A Quiz On Africa For Intellectuals

Explanation
The Nile River is the correct answer because it is home to several highly populated countries such as Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The river provides a source of water and fertile land for agriculture, which has attracted human settlements and led to a high population density in the surrounding areas. Additionally, the Nile has historically played a significant role in trade and transportation, further contributing to the concentration of population along its banks.

Explanation
The Great Rift Valley is a geological feature in East Africa that stretches for thousands of kilometers. It is known for its rich fossil record, including the remains of some of the earliest humans. These discoveries have provided valuable insights into our understanding of human evolution and the origins of our species. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the earliest man was found in the Great Rift Valley.

Explanation
Smallpox is no longer prevalent in Africa because it has been eradicated globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an intensive vaccination campaign in the 1960s, which led to the successful eradication of smallpox in 1980. This achievement was possible due to the effectiveness of the vaccine and global cooperation in implementing vaccination programs. Since then, smallpox has been completely eliminated from Africa and the rest of the world.

Explanation
Southern Africa is the correct answer because it has been disproportionately affected by the AIDS epidemic compared to other regions in Africa. This region has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS, with countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Swaziland having some of the highest infection rates in the world. Factors such as high poverty levels, limited access to healthcare, and cultural practices contribute to the spread of the disease in Southern Africa.

Explanation
The statement is false because colonialism in Africa has had a significant impact on the problems that countries in the region face today. Colonial powers exploited Africa's resources, disrupted local economies, imposed artificial borders, and created divisions among different ethnic groups. These actions have led to political instability, economic underdevelopment, and social tensions that continue to affect African nations. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that colonialism has had very little to do with the problems faced by African countries.

Explanation
"The Hotel Rwanda" is a film based on the true story of the Rwandan genocide that occurred in 1994. The genocide targeted the Tutsi people, who were subjected to mass killings and violence by the Hutu majority. The film portrays the atrocities committed during this dark period in African history, shedding light on the brutal reality of the genocide. Therefore, the statement that "The Hotel Rwanda" depicts the genocide of the Tutsi people in Africa at the hands of the Hutu is true.

Explanation
The statement is false because the Nile River is actually larger than the Mississippi River. The Nile River is the longest river in the world, stretching over 4,135 miles, while the Mississippi River is approximately 2,320 miles long. Additionally, the Nile River has a larger drainage basin and carries more water than the Mississippi River, making it larger in terms of volume as well.

Explanation
The statement is false because Africa is actually three times larger than the United States. Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, covering a land area of approximately 30.37 million square kilometers, while the United States has a land area of about 9.83 million square kilometers. Therefore, Africa is three times larger than the United States.

Explanation
The statement is false because the Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering a vast area of North Africa. The rainforest in Africa, on the other hand, is primarily located in the central and western regions of the continent, covering a smaller area compared to the Sahara Desert. Therefore, the rainforest in Africa does not span more land than the Sahara Desert.

Explanation
Desertification is not the process people go through to adapt to the harsh conditions in the desert. Instead, it refers to the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, leading to a loss of vegetation, biodiversity, and productive capacity. It is caused by various factors such as climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Explanation
Diseases caused by unsafe drinking water are a major global health issue, particularly in developing countries. Lack of access to clean drinking water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, which can be fatal, especially for children. The statement that diseases caused by unsafe drinking water kill a child every 20 seconds is a shocking statistic that highlights the urgency of addressing this problem.

Explanation
The declining numbers of animals on the African savannahs can be attributed to shooting and poisoning by cattle ranchers. This is a major cause as these ranchers often view the wildlife as competition for resources and pose a threat to their livestock. The shooting and poisoning activities directly result in the killing of animals, leading to a decrease in their population. This explanation supports the given answer of "True" as it highlights the negative impact of cattle ranching on the African savannahs' animal population.

Explanation
The statement that extreme poverty is calculated to be living on $3 a day is false. Extreme poverty is actually defined as living on less than $1.90 a day, according to the World Bank. This measure is used to assess the most severe forms of poverty and to track progress in poverty reduction efforts globally. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Explanation
The statement mentions that the land of Africa is varied with rolling hills, mountain peaks, deserts, and a wide range of temperatures and precipitation. This implies that Africa has diverse geographical features and climate conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is False, as it contradicts the given information.