Printable Flash Cards

Capital of MALI

Bamako

(bottom left of the country on river)

Capital of MALAWI

Lilongwe

Capital city of NIGERIA;

Primate city of NIGERIA

Abuja;

Lagos

Capital city of TANZANIA;

Primate city of TANZANIA

Dodoma: Newly built capital city, is an inland city;

Dar es Salaam: primate, largest city and major seaport (center- right side, on coast)

Capital city of COTE d'IVOIRE;

Primate city of COTE d'IVOIRE

1) Yamoussourkro- New capital city. Site of world's largest cathedral.

2) Abidjan- primate city and business center. Gateway city to the COTE d'IVOIRE and the major gateway for the world into French West Africa

(On the coast in center)

Kyoto Protocol

International agreement to curb the effects of global warming by cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions

Berlin Conference 1885-88

Caused the borders of the African nations to be drawn up as they are today. 16 European nations met in Berlin and divided up the world among them. This was colonialism in its purest form.

"Colonialism"

Refers to the occupation or exploitation by a stonger country of a weaker country. (The weaker country's resources used to enrich the stronger country)

"Globalization"

Breakdown of international borders and the process of integration of the world community into a common economic/social system. This is occurring due to advances in communication, technology and capital throughout the world.

"Genocide"

Systematic killing of a racial or cultural group

Cape of Good Hope

Southern tip of Africa, important navigational chokepoint.Oil brought to the US passes thru here

Great Rift Valley

Largest crack in the Earth's surface formed by tectonic movement.

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Highest mountain in Africa.

Earnest Hemmingway wrote a book about this mountain

Sahara Desert

Largest desert in the world.

Nile River

Worlds largest river.

Begins in Lake Victoria flows NORTH to the Mediterranean Sea.

Namib Desert

Large desert in Africa.

Similar to the the Aticama desert in Chile.

Okavango River

Forms the Okavango delta (the world's greatest wildlife refuges. Looks like the FL Everglades)

Benguela Current

Atlantic Ocean current that brings cold water up from the Antartic.

NIGERIA

Serves as a model of democracy for Africa.

Member of OPEC, has the power to intervene in most conflicts in the smaller African nations.

GHANA;

Capital city of GHANA

Homeland of the last Secretarty General of the UN, Kofi Anan. Rapidly emerging/ a economic sucess story of Africa;

Capital is Accra

BURKINO FASO;

Capital city of BURKINO FASO

Important agricultural nation;

Capital is Ouagadougou: "Hollywood of Africa"

Is the center of the Sub-Saharan film industry and the site of the largest African film festival

COTE d'IVOIRE;

World's leading exporter of cocoa (chocolate)

LIBERIA;

Capital city of LIBERIA

Africa's first independent black nation.

Founded as a homeland for freed American slaves by three Baltimore businessmen;

Monrovia is the capital city, named after President James Monroe

SIERRA LEONE;

Capital city of SIERRA LEONE

Nation founded by the British as home for the freed slaves from the colonies of the British Empire;

Freetown is the capital city

THE GAMBIA;

Capital city of THE GAMBIA

Place where author Alex Haley traced his family history in Roots. Most African Americans can trace their roots to this country;

Banjul is the capital city

Capital city of NIGER

Niamey is the capital city

(bottom left corner of country)

SUDAN;

Capital city of SUDAN

One of the most stable West African states.

Has a strong French influence. Most of the nation is Muslim;

Khartoum is the capital city, and is a major opening for French culture in the region

EGYPT

One of the oldest settled areas on the planet. Home to nearly 80 million people, all live in 6% of the country that is next to the Nile River. Very poor. Named by World Bank as the fastest reforming nation in 2007.

Largest city in EGYPT

Cairo is the largest city, home to the Pyramids,

city on the Nile

Alexandria, EGYPT

Major seaport on the Mediterranean Sea. Named after Alexander the Great. Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony ruled from here. The Great Library of Alexandria and the Pharaoh's Lighthouse were both destroyed, though the Library has been rebuilt.

LIBYA;

Capital city of LIBYA

Led by President Mohammar Quaddafi. Was under sanctions by the US and UN for its support of terrorism. This country has since given up its nuclear weapons and paid reparations to the victims of Terrorism in the US and France. Considerable oil reserves so a suprising very high standard of living.

Tripoli is the capital city.

MOROCCO

This country has taken over all of Western Sahara. In conflict with other African nations b/c of its occupation of the Western Sahara.

