continent since the Middle Ages.
Regions in Africa
Geographically, the Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar separate Africa from Europe to the north. Africa has land connection with Asia to the northeast; The Suez Canal is considered the distinction between the two continents. By the way, Africa is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Indian Ocean to the southeast and east, and the Red Sea to the northeast.
The highest mountain is Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, 5895 meters above sea level. The longest river is the Nile, which has a length of 6671 kilometers, and the largest lake is Lake Victoria in East Africa with a surface area of 68,800 square kilometers.
How Many Countries in Africa
Africa is often divided into the regions of North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, South Africa and East Africa. The continent consists of 54 independent states and 8 territories. In addition, 2 states come with limited or lack of international recognition: Somaliland and Western Sahara. Three states are monarchies, and the rest are republics.
Africa’s largest country is Algeria; the least is the Seychelles. The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland.
Map of African Countries
Surrounded by the East Indian and West Atlantic Oceans, Africa means “place where the sun is hot” in Latin. See below for map of Africa and all state flags.
Although most countries are undeveloped, Africa is one of the best travel destinations in the world. Top destinations include Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya), Victoria Falls (Zambia), Pyramids of Giza (Egypt), Cape Town (South Africa) and Marrakech (Morocco).
Alphabetical List of All Countries in Africa
As of 2020, there are a total of 54 countries in Africa. Among all African countries, Nigeria is the largest one by population and Seychelles is the smallest. See the following for full list of African countries and dependencies in alphabetical order:
| # | Flag | Country | Official Name | Population |
| 1 |  |
Algeria | People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria | 43,851,055 |
| 2 |  |
Angola | Republic of Angola | 32,866,283 |
| 3 |  |
Benin | Republic of Benin | 12,123,211 |
| 4 |  |
Botswana | Republic of Botswana | 2,351,638 |
| 5 |  |
Burkina Faso | Burkina Faso | 20,903,284 |
| 6 |  |
Burundi | Republic of Burundi | 11,890,795 |
| 7 |  |
Cameroon | Republic of Cameroon | 26,545,874 |
| 8 |  |
Cabo Verde | Republic of Cabo Verde (formerly Cape Verde) | 555,998 |
| 9 |  |
Central African Republic | Central African Republic | 4,829,778 |
| 10 |  |
Chad | Republic of Chad | 16,425,875 |
| 11 |  |
Comoros | Union of the Comoros | 869,612 |
| 12 |  |
Côte d’Ivoire | Republic of Côte d’Ivoire | 26,378,285 |
| 13 |  |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 89,561,414 |
| 14 |  |
Djibouti | Republic of Djibouti | 988,011 |
| 15 |  |
Egypt | Arab Republic of Egypt | 102,334,415 |
| 16 |  |
Equatorial Guinea | Republic of Equatorial Guinea | 1,402,996 |
| 17 |  |
Eritrea | State of Eritrea | 3,546,432 |
| 18 |  |
Eswatini | Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) | 1,163,491 |
| 19 |  |
Ethiopia | Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia | 114,963,599 |
| 20 |  |
Gabon | Gabonese Republic | 2,225,745 |
| 21 |  |
Gambia | Republic of the Gambia | 2,416,679 |
| 22 |  |
Ghana | Republic of Ghana | 31,072,951 |
| 23 |  |
Guinea | Republic of Guinea | 13,132,806 |
| 24 |  |
Guinea-Bissau | Republic of Guinea-Bissau | 1,968,012 |
| 25 |  |
Kenya | Republic of Kenya | 53,771,307 |
| 26 |  |
Lesotho | Kingdom of Lesotho | 2,142,260 |
| 27 |  |
Liberia | Republic of Liberia | 5,057,692 |
| 28 |  |
Libya | State of Libya | 6,871,303 |
| 29 |  |
Madagascar | Republic of Madagascar | 27,691,029 |
| 30 |  |
Malawi | Republic of Malawi | 19,129,963 |
| 31 |  |
Mali | Republic of Mali | 20,250,844 |
| 32 |  |
Mauritania | Islamic Republic of Mauritania | 4,649,669 |
| 33 |  |
Mauritius | Republic of Mauritius | 1,271,779 |
| 34 |  |
Morocco | Kingdom of Morocco | 36,910,571 |
| 35 |  |
Mozambique | Republic of Mozambique | 31,255,446 |
| 36 |  |
Namibia | Republic of Namibia | 2,540,916 |
| 37 |  |
Niger | Republic of the Niger | 24,206,655 |
| 38 |  |
Nigeria | Federal Republic of Nigeria | 206,139,600 |
| 39 |  |
Republic of the Congo | Republic of the Congo | 5,240,011 |
| 40 |  |
Rwanda | Republic of Rwanda | 12,952,229 |
| 41 |  |
Sao Tome and Principe | Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe | 219,170 |
| 42 |  |
Senegal | Republic of Senegal | 16,743,938 |
| 43 |  |
Seychelles | Republic of Seychelles | 98,358 |
| 44 |  |
Sierra Leone | Republic of Sierra Leone | 7,976,994 |
| 45 |  |
Somalia | Federal Republic of Somalia | 15,893,233 |
| 46 |  |
South Africa | Republic of South Africa | 59,308,701 |
| 47 |  |
South Sudan | Republic of South Sudan | 11,193,736 |
| 48 |  |
Sudan | Republic of the Sudan | 43,849,271 |
| 49 |  |
Tanzania | United Republic of Tanzania | 59,734,229 |
| 50 |  |
Togo | Togolese Republic | 8,278,735 |
| 51 |  |
Tunisia | Republic of Tunisia | 11,818,630 |
| 52 |  |
Uganda | Republic of Uganda | 45,741,018 |
| 53 |  |
Zambia | Republic of Zambia | 18,383,966 |
| 54 |  |
Zimbabwe | Republic of Zimbabwe | 14,862,935 |
Dependencies in Africa
Besides 54 independent nations, there are also two dependencies in Africa.
