Physical Geography The Big Idea Southern Africas physical

Physical Geography The Big Idea Southern Africa’s physical geography includes a high, mostly dry plateau, grassy plains and rivers, and valuable mineral resources. Main Ideas • Southern Africa’s main physical feature is a large plateau with plains, rivers, and mountains. • The climate and vegetation of Southern Africa is mostly savanna and desert. • Southern Africa has valuable mineral resources. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: Southern Africa’s main physical feature is a large plateau with plains, rivers, and mountains. Plateaus and Mountains • Most of Southern Africa lies on a large plateau. – An escarpment, the steep face at the edge of a plateau, runs along this plateau. • In the east, part of the escarpment is made up of the Drakensberg Mountains. • Other mountains can be found in the northeast and the southwest. Plains • Grassy plains run along the coast and cover the plateau. • The plains are home to lions, leopards, elephants, baboons, and antelope. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Rivers of Southern Africa The Okavango River flows out of Angola to form a swampy delta in Botswana that is home to many animals. The Orange River in South Africa flows over many waterfalls before it reaches the Atlantic. The Limpopo River flows to the Indian Ocean. Waterfalls and other obstacles prevent ships from sailing up the river. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: The climate and vegetation of Southern Africa is mostly savanna and desert. Savanna and Desert • Open grasslands cover much of the region. In South Africa, they are called the veld. • The Namib Desert is the driest place in the region. It receives as little as one half inch of rain each year. • The Kalahari Desert of Botswana features sandy plains and pans, or low, flat areas. Tropical Forests • Found in Madagascar, which is known for its lush vegetation • Contains animals not found anywhere else in the world, such as lemurs Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 3: Southern Africa has valuable mineral resources. Rich in natural resources: • Madagascar has timber. • Rivers provide hydroelectricity. • Farmers grow a variety of crops. • South Africa produces most of the world’s gold. • South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia produce diamonds. • Other minerals include coal, platinum, copper, uranium, and iron ore. Mining is very important to the economy, but it can be very damaging to the environment. Holt Mc. Dougal,

History and Culture The Big Idea Native African ethnic groups and European settlements influenced the history and culture of Southern Africa. Main Ideas • Southern Africa’s history began with hunter-gatherers, followed by great empires and European settlements. • The cultures of Southern Africa are rich in different languages, religions, customs, and art. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: Southern Africa’s history began with hunter-gatherers, followed by great empires and European settlements. • The Khoisan were among the earliest people in Southern Africa. They were hunter-gatherers and herders. • The Shona, a Bantu group, built an empire in the 1400 s. – The Shona farmed, raised cattle, and traded gold. – They also built Great Zimbabwe, a stone-walled town that was their capital. • Great Zimbabwe was the center of a great trading network. – Trade made the city’s rulers rich and powerful. – The Shona traded with people as far away as China and the East Coast of Africa. • In the 1400 s the gold trade declined. By 1500 Great Zimbabwe was no longer a major trading center. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Europeans in Southern Africa Dutch • The Portuguese were the first to explore Southern Africa. • The Dutch were the first to actually settle in the area. They set up a trade station near the Cape of Good Hope. Afrikaners and Boers • Afrikaners were descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers in South Africa. They developed a language called Afrikaans. • The Boers were Afrikaner farmers who were forced north by the British. Holt Mc. Dougal, British • As the British forced the Boers to move, they came into conflict with a Bantu group called the Zulu. • The British defeated the Zulu in a long series of battles. • The slave trade ended in the 1830 s.

Modern History Apartheid • In the early 1900 s South Africa’s government became increasingly racist. Nearly all officials were white. • The government set up a policy of separation called apartheid. • Apartheid placed restrictions on how people could live. For example, black South Africans were made to live in tiny clusters of homes called townships. Holt Mc. Dougal, Independence • Beginning in the 1960 s many former colonies gained independence. • Some countries won their freedom peacefully. Others had to fight for it. • Namibia remained under the control of South Africa until 1990.

