knowafricaofficial, Author at Know Africa Official

Tribe

The Akuapem: History Of The Akuapem People

By knowafricaofficial May 18, 2024

One group of Akan people who live in southern Ghana and south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire is the Akuapem. Akan is a general word for a lot of people who speak languages that are related. Asante and Fante people live in southern Ghana, and Baule and Anyi people live in south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire. These are the largest and most well-known ethnic groups.

The first centralized Akan states grew stronger starting in the 1300s. This was because trade routes were set up to move gold around the area. The grand Asante Kingdom didn’t form until the end of the 17th century in the central forest region of Ghana. This was when several small states joined together under the Chief of Kumasi to get political freedom from the Denkyira.

The British broke up the Asante confederacy in 1900, and in 1901, they started to colonize the area. There is no longer a central Akan confederacy, but the Akan people are still very important in politics and business.

Economy Of The Akuapem People

In the beginning, the Akan economy was based on trading gold and slaves with Mande and Hausa traders in Africa and then with Europeans along the coast. The Asante were in charge of this trade and got guns in exchange for acting as middlemen in the slave trade. These helped them gain even more power than they already had.

Asante also got a lot of high-end goods, which they used as status symbols and signs of political power. Growing cocoa for export is part of local agriculture, and yams and taro are the main foodstuffs.

It’s very important to the Akan who live near the coast to fish. The cut-down forests don’t leave many hunting opportunities. Large markets are mostly run by women, who also have a lot of economic power. Men, on the other hand, fish, hunt, and clear land. Agricultural work is done by both men and women.

Political Systems Of The Akuapem People

Royal membership among Akan is determined through connection to the land. Anyone who traces their bloodline from a founding member of a village or town may be considered royal. Each family is responsible for maintaining political and social order within its confines. In the past, there was a hierarchy of leadership that extended beyond the family, first to the village headman, then to a territorial chief, then to the paramount chief of each division within the Asante confederacy.

The highest level of power is reserved for the Asanthene, who inherited his position along matrilineal lines. The Asantahene still plays an important role in Ghana today, symbolically linking the past with current Ghanaian politics.

Religion: Akan believe in a supreme god who takes on various names depending upon the particular region of worship. Akan mythology claims that at one time the god freely interacted with man, but that after being continually struck by the pestle of an old woman pounding fufu, he moved far up into the sky. There are no priests that serve him directly, and people believe that they may make direct contact with him.

There are also numerous gods (abosom), who receive their power from the supreme god and are most often connected to the natural world. These include ocean and river spirits and various local deities. Priests serve individual spirits and act as intermediaries between the gods and mankind. Nearly everyone participates in daily prayer, which includes the pouring of libations as an offering to both the ancestors who are buried in the land and to the spirits who are everywhere. The earth is seen as a female deity and is directly connected to fertility and fecundity.

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NEWS

Hunters Join Efforts To Find Kidnapped Nigerian Students

By knowafricaofficial May 18, 2024

Hunters Join Efforts To Find Kidnapped Nigerian Students

Nine university pupils have been taken hostage by gunmen in Kogi State, which is in the middle of Nigeria. Reports from the area say that the attackers hit the Confluence University of Science and Technology late Thursday night.

They are said to have started firing randomly into the air as they went into classrooms where students were studying for tests that were coming up.

After that, they got a group of students together and quickly sent them away. The government of Kogi state confirmed that nine students were taken, but there are fears that there may be more.

The state government says that security staff have been called to help with a search and rescue mission.

A statement says that hundreds of local hunters who know the area well are searching the area right now along with regular security staff to make sure the safe return of the students who were taken from their classrooms.

Nigeria has seen a rise in kidnappings recently; hundreds of people, including children, have been taken hostage.

Several families said they had to pay multiple thousand-dollar ransoms before their loved ones could be freed.

