Africa is a massive and diverse continent with a rich history, incredible cultures, and unique landscapes. But when people try to count how many countries make up Africa, they often get different answers. Is it 54, 55, or even 57? Why does the number seem to change depending on who you ask? If you’ve ever wondered about this, you’re not alone!

In this article, we’ll explore how many countries are officially in Africa, why some people debate the number, and answer common questions about Africa’s geography.

How Many Countries Are in Africa?

As of 2024, the official number of recognized countries in Africa is 54 according to the United Nations (UN). However, if you ask the African Union (AU), they recognize 55 countries. So, where does the extra country come from? That’s where things get a little tricky.

The main reason for this difference is Western Sahara, a disputed territory in North Africa. Some organizations count it as a separate country, while others don’t, leading to the variation in numbers.

Are There 54 or 57 Countries in Africa?

You might have seen people claim Africa has 54, 55, or even 57 countries. Here’s why:

• 54 Countries – This is the number recognized by the United Nations and most international organizations.
• 55 Countries – The African Union (AU) includes Western Sahara as a full member, making their count 55.
• 57 Countries – Some people mistakenly include territories that are not independent, like Réunion (a French overseas region) or Somaliland (a self-declared independent region of Somalia).

The Role of the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a group that includes almost all African nations and works to promote unity, economic development, and security across the continent. Because they consider Western Sahara a member, their official count is 55 countries instead of 54.

List of All African Countries by Region

Africa is divided into five major regions: North, West, Central, East, and Southern Africa. Here’s a breakdown of the countries in each region:

Northern Africa

1. Algeria
2. Egypt
3. Libya
4. Mauritania
5. Morocco
6. Sudan
7. Tunisia
8. Western Sahara (Disputed territory)

Western Africa

9. Benin
10. Burkina Faso
11. Cape Verde
12. Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
13. Gambia
14. Ghana
15. Guinea
16. Guinea-Bissau
17. Liberia
18. Mali
19. Niger
20. Nigeria
21. Senegal
22. Sierra Leone
23. Togo

Central Africa

24. Angola
25. Cameroon
26. Central African Republic
27. Chad
28. Republic of the Congo
29. Democratic Republic of the Congo
30. Equatorial Guinea
31. Gabon
32. São Tomé and Príncipe

Eastern Africa

33. Burundi
34. Comoros
35. Djibouti
36. Eritrea
37. Ethiopia
38. Kenya
39. Madagascar
40. Malawi
41. Mauritius
42. Mozambique
43. Rwanda
44. Seychelles
45. Somalia
46. South Sudan
47. Tanzania
48. Uganda
49. Zambia
50. Zimbabwe

Southern Africa

51. Botswana
52. Eswatini (Swaziland)
53. Lesotho
54. Namibia
55. South Africa

What is the 55th Country in the African Union?

The 55th country recognized by the AU is Western Sahara. However, its status is controversial. Western Sahara is claimed by Morocco, which controls most of the territory, while a group called the Polisario Front wants it to be independent. Because of this dispute, the UN does not count Western Sahara as an independent country, but the African Union does.

Common Questions About Africa’s Geography

Is Africa the Poorest Continent in the World?

Africa has many developing countries, but it is also home to fast-growing economies like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. While poverty exists, the continent is rich in resources, culture, and innovation.

What is the Richest Country in Africa?

Economically, Nigeria has the largest GDP, while Seychelles has the highest GDP per capita. South Africa and Egypt are also among the wealthiest.

What is the Cleanest Country in Africa?

Gabon is often considered one of the cleanest countries due to its large forest reserves and strict environmental policies.

Which African Country Was the First to Gain Independence?

Since Liberia was never colonized in the traditional sense, Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from European rule in 1957.

Which African Country Was Never Colonized?

Ethiopia is the only African country that was never fully colonized, although it was occupied by Italy for a short period.

Which African Country Has the Most Beautiful Women?