Rabat, MOROCCO;

Casablanca, MOROCCO

The capital of this country;

The primate city, largest city, gateway city and seaport in this country. Famous for the name of a popular American movie and the color of its buildings.

ALGERIA;

Capital city of ALGERIA

A military coup overthrew the gov't b/c it seemed apparent that an Islaamic fundamentalist group was going to win the elections- the US & France were upset at this possibility;

Algiers is the capital city

SOUTH AFRICA

Economic motor for the continent of Africa. The highest Gross National Income of any African state.

This country:

Has enormous coal/iron reservest

Is a major exporter of agricultural products around the world

Major manufacturer and supplier of weapons and military equipment when the world placed sanctions on this country, it started its own arms industry.
Is a nuclear power nation. It produces energy thru nuclear reactors. Developed a nuclear bomb in the 90s but gave it up after Nelson Mandela took power
Uses SASOL, a gasoline made from coal

Cecil Rhodes

English explorer, politician and entrepreneur who built the monopoly of the South African diamond industry and founded DeBeers. He also built a RR from Cape Town to Cairo

Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA

Primate city, center of business, industry, Gold Burea and the stock exchange of SOUTH AFRICA. Known as the "City of Gold"

Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA

Table Mountain a famous flat topped mountain, is here and is visible from everywhere- it is the center of the city. This is a major shipping center, cultural and industrial center of SOUTH AFRICA

Durban, SOUTH AFRICA

9^th largest seaport in the world. Mostly Asian population. Asians form the financial backbone of SOUTH AFRICA

Kimberly, SOUTH AFRICA

"Diamond Capital of the World"; Cecil Rhodes started in this SOUTH AFRICAn country

(b/w cape town and johannesburg)

Pretoria, SOUTH AFRICA

Captial city of SOUTH AFRICA. Has a largely Afrikaner culture (descendants of the first Dutch Settlers)

MOZAMBIQUE;

Capital city of MOZAMBIQUE

It was the birthplace of Theresa Heinz Kerry. Borders SOUTH AFRICA;

Maputo is the capital city

BOTSWANA;

Capital city of BOTSWANA

Diamond and mineral rich nation of Southern Africa;

Gaborone is the capital city

NAMIBIA;

Capital city of NAMIBIA

Coastal nation of southern Africa, the Namib Desert is located here.

Windhoek is the capital city

ZIMBABWE;

Capital city of ZIMBABWE

A former British colony that was founded by Cecil Rhodes. This nation was formerly called Rhodesia (after Rhodes). Mugabe began taking the large farms from the Europeans and broke them up into very small farms. This has caused the entire economy to collapse. This country is now under sanctions from most nations in the world;

Capital city is Harare

ZAMBIA;

Capital city of ZAMBIA

Landlocked, one of the poorest nations on the continent; tradition of Democratic rule

Lusaka is the capital

MADAGASCAR;

Capital city of MADAGASCAR

Very large island. Vast animal & plant life on the island. Many of these are unique to this country are unique to all of the world. Home of the lemur;

Antananarivo is the capital city

(Capital is in center-center of island)

KENYA

A former British colony is one of the most developed nations in Africa. Its wild game parks make a major tourist destination for Americans. We like to go here because it is mostly safe and has a very well developed hospitality industry including Hilton, Sheraton, McDonald’s, Burger King, etc.

Nairobi, KENYA

Capital and primate city of KENYA, business and tourist center, major airport desination

Mombasa, KENYA

This is a rich 5 star hotel beach resort area. The US Navy also uses this city for rest and recreation for its huge ships including aircraft carriers-has a major effect on the economy. It has been the scene of several terrorist attacks.

This city is on the ocean

TANZANIA

Very tribal, used to be called Tanganyika. Home of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Zanzibar, is known as the “Spice Island" is now part of this country.

ETHIOPIA;

Capital city of ETHIOPIA

The oldest continuously independent nation in the world;

Addis Ababa is the capital and home of the African Union (the body to which all of the African countries belong)

SOMALIA;

Capital city of SOMALIA

Located on the Horn of Africa, where a civil war raged b/w rival groups in the 1990s. "Black Hawk Down" about this country;

Mogadishu is the capital city

DJIBOUTI;

Capital city of DJIBOUTI

Home of French navy and French Foreign Legion;

Djibouti is the capital city

CHAD;

Capital city of CHAD

This country is very poor. Remains to be seen if the new found wealth will be passed on to the people;

The capital city is N’Djamena

PDR CONGO;

Capital city of PDR CONGO

Very poor central African country. Currently undergoing a civil war;

