Map of Africa | Countries, Regions & Major Cities Guide
Map of Africa
Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, with more than 50 countries, major cities, deserts, rivers, coastlines and diverse regions. A map of Africa is useful for understanding where countries, capitals and well-known landmarks are located across the continent.
Africa is located south of Europe and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea. Major regions include North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa.
Interactive Map of Africa
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Where Is Africa Located?
Africa is located mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere and is crossed by the equator. It lies south of Europe, southwest of Asia, and is surrounded by several major bodies of water including the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
Regions on a Map of Africa
- North Africa: Includes countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
- West Africa: Includes countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire.
- East Africa: Includes countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda.
- Central Africa: Includes countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo.
- Southern Africa: Includes countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique.
Major Countries Shown on an Africa Map
| Country | Region | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | North Africa | Cairo |
| Nigeria | West Africa | Abuja |
| Kenya | East Africa | Nairobi |
| South Africa | Southern Africa | Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein |
| Morocco | North Africa | Rabat |
| Ethiopia | East Africa | Addis Ababa |
Major Cities on a Map of Africa
- Cairo: Egypt’s capital and one of Africa’s largest cities.
- Lagos: A major commercial city in Nigeria.
- Nairobi: Kenya’s capital and a major East African hub.
- Johannesburg: A major city and economic centre in South Africa.
- Casablanca: A major port and business city in Morocco.
- Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s capital and an important diplomatic centre.
Natural Features Shown on an Africa Map
- Sahara Desert: The world’s largest hot desert, stretching across North Africa.
- Nile River: One of the world’s longest rivers, flowing through northeastern Africa.
- Congo Basin: A major rainforest region in Central Africa.
- Great Rift Valley: A major geological feature running through parts of East Africa.
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest mountain, located in Tanzania.
- Victoria Falls: A major waterfall on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
How to Use a Map of Africa
A map of Africa can help with geography, travel planning, school research, country comparisons and understanding regional relationships. Because Africa is very large, distances between countries and cities can be much greater than they appear on a small map.
Popular Africa Map Searches
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Summary
A map of Africa shows a large and diverse continent with many countries, regions, cities and natural landmarks. Key regions include North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa.
This page is for general information and educational purposes only. Borders, place names, travel conditions, entry requirements, safety advice and local regulations may change. Always check official government, tourism and transport sources before making travel or research decisions.