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Tribe

Meet Ethiopia’s stilt walking tribe

By knowafricaofficial May 18, 2024

Ethiopia is a mix of different cultures, and there is a cute story about the Banna stilt-walking tribe. The tribesmen from this area are known for their “air walking” style because of this.

Their family tree goes back to the Omotic people who live in the Lower Omo Valley, especially where the Weyto and Omo rivers meet. Some people call this group “Banya,” “Bena,” or “Benna.” There are more than 47,000 Banna people, and their main sources of income come from hunting, herding, and small-scale farming. There are also adherents of Islam and Christianity, and a monarch oversees the community.

Their long history is interesting, and people are still interested in it in the 21st century. This is all because of “Beshitas,” a word used in the area to describe people who walk on stilts.

Which Tribe Walks On Stilts?

There is a reason behind Banna tribe’s cultural intrigue. Young men from this tribe walked on stilts as a mechanism to avoid attacks by wild animals while herding cattle. However, this is not the only reason why stilts are common in this part of southwestern Ethiopia.

Stilts-walking is a long-standing cultural tradition among community members. Unmarried young men are the carriers of this tradition popular during community festivals and rituals. A rule for banna tribe stilts walking during a ceremony is painting their bodies in white strips.

The wooden poles used to build the stilts are sourced locally. A stilt can be several meters high and moving them requires a great deal of expertise, balance, and physical strength. Amazingly, young men pull it off with amazing elegance and dexterity which is a show of strength and physical aptitude. They captivate the audience with their dexterous movements as they perform complicated footwork, dance-like motions, and acrobatic performances.

Essentially, banna tribe’s stilt-walking custom has numerous cultural and societal significance. For young males, it represents a transition from youth to maturity and is a rite of passage. Striking a balance on the poles and walking gracefully sends a strong message to the tribe that the boy is responsible, independent-minded, strong-willed and is confident to take on life with the temerity of a lion. Moreover, these shows help to preserve cultural history while fostering a sense of pride and identity among the tribe.

Where Is Banna Tribe (stilt walking tribe) From?

The Banna people live in southwestern Ethiopia, particularly in the Lower Omo Valley region; between Omo Rivers and Weyto. Banna language is a widely spoken language. Ideally, it is a mix of Hamar-Banna influences. Although the Banna people do really walk on stilts, there are other factors that also contribute to their popularity and cultural significance.

To begin with, they have distinctive, eye-catching traditional regalia that captivates a lot of people. Their ethnic identity is shown in the elaborate embroidery, beaded, and decorative motifs on their traditional clothes. Also, banna people’s kindness and generosity make them popular.

What’s more is that much as banna tribe stilts are the real deal, they are endowed with a wealth of indigenous knowledge. This includes sustainable resource management methods, farming methods, and traditional medical procedures. Researchers and environmentalists interested in maintaining traditional knowledge systems and supporting sustainable practices seek out their expertise in these fields.

Lastly, they are famous for their craftsmanship in a wide range of industries. They produce fine wood carvings, woven baskets, ceramics, and other traditional crafts that are highly prized for their creative merit.

Why Does The Bana Tribe Walk On Sticks?

Banna tribe stilts are more of a cultural symbol than a safety undertaking with significance as a rite of passage for young men. Not to discount its importance against wild animals attack. Additionally, it exhibits that a young banya man is of age to take up life on another level. Therefore; this Ethiopian tribe walking on stilts does this as a means of cultural preservation.

Tourists and academic researchers interested in the region’s varied cultural traditions have spoken widely about the stilt walking tradition. What’s more; it provides a window into Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and the distinctive practices of its indigenous communities.

In retrospect, stilt walking isn’t as common and pronounced as it was decades ago because a lot has changed. The shifting dynamics of modern society and civilization have toned down this practice but you will still find it during major community ceremonies.

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History

History Of The Kotoko Kingdom; The Language, Religion, And More

By knowafricaofficial April 24, 2024

History Of The Kotoko Kingdom; The Language, Religion, And More

The Kotoko people live in northern Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria. They are a Chadic ethnic group that is also known as Mser, Moria, Bara, and Makari.

