Geography of Souuthern Africa
by GEE 6
Namib Desert
The Namib Desert in Namibia is a dry area that has become dry due to high winds from the Atlantic. It is the oldest desert in the world. It is important because it actually has a lot of life that lives in the desert, including reptiles, mammals, and people. In fact, it has some distinct life that only lives in the Namib Desert.
Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is what was though the most southern point in Africa. But it wasn't. It was the place where Portuguese explorers came to find the fastest route to India. It was discover by Bartolomeu Dias. The cape is important because it was a trade route from Europe to India.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg has mild weather due to it's high elevation; approximately 1793 feet above sea level. Johannesburg is important because of it's high level of trade, it's the trading point for all of South Africa. It has a lot of opportunity because it has 1962 people per square kilometer.
Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is a river that runs from central Africa down to the Indian Ocean. It is an important and unique river that holds safely protected wildlife, created a source of power, and is a super feature, being the 4th largest river in Africa.
Limpopo River
The Limpopo river is a river that cuts east and west across South Africa. There is an section where a waterfall leads to a wall that blocks water. The river is important for a power source and Vasco da Gama landed here.
Lusaka
Lusaka is a city in Zimbabwe. It is one of the fastest growing cities out there. They make everything there from machinery to food. Even though 60% of the population have no jobs, there aren't too many beggars. This city is important because it keeps Zimbabwe's economy alive. Otherwise, Zimbabwe would probably be in anarchy or join South Africa.
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari desert is not a real desert, it's more like a very dry grassland. Vegetation can be found everywhere. The vegetaion attracts animals to the area. The Kalahari Desert is important because it contains numerous fossils, which can be used to identify animals from the past and maybe even the present.
Cabinda
Cabinda is an oil rich state of Angola. They want their independence so they can get all the profit for their oil. This is important because if they become independent, Angola will probably be poor as dirt.
Orange River
The Orange River is approximately 2,090 km long, but cannot be used as a trade route due evaporation and lack of rainfall towards the mouth. It's important because it is used as a source of hydroelectric power.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a towering waterfall that provides an excellent tourist attraction. There is a spot where you can swim up to, and just as you're about to be plunged over the fall, a lip of rock saves your life. This is an important tourist destination for Zimbabwe.