There is no country called Africa!
Africa is a continent period. Just as Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Antarctica and Australia are all continents. Since I came into England however, I have had my geography knowledge doubted following the descriptions and statements of or about Africa by some Europeans’ and Americans. Phrases like “the last time I visited Africa” “when you return to Africa” “Mission Africa” “road to Africa” and so on.
The categorization of everyone from the continent as one, irrespective of the immeasurable tribes, tongues, ethnic groups and most importantly countries in Africa is bowel – shattering. I have never heard any European identify him or herself as one. Rather they tell you the specific country they come from, example Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Russia and the rest. I am astounded at the level of intelligence and knowledgeability displayed by these people when they discuss topics like politics, globalisation, foreign policy, international trade, economic downturn, development and other intellectual discourse yet simple geography they don’t know. It is quite surprising that some of these people are not the “everyday” individuals but public figures and professionals in their various spheres who should know better.
The Obama euphoria has come and gone but the blunders of the period are still with us. This of course explains why Sarah Palin was adjudged unqualified for the position of the American Vice President because she "didn't understand that Africa was a continent, rather than a series, a country just in itself." Embarrassing! Is it that they actually have a weak grasp of geography or they are less concerned? It is even more worrisome when sojourners from there like me tell you “back home in Africa…..” Where precisely? I ask.
For those who do not know here’s a bowdlerized version of Geography 101:
After Asia, Africa is the second largest and most populous continent in the world. A continent is one of several large mass of continuous land on earth. With 61 territories and 53 COUNTRIES, the continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea at the north, the Red Sea and Suez Canal at the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean at the southeast. The continent is also divided into 5 regions with countries like Kenya, Burundi and Ethiopia in East Africa, North Africa – Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt, Middle or Central Africa – Angola, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, West Africa – Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Togo and Southern Africa – South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland.
It is also apt to know that they are not all dark skinned in Africa. The presumption that our faces look alike does not mean we are from the same parents. Try asking “which country in Africa do you come from”? And as Africans whenever we’re confronted with this situation be quick to remind them “there is no country called Africa”.
The categorization of everyone from the continent as one, irrespective of the immeasurable tribes, tongues, ethnic groups and most importantly countries in Africa is bowel – shattering. I have never heard any European identify him or herself as one. Rather they tell you the specific country they come from, example Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Russia and the rest. I am astounded at the level of intelligence and knowledgeability displayed by these people when they discuss topics like politics, globalisation, foreign policy, international trade, economic downturn, development and other intellectual discourse yet simple geography they don’t know. It is quite surprising that some of these people are not the “everyday” individuals but public figures and professionals in their various spheres who should know better.
The Obama euphoria has come and gone but the blunders of the period are still with us. This of course explains why Sarah Palin was adjudged unqualified for the position of the American Vice President because she "didn't understand that Africa was a continent, rather than a series, a country just in itself." Embarrassing! Is it that they actually have a weak grasp of geography or they are less concerned? It is even more worrisome when sojourners from there like me tell you “back home in Africa…..” Where precisely? I ask.
For those who do not know here’s a bowdlerized version of Geography 101:
After Asia, Africa is the second largest and most populous continent in the world. A continent is one of several large mass of continuous land on earth. With 61 territories and 53 COUNTRIES, the continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea at the north, the Red Sea and Suez Canal at the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean at the southeast. The continent is also divided into 5 regions with countries like Kenya, Burundi and Ethiopia in East Africa, North Africa – Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt, Middle or Central Africa – Angola, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, West Africa – Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Togo and Southern Africa – South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland.
It is also apt to know that they are not all dark skinned in Africa. The presumption that our faces look alike does not mean we are from the same parents. Try asking “which country in Africa do you come from”? And as Africans whenever we’re confronted with this situation be quick to remind them “there is no country called Africa”.
Good thinking!
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