About 90,000 people live in Kotoko, spread out across two countries. Of these, 22,500 live in Cameroon, making up the majority. The Kotoko are in the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc and are part of the Chadic people cluster.

They are split up into many groups called clans, but they all believe that the legendary Sao is their ancestor. They have a lot in common with the Budumas of Lake Chad. In the 1400s, the Kotoko state covered parts of northern Nigeria and Cameroon.

The Kotokos are an ethnic group that lives in towns along rivers. They are mostly found along the Logone River between Bongor and Kusseri, the Chari River south of Lake Chad, and the Makari, Mani, Kusseri, Logone-Birni, and Logone-Gana rivers. They live in towns along those rivers that are fortified and have high walls around them.

Language

Their language is part of the Chadic group of the Nilo-Saharan family. For centuries, they were vassals to the Kanuris* of the Bornu Empire, who began converting them to Islam in the eighteenth century.

Religion

The primary religion practiced by the Kotoko is Folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur’an to bring about miraculous healings. Pre-Islamic beliefs in water and riverine spirits still survive.

History

They founded the Kotoko kingdom in the 1500 CE, and are considered to be descendants of the Sao civilization.

Economy

Traditionally, the Kotokos were fishermen, hunters, hor- ticulturalists, and craftsmen, but, in recent years, they have begun working as merchants and commercial livestock raisers.

The Kotoko engage in fishing (with the aid of their long canoes) and in agriculture. The fish they catch is subsequently smoked or dried then sold in local markets. Wealthier families also raise cattle.

Throughout the región, they have been known for their skill as fishermen who use large butterfly nets. Some of the wealthier Kotoko families also own cattle. The growing commercial econ- omy is undermining traditional Kotoko kinship groups.

Kotoko Kingdom

The Kotoko kingdom was an monarchy in what is today northern Cameroon and Nigeria, and southwestern Chad. Its inhabitants and their modern descendants are known as the Kotoko people.

The rise of Kotoko coincided with the decline of the Sao civilisation in northern Cameroon. A king headed the nascent state, which came to assimilate several smaller kingdoms. Among these were Kousséri, Logone-Birni, Makari, and Mara. Kotoko spread to parts of what is today northern Cameroon and Nigeria, and southwestern Chad by the mid-15th century. Logone-Birni emerged as the most influential of Kotoko’s client kingdoms.

The Kanem Empire brought northern Kotoko into its sphere of influence early on. Through the actions of missionaries and conquerors, most of northern Kotoko had converted to Islam by the 19th century. That same century, Kotoko itself was completely subsumed into the Bornu Empire, and Islam continued to spread. The Bornu rulers divided the territory into northern and southern halves, which allowed Logone-Birni in the south to maintain some degree of autonomy under its paramount chief. Logone-Birni was divided into provinces headed by sub-chiefs.

Kotoko, along with the rest of Bornu, was split among European powers during Africa’s colonial period. In modern times, there has been some conflict between the Kotoko and the Shuwa Arabs.

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Discover

The Adwa Victory Museum; All You Need To Know

By knowafricaofficial April 8, 2024

Ethiopia commemorated the dedication of a major memorial in Addis Ababa on February 11, 2024, marking a momentous addition to its cultural and historical narrative. The joint inauguration of President Sahle-Work Zewde, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abiebie, and other prominent officials and dignitaries marked Ethiopia’s illustrious resistance to colonialism.

With a special emphasis on teaching the next generation about the hardships and successes of their ancestors for independence, the memorial serves as a tribute to black achievement and the timeless ideals of Pan-Africanism.

This center is not merely a tribute to past struggles; it is a dynamic educational tool. It aims to impart knowledge of the sacrifices and unified efforts that led to significant triumphs in the pursuit of liberty. The memorial embodies the narratives of resilience and collaboration central to Pan-Africanism, bridging past achievements with contemporary aspirations.