Brief History of Africa
Ancient Civilizations
Africa is the cradle of humanity, with evidence of the earliest human ancestors found in the Great Rift Valley. The continent’s history is marked by the rise of great ancient civilizations. Around 3300 BCE, Ancient Egypt emerged along the Nile River, renowned for its monumental architecture, such as the pyramids, and significant contributions to writing, art, and governance. The Kingdom of Kush, south of Egypt, also flourished, exerting influence over trade routes and developing its own unique culture.
In West Africa, the Nok culture, dating from around 1000 BCE to 300 CE, is known for its terracotta sculptures and early ironworking technology. The Bantu migration, which began around 1000 BCE, spread agriculture, language, and culture throughout sub-Saharan Africa, significantly shaping the continent’s demographic and cultural landscape.
Medieval African Kingdoms
The medieval period saw the rise of powerful and wealthy kingdoms and empires across Africa. In West Africa, the Ghana Empire (circa 300-1200 CE) was an influential trading state, dealing in gold and salt. It was succeeded by the Mali Empire (circa 1235-1600 CE), which reached its zenith under Mansa Musa, known for his immense wealth and the famous pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Songhai Empire (circa 1430-1591 CE) followed, becoming one of the largest African empires in history, with its center in Timbuktu, a hub of Islamic learning and commerce. In East Africa, the Kingdom of Aksum (circa 100-940 CE) was a significant trading nation, converting to Christianity in the 4th century and leaving behind impressive architectural achievements, including towering stelae and the famous church of St. Mary of Zion.
In Southern Africa, Great Zimbabwe (circa 1100-1450 CE) was known for its impressive stone structures and served as a major trade center. The Swahili city-states along the East African coast thrived through trade with the Middle East, India, and China, blending African and Arab cultures.
European Exploration and the Slave Trade
The arrival of European explorers in the 15th century marked the beginning of a new and often tragic chapter in African history. Portuguese navigators like Prince Henry the Navigator initiated the exploration of the African coast, seeking a sea route to Asia. This era led to the establishment of trade posts and the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade.
The slave trade had a devastating impact on Africa, with millions of Africans forcibly taken to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries. This period saw significant social and economic disruption, depopulation, and the breakdown of traditional societies. European powers, including Britain, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands, established colonies along the coast to facilitate the slave trade.
Colonial Period
The 19th century brought the “Scramble for Africa,” where European powers aggressively colonized the continent. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalized the partitioning of Africa, leading to the establishment of artificial borders that disregarded ethnic and cultural boundaries. Colonial rule brought infrastructural development but also exploitation, forced labor, and resistance.
Major colonial powers included Britain, which controlled vast territories in East and Southern Africa, and France, which held large parts of West and Central Africa. Belgium’s King Leopold II notoriously exploited the Congo Free State, leading to widespread atrocities. Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain also established colonies.
Struggle for Independence
The mid-20th century witnessed a wave of independence movements across Africa. Ghana, led by Kwame Nkrumah, became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. This milestone inspired other nations to seek freedom from colonial rule. Notable leaders, such as Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya, Julius Nyerere in Tanzania, and Patrice Lumumba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, played crucial roles in their countries’ struggles for independence.
By the 1960s, most African countries had achieved independence. However, the legacy of colonialism left deep scars, including arbitrary borders, economic dependency, and political instability. The post-independence period saw numerous challenges, including military coups, civil wars, and authoritarian regimes.
Contemporary Africa
Today, Africa is a continent of great diversity and potential, but it continues to face significant challenges. Economic development varies widely, with some countries experiencing rapid growth while others remain mired in poverty. The African Union, established in 2002, aims to promote economic integration, peace, and development across the continent.
Africa is rich in natural resources, including minerals, oil, and fertile land. However, issues such as corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability often hinder sustainable development. Efforts to address these challenges include initiatives to improve governance, education, and healthcare.
Social and Cultural Renaissance
Despite the challenges, Africa is experiencing a social and cultural renaissance. There is a growing recognition of the continent’s rich cultural heritage and contributions to global civilization. The rise of African literature, music, art, and film on the global stage showcases the continent’s vibrant creativity and diversity.
Technological advancements, particularly in mobile technology, are driving innovation and economic opportunities. Africa’s young population is increasingly engaging in entrepreneurship, technology, and activism, shaping the future of the continent.