5.2 - Introduction to Sub-Saharan Africa: What Makes Sub-Saharan Africa a Region?

In this Unit we will explore Sub-Saharan Africa.  Unlike many of the other regions of the world which we explore in this class, the 48 states that comprise this region do not share a common religion, language, cultural philosophy or political system. Instead, what makes Sub-Saharan Africa a region are shared experiences with colonization and slavery and shared economic and political challenges. 

Despite occupying the same continent,  North Africa remains  a distinct region from those countries which lie south of the Sahara Desert. Unlike the Sub-Saharan region, North Africa shares a dominant language and religion. Arabic and Islam tie the Region more closely to South West Asia than to the Sub-Saharan region.

In general, Sub-Saharan Africa is poorer, more rural and its population is much younger when compared to Latin America. Over 1 billion people live in the region and it is the world's fastest growing region.  In most countries, half the population is under 15. 41% of the population lives in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 per day. Average life expectancy across the region is only 57 years. Nevertheless, infant mortality rates are down, basic education is expanding and food production has increased over the last 20 years.  Communication has improved dramatically with the increased use of cell phones.

Perhaps more than any region which we will explore, people around the world see these statistics and  tend to have overwhelming pre-conceived notions about this region. While we often picture the entire region as "one" unit; occupying a uniform landscape with similar peoples and culture, Sub-Saharan Africa is immensely diverse. The physical geography of the region varies from lush grasslands, to desert, to rainforest. The population lives in traditional villages and booming urban metropolises. Some of the world’s poorest people live in Sub-Saharan Africa. But there also some of the world’s wealthiest people (e.g. one of the worlds hundred richest is Nigerian businessman, Aliko Dankote, Take a look at his Wikipedia Bio Links to an external site. ).

Despite its diversity, this region does share many environmental, cultural and economic challenges. Desertification, deforestation, wildlife conservation and vulnerability to climate change are shared across the region. Unfortunately, rapid population growth, poverty, disease, limited infrastructure and regional conflicts are also issues which unify the region.

Check yourself: What are your African Stereotypes?

When you think of Africa, what pops into your head? Famine? Extreme poverty? Armed conflict? Disease ? Amazing wildlife? Beautiful people?  No doubt all of these are a part of Africa today but they are by no means the totality of what Africa is in the 21st century. 

Take a couple of minutes to watch this slightly irreverent, spoof on African stereotypes. Think about how they may reflect your own stereotypes of Africans. While this video pokes fun at some common stereotypes, consider the damage they may inflict on individuals, nations and the Region. 

A Few Common Myths 

• Its hot everywhere, all the time in Africa
• Africa is a single country
• Everyone in Africa is poor
• Africa is disease-ridden
• Africa is uniformly unsafe
• All African governments are corrupt
• Africa is technologically backwards
• Africa has no history
• Without outside help it's doomed

Links to an external site.

 Africa is a much more nuanced, rich and diverse place than it is portrayed in the media.. To gain an understanding of modern Sub-Saharan Africa, watch "Sub-Saharan Africa: People and Cultures Links to an external site."

Did you Know?

Sub-Saharan Africa is a place full of surprises and contradictions. Lets look at a few:

• There are 48 nations in Sub-Saharan Africa with their own currency, government, national anthem, history, music, culture and languages
• Sub-Saharan Africa's rate of urbanization is 37%, comparable to China and larger than India's

• Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to be the fastest urbanizing region in the world over the next 30 years
• Real income jumped 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa over the last 10 years
• Despite the fact that Sub-Saharan Africa has the World's highest proportion of people living in abject poverty at 35.2%,  6 of the 10 fastest growing economies in World are in Sub-Saharan Africa
• 80% of Africans have access to a cell phone. About 40% of Africans use the internet

Learn More:

Today  many Americans are re-examining their unconscious biases regarding race, gender and sexual orientation. Similarly, most of us hold biases about other places in the World. Sub-Saharan Africa is often one of those places. If you are interested in exploring further our biases and the implications of those biases check out the following video and article:

Watch the Video "Africa is Poor and 5 Other Myths Links to an external site.

Read  "Why Your image of Africa is Wrong and How to Change it Links to an external site." Links to an external site.