At the heart of the memorial’s narrative is the Battle of Adwa, an event of profound significance that extends beyond Ethiopia’s borders. This historic victory is a symbol of resistance and hope for the entire African continent. It exemplifies Ethiopia’s maintained sovereignty and inspires a sense of empowerment across Africa. The Battle of Adwa, thus, emerges as a crucial symbol in the pan-African movement, influencing a generation of African leaders and activists and solidifying its status as a linchpin in the narrative of African unity and resistance. As Nelson Madela said, “Ethiopia was the birthplace of African nationalism.”

About the Building (Adwa Victory Museum)

The Adwa Victory Museum, which began its construction in July 2019, stands as a profound tribute to Ethiopia’s rich history and cultural heritage. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and the execution by the Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abiebie, the memorial stands as a monument to Ethiopia’s resistance and resilience. This architecturally grand complex, comprising 11 interconnected blocks, is a fusion of historical remembrance and modern functionality.

The museum’s facilities include five meeting halls, each equipped with advanced sound and electrical systems, catering to a variety of events and conferences. The Pan African Hall, with a seating capacity exceeding 2500, and the even larger multi-Purpose Hall, capable of accommodating up to 4000 people, are designed for large gatherings and international conferences. In addition, there are three medium-sized halls, each able to seat 300 individuals, further emphasizing the museum’s role as a hub for global discourse and cultural exchange.

The complex is not just about meetings and conferences; it also offers a rich cinematic experience with its two movie halls, each with a capacity of 280 seats. The commercial aspect of the museum is equally impressive, boasting extensive centers including two restaurants capable of serving over 3000 diners. The facility also houses coffee shops, a mining and precious materials lab, banking services, and exclusive designer clothing stores, creating a vibrant commercial ecosystem within the museum complex.

The Museum

The museum section itself is a journey through time, showcasing a wide array of artifacts that narrate about the battle of Adwa. Among these are weapons used in the Battle of Adwa, swords, and other historical artifacts that evoke the spirit of that battle. A detailed sandcast of the Battle of Adwa is a highlight, illustrating the strategic positions of the Ethiopian and colonial armies. The museum also pays homage to the diverse contributors to the battle of Adwa, with dedicated sections for farmers, women, pan-African leaders, and those who stayed behind to defend the nation against foreign invasions. Art exhibits in the museum delve into themes of freedom, sovereignty, compassion, and mercy, with poignant representations of the humane treatment of prisoners of war following the battle.

Tsehay

A special feature of the museum is the first aircraft built in Ethiopia, “Tsehay,” named after Princess Tsehay, daughter of Emperor Haile Selassie. This aircraft, a symbol of Ethiopian ingenuity and foresight, returned to its homeland after 87 years in Italian museums, exemplifying the evolving and strong relationship between Ethiopia and Italy.

What does it mean for Africa?

The Adwa Victory Memorial holds significant historical value for African people. Addis Ababa, as the political and diplomatic hub of Africa, hosts the African Union’s headquarters and is pivotal for international organizations like the Economic Commission for Africa. Consequently, the memorial becomes a focal point for Africans to connect with their history and the roots of Pan-Africanism. Addis Ababa, featuring one of Africa’s busiest airports with over 5 million passengers annually, offers an opportunity for those in transit to visit and understand the significance of the Adwa Victory.

What does it mean for Ethiopians?

The Adwa Victory Memorial holds profound significance for Ethiopians, symbolizing a unifying moment in their history. The Ethiopian march to Adwa, which involved an arduous journey of over 150 days on foot and horseback, epitomizes the collective spirit and determination to defend the nation against colonial aggression. This victory, achieved by setting aside differences and uniting, is a celebrated chapter in Ethiopian history, reflecting a shared triumph. Today, the spirit of unity, togetherness, and resilience evoked by the Adwa Victory is still relevant. The memorial not only commemorates this historic victory but also serves as a reminder and inspiration for unity and collective strength. It embodies the belief that together, Ethiopians can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

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NEWS

Zimbabwe launches ‘gold-backed’ currency to replace collapsing dollar

By knowafricaofficial April 8, 2024

Zimbabwe launches ‘gold-backed’ currency to replace collapsing dollar

Zimbabwe has replaced its collapsing local dollar with a new gold-backed currency, the latest attempt by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to address decades of monetary upheaval.