Beauty is subjective and exists everywhere! However, many people praise Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa for having the most beautiful women in Africa.

So, how many countries are in Africa? The answer depends on who you ask. The UN says 54, the African Union says 55, and some people mistakenly believe it’s more. No matter the exact number, Africa is a vast and incredible continent full of rich history, culture, and diversity. Understanding Africa’s countries helps us appreciate its complexity and significance in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How many countries are in Africa?

Africa consists of 54 internationally recognized countries. However, the African Union (AU) recognizes 55 countries, including the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara), which is a disputed territory. While most international organizations do not officially recognize Western Sahara as a fully sovereign nation, the AU considers it a member state.

2. Why do some sources say Africa has 57 countries?

Some sources claim Africa has 57 countries because they include territories, disputed regions, or dependencies. For example:

• Western Sahara is sometimes counted separately from Morocco, leading to 55 countries.
• Some lists might include territories like Mayotte (French territory) or Réunion (a French overseas department) as separate entities, even though they are officially part of France.
• Some mistakenly count regions with strong autonomy, like Somaliland (a self-declared independent region of Somalia), as separate from their parent countries.

3. Is Ghana considered a poor country?

Ghana is classified as a lower-middle-income country by the World Bank. While it has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, thanks to industries like oil, gold, and cocoa production, it still faces economic challenges such as:

• High inflation and currency depreciation
• Public debt and government spending issues
• Unemployment and income inequality
  While Ghana is not among the poorest countries in Africa, it is still working towards achieving full economic stability.

4. Which is the richest country in Africa?

The definition of “richest” depends on the metric used:

• By total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) – Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa due to its massive oil industry, diverse sectors, and large population.
• By GDP per capita (wealth per person) – Seychelles ranks the highest, followed by Mauritius, Equatorial Guinea, and Botswana, due to smaller populations and strong tourism or resource-driven economies.
• By natural resources – Countries like South Africa (gold, diamonds, minerals), DR Congo (cobalt, copper), and Nigeria (oil, gas) hold vast natural wealth.

5. What is the cleanest country in the world?

Globally, countries like Estonia, Luxembourg, and Germany are often ranked among the cleanest due to their strict environmental policies and waste management systems.

In Africa, the cleanest countries include:

1. Seychelles – Due to strict environmental policies and tourism regulations.
2. Mauritius – Well-maintained cities, low pollution, and strong waste management.
3. Botswana – Known for its clean streets and well-preserved natural reserves.
4. Gabon – Over 80% of its land is forested, and it has strong conservation efforts.
5. Zimbabwe – Harare, its capital, is regarded as one of the cleanest in Africa due to efforts in urban waste management.

6. What is the oldest country in the world?

The oldest country depends on how “oldest” is defined:

• By continuous civilization – Egypt is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to around 3150 BCE with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under Pharaoh Narmer.
• By continuously existing government – San Marino (founded in 301 CE) is the oldest republic still in existence.
• By recognized statehood – Some consider Iran (formerly Persia), China, or Japan among the oldest based on early state formations.

7. Is Africa a country?

No, Africa is a continent, not a country.

• Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, covering over 30 million square kilometers.
• It consists of 54-55 countries, each with its own government, culture, languages, and economies.
• The misconception that Africa is a single country often comes from a lack of awareness about its diversity, history, and complex geopolitical structure.

8. Did Liberia gain independence before Ghana?

Yes, Liberia gained independence before Ghana. Liberia declared independence in 1847, but it wasn’t colonized in the traditional European sense. It was founded by freed African Americans with support from the American Colonization Society (ACS). While Liberia operated as an independent republic, its governance was dominated by Americo-Liberians, leading to internal divisions with Indigenous groups.

On the other hand, Ghana became the first African country to gain independence from direct European colonial rule in 1957, marking a major turning point in Africa’s decolonization movement. Ghana’s independence, led by Kwame Nkrumah, inspired other African nations to push for their freedom from European powers.