Kinshasa is the capital city

REPUBLIC of the CONGO;

Capital city of THE REPUBLIC of the CONGO

Former French colony with a strong left wing tradition;

The capital city is Brazzaville

ANGOLA;

Capital city of ANGOLA

A Communist state that was supported by Fidel Castro & Cubans. For many years the US government was trying to overthrow the communist government while at the same time the US oil companies were doing business with it;

Capital city is Luanda

The WEST BANK;

Administrative center of the WEST BANK

Large area bordering the Jordan River. Was set aside by the UN to be part of a homeland for Palestinian Arabs.It has since been settled by many Israelis who now claim it as their home (bible). Israelis continue to expand their settlements in this region much to the chagrin of most of the world;

Ramallah is the administrative center of this region.

The GAZA STRIP

Small piece of land, (8X22 mi) that is among the most densely populated regions on the planet Earth. Currently w/2 mil. Palestinians. Some Israelis believe it is part of the God-given land of Israel. Until last year, Israelis also built settlements in this region. Israel sent in its military and removed them. Here, the radical Islamic HAMAS political party has taken over control of the entire region. Israel attacks this area daily in an attempt to subdue the radical elements. At the moment, there is a near complete blockade of all supplies to Gaza by Israel. This includes most gas and electricity.

GOLAN HEIGHTS

Israel has annexed this country and made it a permanent part of Israel. This has resulted in an intractable conflict with Syria that undermines all Mid East peace negotiations.

Tel Aviv, ISREAL

Largest city and business center of Israel. Stock market and gateway airport are here.

Jerusalem, ISRAEL

Ancient city built by King David. Still has much of its ancient character intact including the central walled city. The center of many of the world’s religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam). Israel & the Palestians also claim it as their capital. Currently inhabited by both groups. It is the center of much conflict.

For our class it is the capital of ISRAEL

Haifa, ISRAEL

Major seaport in ISRAEL. Major industrial city & home to Teknion, Israel’s most famous university. Home of the Baha’i religion.

Nazareth, ISRAEL

City in northern Israel. Considered to be the home of Jesus Christ, according to the Christian traditions where he lived with Mary/Joseph

Ramallah, ISRAEL

The administrative center of the Palestinians, located in the West Bank. This is where their gov't operates from since the Israelis will not permit them in Jerusalem.

Bethlehem, ISRAEL

WEST BANK city about 6 mi south of Jerusalem where according to Christian tradition Jesus Christ was born. (Christmas holiday)

Dead Sea

Very salty shallow sea in the bottom of the Great Rift Valley between Israel and Jordan. This is the deepest point on the surface of the earth, more than 1 mile below sea level.

Sea of Galilee

Large fresh water lake between Israel & Jordan.

The control of which is vital to Israel

Jordan River

Very small river between JORDAN and ISRAEL flows from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Important historical and biblical events are associated with this river

Gulf of Aqaba

Narrow sea that extends from ISRAEL down to EGYPT. It is also bordered by Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Most of the resources imported by Israel come in through this sea.

"Rentier State"

A nation that recieves the majority of its income from renting its land or resources (ie oil) to other industries/nations

OPEC

An organization of 11 of the world's largest oil producers. They supply about 40% of the world's oil output & 3/4 of all oil reserves. They have formed a cartel to control oil supply/prices

Pillars of Islam:

The 5 elements of Islam to which all Muslims must conform:

The Saying: State that you believe in one God
Pray five times a day in a prescribed fashion facing Mecca
Give alms (charity) to the care of the poor and underprivileged.
Fast during Ramadan (a period of 28 days, fast from all food, drink and impure thoughts from sunrise to sundown)
Pilgrimage – once make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you are financially able.

Sunni

Largest branch, the majority of Muslims. This branch opposed the successors of Ali, the nephew of the Prophet Mohammed. They do NOT believe that the leadership of Islam should be based on succession through one family.

Shi'a

Follows the successors of Ali, the minorty of the Muslims. the nephew of the Prophet Mohammed. They believe that the leadership of Islam should pass through the family of the prophet Mohammed.

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

It is considered by many to be the site of the first civilization.