John Mushayavanhu, head of the southern African country’s central bank, confessed on Friday that money creation had destroyed the five-year-old Zimbabwe dollar as he introduced the ZiG, its successor.

Mushayavanhu said the ZiG, which stands for Zimbabwe Gold, will have an initial value of 13.56 to the US dollar, after the former currency lost more than three-quarters of its value this year alone, trading at Z$36,000 to the dollar.

“We want a solid and stable national currency . . . it does not help to print money,” he added, reflecting a long history of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF using inflationary financing to pay for spending and reward allies. The new currency “shall be anchored in and backed or covered by a composite basket of foreign currency reserves and precious metals received [mainly gold] and valuable minerals”, according to a ruling Mnangagwa’s government issued on Friday to enforce the new money.

Along with a few other foreign currency reserves, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has somewhat more than one tonne of gold stored in its own vaults and another 1.5 tonne kept abroad.

There are doubts from economists that these reserves will be enough to support a new currency, especially given a widespread lack of trust from ordinary Zimbabweans who have seen purchasing power and savings wiped out by years of turmoil. So many Zimbabweans prefer to keep their money at home that the practice has gained an affectionate nickname: “mattress banking”.

“We’ve had five currencies over the past 10 years,” said Masimba Manyanya, a former chief economist in the finance ministry. “It reflects confusion within government itself.” Benson Gandiwa, who runs a grocery shop in the capital Harare, said he had not used the local currency in years and had no plans to change that. “My business is alive because I stick to the US dollar,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s foreign exchange reserves remain far below those of many African economies, equating to barely one month of import cover. In Kenya, which recently averted a looming currency crisis, the central bank’s reserves have recovered to more than $7bn, or 3.7 months of import cover. “Zimbabwe has less than a month of reserves, not enough to defend the structured currency,” said economist Tinashe Murapata. “A new currency every five years now seems the norm.”

Zimbabwe cannot rebuild reserves without access to international markets and multilateral support, which has been cut off by decades of arrears to official lenders on much of its external debt. Mnangagwa made new overtures to end the financial isolation and clear the debt after taking power from Robert Mugabe in a 2017 coup.

But repeated bouts of repression by his security forces over the years have made the US and other governments less willing to engage.

This year the US suspended its involvement in a dialogue on the debt over the running of elections in 2023, which were widely seen as rigged in order to re-elect Mnangagwa to a second term.

Mnangagwa this week declared a state of disaster over a severe regional drought that has destroyed much of this year’s harvest, and said that more than $2bn would be needed to finance the emergency response.

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Outstanding African Freedom Fighters

By knowafricaofficial April 2, 2024

For a long time, colonial rule was in place in Africa. Here are some of the African Freedom Fighters that brought their nations’ independence.

African Freedom Fighters

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela is hailed as the “African Gandhi.” He was lovingly known as Madiba. Mandela was the president of the African National Congress (ANC). He resisted apartheid and was imprisoned for 27 years straight.

His resistance, however, put an end to the whites’ 350-year colonial control. After his release in 1994, he was elected South Africa’s first black president.

He served the country for 5 years. He was the first Black President of the country. Mandela won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993 along with erstwhile South African President FW de Clerk. He passed away in 2013.

Julius Nyerere

Tanzania’s national father is Julius Nyerere. He spent years fighting for his country’s independence from the British empire. In 1961, he was appointed Premier of the country, then known as Zanzibar. In 1962, he took office as President of the newly created republic. He went away in 1999.