Main Idea 2: The cultures of Southern Africa are rich in different languages, religions, customs, and art. • Hundreds of ethnic groups People • Some ethnic groups, such as the Zulu and the Tswana, are very large. • Other groups are small and not native to Africa. • Most languages belong to either the Khoisan or Bantu language families. Languages • Khoisan languages are known for the click sounds they include. • More than 200 Bantu languages are spoken today. • English is also common. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Southern African Culture Religion • Europeans introduced Christianity to the region, and many people today are Christian. • Most non-Christians in the region practice traditional religions. • South Africans celebrate many holidays: – Heritage Day celebrates the country’s diversity. – Christian holidays such as Christmas Celebrations • The region’s art reflects its many cultures. and Art – South African artists paint ethnic designs. – Artists in Lesotho make tapestries. – Artists in Zimbabwe make stone statues. – Artists in Botswana make ostrich eggshell beadwork. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Southern Africa Today The Big Idea Countries of Southern Africa today are trying to use their governments and resources to improve their economies and deal with challenges. Main Ideas • South Africa ended apartheid and now has a stable government and strong economy. • Some countries of Southern Africa have good resources and economies, but several are still struggling. • Southern African governments are responding to issues and challenges such as drought, disease, and environmental destruction. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: South Africa ended apartheid and now has a stable government and strong economy. • Other countries put sanctions, or economic and political penalties, on South Africa to convince the government to end apartheid. • People within South Africa also protested against apartheid. • In the 1980 s the government began to move away from its apartheid system. It released political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who was elected president in 1994. • Today all races have equal rights in South Africa. Everyone is free to attend any school or university. However, not everyone is equal economically yet. White South Africans are still generally wealthier than black South Africans. Holt Mc. Dougal,

South Africa Today • Republic with an elected president Government • Many officials are working to guarantee both political and economic equality for all races in South Africa. • South Africa has more resources and industry than most African countries. Economy • World’s largest producer of several valuable minerals—gold, platinum, and chromium • Large cities also contribute to the economy: – Johannesburg has Africa’s largest industrial area. – Cape Town attracts many tourists. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: Some countries of Southern Africa have good resources and economies, but several are still struggling. Lesotho and Swaziland • Enclaves, small territories surrounded by foreign land • Lesotho has few resources, so it is a poor country. • Swaziland has mineral resources and cattle. Namibia • Gained independence from South Africa in 1990 • Now a republic with its capital at Windhoek • Some of Africa’s richest mineral deposits are in Namibia’s deserts. Despite these resources, most people are poor. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Other Countries of Southern Africa Botswana • Mineral resources (especially diamonds), stable government, cattle ranching, and tourism have led to economic success. • One of the world’s fastest growing economies • Unemployment remains high. Zimbabwe • Zimbabwe has resources, but inflation and war have severely hurt the economy. • Whites make up less than 1 percent of the population, but own most of the land. The government is working to fix this problem by taking land from white farmers and giving it to black residents. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Other Countries of Southern Africa Mozambique • One of the world’s poorest countries due to years of civil war • Industries include shipping and agriculture Madagascar • Was ruled for more than 20 years by a socialist dictator • Now has an elected president who wants to improve the economy • Most of the country’s incomes from exporting coffee, vanilla, sugar, and cloves and from tourism. Comoros • Four tiny islands with few resources • Struggling to improve education and promote tourism Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 3: Southern African governments are responding to issues and challenges such as drought, disease, and environmental destruction. • One of the most serious challenges facing the region is poverty. Droughts often destroy food crops. In addition, many people are unemployed, so they have no way to escape poverty. • Disease is also a problem. Many people in the region are infected with HIV. Governments are working to stop the spread of this disease. • Many countries also face environmental challenges. For example, deforestation is a major problem in Madagascar. – Countries are working to solve these problems. Namibia was the first country in the world to include environmental protection in its constitution. Holt Mc. Dougal,