Africa covers a total land area of almost 30.2 million square kilometers. That's more than one-fifth of the world's land area. Over one billion people inhabit it, making it sustain 14.72% of the entire world's population.
History
The earliest history of Africa goes back to millennia ago, when the early life-forms roamed the Earth. It was only around 3,300 BC that ancient civilizations like that of Egypt came into existence. Most of the northern African coastline was also under the control of Roman Empire during its heyday. Islam started to expand in the continent by about 7th century AD, and to this day remains a major religion.
Toward the last 200 years or so, Africa saw a dark period of colonization and salve-trade, when almost the entire continent was a colony of one empire or the other. The European powers, who managed to remain in control for much of the time, were finally significantly weakened during the Second World War, following which there was a wave of independence movements among the African countries.
Africa doesn't have much of an economy, judging by modern standards. Although the availability of natural resources is enviable, most of the African countries have remained riddled in famines, epidemics, civil wars and ethnic conflicts. Nations like Egypt and South Africa have done well, but most others remain extremely poor and some are even considered failed states.
Agriculture and mining are the largest sectors in the economy. Agriculture alone employs about 60% of the continent's workforce. Gold, diamond and copper are among the various minerals exported. Manufacturing also holds importance in the continent, with developed nations like Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and South Africa employing about 15% of their population in this.