Kwame Nkrumah

Kwame Nkrumah was a Ghanaian nationalist leader and the first Premier of Ghana, formerly known as Gold Coast. Nkrumah was born in 1909. He was instrumental in winning Ghana’s independence from the UK in 1957. He became President of the country in 1960 but soon was ousted in a military coup. He exiled after the coup. He ppassed away in 1972.

Jomo Kenyatta

Jomo Kenyatta was the first President of independent Kenya. He was born in 1891. His original name was Kamau Ngengi. He became the leader of Kenyan African Union in 1947, but was jailed by the British in 1952. He served imprisonment for nine years. He negotiated with Britain after he was released and became the President in 1964. He served at the position for 15 years till he passed away in 1978.

Kenneth Kaunda

Kenneth Kaunda was born in 1924. He was the leader of Rhodesian freedom movement. He had been formerly a teacher and co-founded the Africal National Congress. The country became independent in 1964 and assumed the name Zambia. He became the first President of the nation. Kenneth Kaunda retired from office in 1991. He was a follower of Gandhian principles.

Patrice Lumumba

Patrice Lumumba was a Congolese freedom fighter and the first elected Prime Minister of Congo (Zaire). He was born in 1925. His real name was Élias Okit’Asombo. He fought for a united Congo but was ousted and murdered in 1961. His assassination is considered to be one of the most brutal in history.

SOURCE: Knowafricaofficial.com

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Discover

African American Inventors Who Changed the World

By knowafricaofficial March 23, 2024

African American Inventors are responsible for some of the most important inventions that keep our planet running. In honor of Black History Month and beyond, here are some African American inventors whose ideas forever altered the way society functioned.

Below are great African American Inventors who changed the world

The Three-Light Traffic Light – 1923

Garrett Morgan’s early inventions certainly made their impact on society, like the gas mask and improved sewing machine, however his most influential creation was the improved traffic light. If not for his contributions, drivers might still be directed by a two-light system. Morgan was motivated by a severe car accident he witnessed at an intersection in Cleveland, Ohio. Because of this he decided to that the current two-light system and add a yielding component that would warn oncoming drivers that they would soon need to come to a complete stop. His patient was approved the year after its creation in 1923.

Alexander Miles

Automatic Elevator Doors – 1887

Before the invention of automatic elevator doors, taking a lift was elaborate, scary, and made people contemplate just hiking up the stairs instead. You had to remember to shut the doors on your own before the elevator took off, and forgetting to do so proved to be fatal on numerous occasions. Alexander Mile’s daughter almost fell down an elevator shaft herself one day, and from then on he was determined to develop a safer solution. He took out a patent for the mechanism in 1887 that would automatically open and close elevator doors, and his specific designs are still widely used today.

McKinley Jones

Refrigerated Trucks – 1940

In the mid 1930’s McKinley Jones took out a patent for the roof-mounted cooling system used to refrigerate goods on trucks for long periods of transportation. He co-founded the U.S Thermo Control Company after receiving a patent for his creation in 1940. The company is now known as Thermo King, and was of great use during World War II by helping to preserve supplies, food, and blood at the time.

Marie Van Brittan Brown

Home Security System – 1966

Nurse and inventory Mary Van Brown co invented the home security system, along with her husband Albert Brow. They Jointly applied for a patent that same year that was approved in 1969. Her contributions are still influencing home security system development to this very day.

Lewis Latimer

Carbon Light Bulb Filament – 1881

Though the original lightbulb was invented by Thomas Edison, the innovation used to make a lightbulb that would be longer lasting through carbon filament was created by inventor Lewis Latimer. The invention helped make electric lighting more practical and affordable for the average household.

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Interesting Facts About Africa You Should Know

By knowafricaofficial March 22, 2024

There are so many facts about Africa known by just few individuals in the world. Africa is quite different from the other continents. Africa’s cultural diversity is immense. It has an abundance of natural resources, a diverse cultural history, and amazing tourism sites.

