Geography of Southern Africa
By: JG- 6th
1. Namib Desert
The Namib Desert is in Angola. It is nearly uninhabited and it reaches inland 80 to 100 miles. It is important because it has many trade routes. The Namib Desert recieves under 10 milimeters of ran a year. The desert is home to some of the second largest sand dunes in the world. It also has mineral deposits, and it has increasing recreationable purposes.
2. Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is near the southern tip of Africa. Bartolemu Dias was the first European to explore it. It was originally named the Cape of Storms. It is important because it is a stop on the way to India when trading.
3. Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a city in South Africa. There are around 430 million people there. It is important because it is Sout Africa's largest city according to population, and is also the largest city not by a river, lake, or coastline. It is also the wealthiest city in all South Africa. Johannesburg has the largest airport in all of Africa too.
4. Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is the 4th longest river in Africa. It flows through 6 different countries on its way to the north. It is important because it has tremendous power , and is used for hydroelectric energy.
5. Limpopo River
The Limpopo River It stretches around 1,000 miles. Its mouth is in the Indian Ocean. It generally moves eastward. It is important because it is the second largest river in Africa that drains into the Indian Ocean.
6. Lusaka
Lusaka is one of the fastest growing cities in all of Africa. It is the center of government, and commerce of Zambia. It is important because it is the capital of Zambia
7. Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert streches through Namibia, Botswana, and parts of South Africa. It is home to many hunting animals such as lions, and tigers. It is important because the Debeers once mined diamonds in the desert.
8. Cabinda
Cabinda is an enclave and a province of Angola. It is a result of the fusion of htree kingdoms: N'Goyo, Loango, and Kakongo. It is important because at one point, 1/3 of the people there were refugees from Congo.
9. Orange River
The Orange River is the largest river in South Africa. It rises in the Drakensburg Mountains. It then flows inwards until it gets to the Atlantic Ocean. It is important because it forms part of the international border of South Africa and Nambia.
10. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is located near the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is also near the middle of the Zambezi River. It is about twice as deep and twice as wide as Niagra Falls. David Livingstone was the first European explorer to see VIctoria Falls, and named it after Queen Victoria. It is important because it is one of the wonders of all of Africa.