There is much more to Africa than you think. The 54 countries in the continent are more than just safari animals, famine, and war. There is a lot more to these places than meets the eye—culturally and governmentally. The people of Africa have an interesting culture and art that permeates all aspects of their lives, from fashion to housing. The food they eat, festivals they celebrate, art they create and styles they adopt are markedly different from other parts of the world. In addition, their governance systems and legal structures are quite unique too. Let’s take a look at some facts about Africa’s art, culture and government that you probably didn’t know about this amazing continent below.

African Culture and Art

The people of Africa have an interesting culture and art that permeates all aspects of their lives, from fashion to housing. The clothes they wear, the food they eat, the festivals they celebrate and the art they create are markedly different from other parts of the world. Clothing in Africa is not just a way to protect against the cold. It tells the story of who the person is and where they come from. The fabrics and colors used in African wear also differ from other regions. Their headgear, for example, are quite interesting. The hats worn by men in West Africa are not just something to shield the sun’s rays. They often have religious significance. The colors and patterns used to make these hats are also important. They tell the wearer’s tribe and rank. Africans also use their clothing as a medium for art. They often incorporate beads and other decorations into their clothes. The food eaten in Africa is also an extension of the culture. From the spices that are used in it to the way it is prepared, African cuisine is distinct. It often includes unique ingredients that are native to the continent. And even the way it is served is different. In some places, food is eaten with the hands. In many, it is served communally.

African Governments

As with any country, each of the 54 African nations has its own government. The type of government in each place varies. The majority of African nations are either monarchies or republics. There is a large number of African countries that are republics. This means that they are governed by elected officials. There are also those that are monarchies. These are governed by a king or queen. There are a handful of African countries that fall under the category of autocracy. This is a government that does not have any checks and balances. The leaders in these countries can rule with an iron fist. Many are dictators. There are a few African countries that are dictatorships. These are countries in which one person has almost complete control.

Africa’s Legal System

The legal system in Africa is a combination of the British and French systems. The French system is used in the Francophone countries. The British system is used in the Anglophone countries. The African legal system is similar to that of United States. The courts in these countries have similar structures and procedures. There are a few differences, though. One of these is that the majority of African courts do not have juries. Another difference is that the judges do not hold oral arguments like their American counterparts. Instead, they read out written arguments. The laws in Africa also differ from place to place. There are some areas where you can be fined or even arrested for breaking a law that doesn’t exist in other places.

Africa is a major hub for technology.

Africa has many of the world’s fastest growing economies. This has led to the growth of tech hubs in several countries on the continent. There are now more than 80 tech hubs in Africa. This is more than any other region in the world. Many are in the major cities of the continent. There are also many companies that have set up shop in Africa. One of the major reasons for this is that telecom and internet infrastructure in Africa is very poor. This makes it cheaper for companies to set up their data servers and other telecommunication equipment in the continent. The companies get more bang for their buck.

The facts above show that there is more to Africa than what people believe. It is a continent that has a lot to offer the world. You may think that you are not going to learn much by visiting Africa. But the continent has much to teach us. It has a rich culture, a diverse set of people and a fascinating history. If you get to visit this part of the world, you will be amazed at what you find.