READ ALSO: Mind-Blowing Facts About Morocco

Africa is a continent that is still growing and gaining more power and impact over the rest of the world. Some information about Africa that should be known by all:

Facts About Africa

Africa is the 2nd largest continent at 30 million square kilometers or 11.7 million square miles. Africa is bigger than China, India, the continental U.S., and most of Europe combined. The Sahara alone is bigger than the continental USA.
Africa is the ‘cradle of humankind’. Fossils found in Africa, show that human beings and their closest relatives the gorilla and chimpanzees were born and evolved in Africa.
Africa is the 2nd most populated continent in the world. There are 1.3 billion people in Africa, 17% of the world population. Over 50% of Africans are under the age of 25. The continent’s population is expected to more than double to 2.3 billion people by 2050.
Africa has 54 countries and about 3000 tribes.
There are over 3000 languages spoken in Africa. Amharic, Arabic, English, French, Hausa, Oromo, Swahili and Yoruba are among the languages widely spoken.
Africa has the largest populations of lion, elephant, rhinoceros, cheetah, hyena, leopard, and hundreds of other species. Giraffe, zebra, gorilla, hippopotamus, chimpanzee and wildebeest are unique to Africa and not found in the wild on any other continent on Earth. Africa has over 25 percent of the world’s bird species.
The majority of Africans practice Christianity or Islam. Most Africans also participate in traditional African religions.
Africa’s GDP growth is above the world average at 4% but Africa’s has significant opportunity for growth at 3% of global GDP versus 17% of global population.
Agriculture employs 65% of Africa’s labor force and accounts for 32 percent of the continent’s gross domestic product.
Africa has approximately 30% of the earth’s remaining mineral resources. Africa has the largest reserves of precious metals with over 40% of the gold reserves, over 60% of the cobalt, and 90% of the platinum reserves.

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Mind-Blowing Facts About Morocco

By knowafricaofficial March 22, 2024

Morocco awakens the senses in seconds. Its sun-soaked coasts, breathtaking Atlas mountains, and wind-swept Sahara leave you in awe. Spicy aromas permeate the air in the crowded souks. Street musicians put a spring in your step. There’s something magical for every adventurer here. So read on to learn some astonishing facts about Morocco that will make you want to march to Marrakesh tomorrow.

Some Interesting Facts About Morocco

1. The High Atlas Mountains are heavenly

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Mother nature didn’t hold back when she made Morocco. Just look at the High Atlas Mountains – extending almost 1000 kilometres across Morocco and reaching 13672 feet in height. In fact, local Berbers call ‘Idraren Draren’ the Mountains of Mountains for its colossal presence, which invites travellers to climb up and explore their villages, plus steep valleys, snow-capped peaks, wandering wildlife and glowing mountains lakes like Lac Ifni (pictured above). Just promise us you’ll remember your camera.

2. There are 4 unique imperial cities

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Morocco’s imperial cites Rabat, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat have all been Morocco’s capital during their history. (That honour goes to Rabat today). But their aura and UNESCO-listed, maze-like medinas (old centres) have enchanted travellers for generations. Plus inspired writers, poets and filmmakers. You can find history at every turn in these cities: in mosques, tombs, arches street engravings and more. They all deserve a visit.

3. Marakkesh’s Jemaa el-Fna is bucket-list worthy

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In the heart of Marakkesh’s medina, the Jemaa El-Fna square is a magical maze of winding streets, food stalls and souks selling mountains of spices, lamps, jewellery and hand-woven fabrics. This gigantic square dates back to the founding of red-hued Marrakesh by the Almoravids in 1062 – and you can feel the pulse of the city in its sweet-smelling lanes. Plus you’ll get to put your best haggling skills to the test here.

Local traders and terraces serving mint tea thrive here by day; while as the sun sets –fortune tellers, snake charmers, musicians, belly dancers and magicians appear and create an intoxicating atmosphere.