2 plateaus in the Middle East

Persian Plateau (currently occupied by Iran)

Anatolian Plateau (currently occupied by Turkey)

KAZAKHSTAN

Very large, land-locked nation. It is home to the Baykonour Cosmodrome (the Russian space launch facility). Has a thriving agricultural sector. President Nazarbayev is known for huge human rights violations, yet this country is a close friend of the US

Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

Capital city. The capt'l was moved here in 1997 to placate the large Russian population so that the they would not secede and join Russia after independence

Alma Aty, KAZAKHSTAN

Largest, primate and gateway city of KAZAKHSTAN

UZBEKISTAN

Large exporter of cotton. President (dictator) Karimov is ruthless. The government is said to have slaughtered peaceful protestors in the streets. A good friend of the USA, Uzbekistan was an active supporter of U.S. efforts against worldwide terrorism.

Samarkand, UZBEKISTAN

Former capital city of the Mongol empire. It sits on the major north-south & east-west trade routes. A home to many famous Islamic monuments

Tashkent, UZBEKISTAN

The capital city of UZBEKISTAN. It is the largest, primate, and gateway city and business center.

Excellent subway system

TURKMENTISTAN;

Capital city of TURKMENTISTAN

Was ruled by recently-deceased President for Life Niyazov, another dictator who was a close friend of the USA. Niyazov created a personality cult around himself. (All citizens has to read his, Book of Souls. The days of the week and months of the year were named after his family. At 50 ft solid gold rotating statue of himself stands in the capital);

The capital city is Ashgabat

KYRGYZSTAN;

Capital of KYRGYZSTAN

85% of this country is the Tien Shen Mts. Mostly unstable since independence;

Bishkek is the capital city

TADZHIKISTAN (TAJIKISTAN);

Capital city of TAJIKISTAN

Landlocked mountainous country which has suffered a major Islamic uprising which resulted in a devastating civil war between 1992 and 1998. Russian military intervention was necessary to restore stability;

Capital city is Dushanbe

AFGHANISTAN

Mountainous, a buffer state. Pathans are the largest ethnic group. They are the group that supports the Taliban. The Taliban were the Islamic fundamentalist group that gave refuge to Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaida.

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Primate and current capital of AFGHANISTAN

Kandahar, AFGHANISTAN

Southern city in AFGHANISTAN- most important city for the Pathan ethnic group. Is the stronghold for the Taliban. US/NATO has received tough resistence here

IRAN

Occupied by Persians- the people are mostly Shi’a Muslim. This has been the home of Shi’a for over 500 years. The American CIA overthrew the democratically elected government of Iran in 1952 because the President wanted to nationalize the American oil company lands. They replaced it with the autocratic Shah. This country is currently an enemy of the USA because it is believed to be developing nuclear weapons. Its radical Shiite religious government supports Hezbollah in Lebanon. America fears that it will build a Shiite crescent around the Middle East and hurt America’s best allies. This is one of the most discussed problems in the American media today.

Tehran, IRAN

IRANian capital, primate, gateway city and one of the largest cities in the M.E.

Tabriz, IRAN

IRAN city, Jewerly capital of the Middle East.

Esfahan, IRAN

The old traditional capital of IRAN. Home of many great mosques, palaces, monuments, and bridges.

Cultural center of modern IRAN.

IRAQ

An artificial state (via the Brits) and it has one of the largest oil reserves in the world

The Kurds

Ethnic group. Sadam Hussein used chem. weapons on those of who resisted his rule.

Baghdad, IRAQ

Capital city, largest city and gateway city of IRAQ.

Center of American military operations

SAUDI ARABIA

Largest nation on the Arabian Peninsula. Possess 40% of all the world’s oil reserves. Close friend of the USA. Very traditional conservative Islamic nation. Kingdom with large royal family having complete control of politics. Rapidly increasing power in the region due the growing importance of oil.

Mecca, SAUDI ARABIA

The site of the Kabba, the most holy site in Islam. It is the site of pilgrimage of millions of Muslims every year. The Kabba is an altar said to be built by the Prophet Abraham. It has been the site of pilgrimage for thousands of years before the Islam by all of the camel caravans in the region. Mecca was the home of the Prophet Mohammed. It was here that he received the message to organize the religion.

Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA

Capital city of SAUDI ARABIA. Largest and primate city as well.

KUWAIT;

Capital city of KUWAIT

This nation has one of the world’s largest oil supplies. The quality of its oil is the best in the world;

Kuwait City is the capital city

Zimbezi River

Victoria Falls is located on this river

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES;

Capital city of UAE

A group of 7 tribal lands, each led by an Emir. The traditional business of this land was sea trade with India. They are using their oil wealth to build some of the most lavish cities in the world, which are attracting wealth residents from all over the world;

Capital city is Abu Dhabi

Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Very lavish city.

World's tallest buidling is in this UNITED ARAB EMIRATES city