Southern Africa Study Guide

Geography Differences

• East Africa: Characterized by mountains, plateaus, and highlands.
• Southern Africa: Dominated by flat areas, with sandy and dry deserts.

Driest Regions in Southern Africa

• Namib Desert
• Kalahari Desert

Challenges Facing Southern Africa

1. Poverty
2. Disease
3. Environmental problems

Trade History

• Great Zimbabwe Trade: Evidence from archaeologists showing Chinese porcelain and Indian glass beads indicates trade with China and India.

Bantu Dominance

• Iron Working: Key factor in the Bantu becoming the dominant group in Southern Africa.

Influence of Bantu Languages

• South Africa: Most influenced by Bantu languages.

European Colonization

• Berlin Conference: European leaders divided Africa to exploit natural resources.

Unique Language Features

• Khoisan Languages: Notable for their clicking sounds.

Artistic Recognition

• Lesotho: Known for woven tapestries.
• Zimbabwe: Renowned for stone sculptures of birds and other animals.

Religion in Southern Africa

• Predominantly traditional African religions involving spirits.
• Christianity introduced by Europeans.
• Zimbabwe practices a blend of traditional African beliefs and Christianity.

Environmental Protection in Namibia

• Amendment added to Namibia's constitution promoting environmental protection.

Repeal of Apartheid Laws in South Africa

• Internal Contributions: African National Congress led boycotts, strikes, and marches.
• External Contributions: Sanctions from the US and other nations, including trade bans and exclusion from the Olympics for 30 years.

Causes of Poverty in Southern Africa

1. Climate: Droughts frequently destroy crops, leading to poverty.
2. Lack of Jobs: High unemployment contributing to poverty.

Southern Africa Countries