4. Morocco is one of the world’s most diverse countries

One of our favourite facts about Morocco: it’s different ethnic groups make it even more special. Berbers (the indigenous people of North-west Africa) and Arabs (who conquered Morocco by 705 and spread Islam) are its two main groups. But past rule from Spanish, Romans, French and Jewish exiles mark the present culture and its people, languages, food, art, architecture and clothing.

5. From mosques to riads, there’s amazing architecture everywhere

From iconic mosques to colourful street corners – eye-catching architecture floods your vision wherever you go. Thanks to Morocco’s diverse past, you can spot both Islamic and Hispano-Moorish inspired designs. Expect intricate patterns on palaces, fountain, kasbahs (historic fortresses), riads (sheltered outdoor areas at home), pottery, madersas (Islamic teaching schools) and ceramic tiles.

Before you leave, you’ll want to visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (pictured) – the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and a shining example of Moorish architecture.

6. The Medina in Fes is car-free

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‘Morocco was an amazing experience, the Medina in Fes was unforgettable and dinner in the Riad magical.’– Trafalgar Guest (Spain, Morocco and Portugal tour)

You’d be foolish not to spend time in northeast Morocco – and its cultural capital – Fes. Here, inside it’s towering 10-mile long walls, you can wander over 10,000 alleys too narrow for cars, but just wide enough for chariots to carry hand-made goods to souks. Stop into a madrasa and admire the architecture. Or take your place in a traditional riad for an Arabian dinner with live music and belly dancing on Trafalgar’s Spain, Morocco and Portugal tour.

7. You can stand in the Sahara desert

Morocco’s slice of the Sahara desert is stunning. Located in the southeast, miles undulating, wind-swept sand dunes run away into the impossible distance. Time stands still. And the only sounds are delicate footsteps of a camel on a walking tour. And that’s right – you could be next.

8. The souks will steal your heart

A unique shopping experience, a souk can take a minute to blend into for first-timers. Inside a maze of colourful narrow lanes is a world of antiques, carpets, spices, trinkets, Aladdin-like lamps and other local crafts. Local merchants used to journey through here. But now the pleasure is all yours – including the (compulsory) haggling to get a fair price.

9. Moroccan food is diverse and delicious

Nothing spins the sense quite like Moroccan food. You’ll find a range of Arabic, Berber, Mediterranean, Andalusian and European-influenced dishes here, meaning there’s definitely one with your name on it. We recommend eating local couscous, taktouka (tomato, olive oil, paprika, peppers and parsley salad), and tagine (slow-cooked lamb stew bubbling with a tomato-like sauce and spices).

10. You can find the highest ski resort in Africa (Oukaimeden) here

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This is one of the most surprising facts about Morocco. You might not associate skiing with Africa. But you will now; because about 80 kilometres from Marrakesh, nestled 2,600 metres above sea level in the snowy Atlas mountains, is Oukaimeden ski resort. It soars up to 3,200m at its highest peak (Jebel Attar) – presenting picture-perfect slopes for skiers of all levels, which are flanked by the colossal mountains and kissed by African sun.

11. Casablanca has the only Jewish museum in the Arab world

In the port city of Casablanca (on Morocco’s east coast), you can find the only dedicated Jewish museum in the Arab world. It celebrates Judaeo-Muslim culture and the mutual influences between the two religions. For example, Morocco’s traditional textile patterns inspired the design of the clothing worn by Jewish women. And it commemorates Jewish history in Morocco (the first Jews settled here in 2^nd century BC).

12. Morocco is blessed with beautiful beaches

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, it makes sense that Morocco’s 1930-kilometre coastline is peppered with some of the world’s best beaches. Washed by refreshing waters, these spotless white sands offer the perfect cool-off from the bustling city centres. Our recommendation is the idyllic resort town of Essaouira – where surfing, sun-bathing or meandering the charming town medina is a great way to spend an afternoon.

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