Nile RiverAnother notable geographic feature of Africa, is the Nile River. Reaching a total length of 6,650 km (4,132 miles), it is the longest river in the world. The Nile runs through 10 African countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the Sudan.
With northern Africa being mostly covered by desert, the Nile River provides a flow of water that is used by many in the north eastern area of Africa. With limited waterways, many large cities were founded on the banks of the Nile. The waterway provided fresh food as well as more vegetation compared to the more baron parts of the desert without waterways.
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One of the main cities founded on the Nile is the city of Cairo. Not only is Cairo the largest city in north Africa, but also a history going back to the Pharaohs. The pyramids were created near Cairo, and off the Nile River. Creating a city near the Nile was in order to allow their civilization to survive in this area, and is still thriving today. |
Extending about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles), the Atlas Mountains are found in the countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Despite being found so close to the Sahara, the mountains receive much more rainfall. The northern section of the Atlas Mountains receives the most, and is home to large forests. These forests are home to a variety of animals including bears, sheep, badgers, and a variety of others.
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Where the Nile is the main river on the east side of Africa, the Niger is the main on the west. Stretching 4,200 kilometers (2,600 miles), it is the third longest river in Africa. The Niger begins in Guinea and runs eastward through Mali, Niger, Benin, and Nigeria.
Much like the Nile, the Niger River provides a flow of water that leads to a higher amount of vegetation around. Being near the Sahara, the plant growth is not nearly as bountiful. Having the Niger flowing through provides an area for those settling on the banks to be able to have access to food and water.
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The Niger Rivers acts much like the Nile in how cities grow along the river. Being so near the Sahara, water would be scarce if it was not for the Niger. Flowing inwards toward the country, this river allows for the expansion of cities and life in general rather than being forced to the coast. |