Junior Scholastic Africa: 50 Years Of Independence

Madagascar is the correct answer because it is a large island nation located off Africa's western coast. It is the world's fourth-largest island and is situated in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique. Madagascar is known for its unique wildlife, including lemurs, as well as its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes.

Most African countries gained independence in the 1960s. This was a significant decade in African history, often referred to as the "Year of Africa." During this time, numerous African nations achieved independence from their colonial rulers. The wave of decolonization in the 1960s marked a turning point in the continent's history and led to the establishment of many modern African nations.

Western Sahara is a disputed region that is not recognized as an independent country. It is currently claimed by both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. The United Nations considers Western Sahara to be a non-self-governing territory, and the conflict over its sovereignty remains unresolved. Lesotho, on the other hand, is an independent country located within the borders of South Africa, while Tunisia is also an independent country located in North Africa.

The Red Sea is the correct answer because it separates Sudan from Asia. The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia. It is bordered by Sudan to the west and Saudi Arabia to the east. The Red Sea is an important waterway for international trade and is known for its rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs.

In 1922, modern Egypt gained its independence. This marked the end of British occupation and the establishment of a sovereign Egyptian state. The independence was achieved through negotiations between the Egyptian government and the British authorities, resulting in the recognition of Egypt as an independent constitutional monarchy. This event was significant in shaping the political and social landscape of Egypt, leading to further developments and reforms in the country's history.

Coltan is the mineral used in cell phones that fuels wars, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The demand for coltan, which is used to make tantalum capacitors, has led to conflicts and violence in the region as armed groups fight for control over mines and trade routes. The illegal mining and trade of coltan have also funded armed groups, prolonging the conflicts and causing immense human suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Eritrea gained its independence most recently among the given options.

Lesotho and Swaziland are two tiny countries that exist completely within a larger one. Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa, while Swaziland is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. These countries are considered enclaves, meaning they are geographically surrounded by another country.

Liberia was settled by freed slaves from the U.S. in the early 19th century. The American Colonization Society, a group of white Americans, established the country as a place for freed African Americans to settle and govern themselves. The capital city, Monrovia, was named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, who supported the colonization efforts. The freed slaves faced numerous challenges in establishing a new society, but Liberia eventually gained independence in 1847 and became the first African republic.

South Africa and Zimbabwe were ruled by white minorities until the late 20th century. In South Africa, the policy of apartheid was implemented, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination against the non-white majority. The white minority government in Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, practiced a similar system of racial segregation until it gained independence in 1980. Both countries experienced significant social and political changes during the late 20th century, leading to the end of white minority rule.

The nation of Gambia's boundary follows the Gambia River. This natural feature serves as the border for the country, separating it from its neighboring countries. It is a significant geographical landmark that defines the limits of Gambia's territory.

Africa is approximately 4,600 miles wide at the Tropic of Capricorn. This measurement is obtained by calculating the distance from the westernmost point of Africa to the easternmost point at the Tropic of Capricorn. Therefore, the correct answer of "about 1400 miles" is incorrect.

If you crossed Africa from east to west along the Equator, you would pass through Kenya, Somalia, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Uganda. These countries are located along or near the Equator in Africa.