Africa is planet Earth's second largest continent in terms of its surface area (30 million square kilometers).

The African continent is home to over one billion people (approximately 15 % of Earth's total population). Based on fossil findings and genetic research, it has been discovered that modern humans originated in Eastern Africa.

Africa is rich in natural resources, but poor in terms of economic strength. Many historical difficulties, such as colonialism and the slave trade, have drastically hindered the economic development of the African continent. The effects of these actions are still visible in the socioeconomic conditions on the continent today.

Most African nations became independent from European colonial powers during the 1960s. However, wars, economical instability and population growth remain significant problems on the African continent to this day. Despite these problems, the economic and social conditions in Africa are predicted to develop for the better over the course of the next couple of decades. 

The nature of the African continent is rich and varied. Compared to other continents, Africa is home to a particularly large number of large animal species, such as giraffes, hippopotamuses and rhinoceroses.