Geography of Africa Quiz

The edge of the African continent that touches the ocean.

Difficult travel within Africa due to its geography and climate.

The landforms, terrain, and natural features of Africa.

How weather patterns affect human living in Africa.

Elements of climate, like temperature and rainfall, in different parts of Africa.

The buying and selling of spices, like pepper and cloves, which were highly valuable in Europe.

They explored to find new trade routes for spices and other goods, spread Christianity, and gain control over new territories.

The strength of the Portuguese navy, which allowed them to explore and conquer new lands.

Navigating long distances, facing storms, and dealing with unfamiliar lands and peoples.

Improving sailing skills, using maps, and developing new technologies were crucial for exploration.

Geographical features that make travel and communication challenging in Africa.

A major river in Africa that serves as both a transportation route and a natural barrier, depending on its specific section.

A vast desert in North Africa, posing significant challenges for travel and communication due to its arid climate and lack of infrastructure.

A major river in Southern Africa, playing a vital role in the region's ecosystem and providing opportunities for transportation.

How geographical features in Africa affect the ways people communicate in different regions.

The total length of Africa's shoreline, which is relatively short compared to its vast land area.

The process of discovering and understanding the inner regions of Africa, which was delayed due to various factors.

The state of understanding about Africa, particularly its interior, remained restricted until the 19th century.

Shorter coastlines generally limit opportunities for inland exploration, as they offer fewer entry points.

The use of modern scientific tools and methods played a significant role in intensifying geographical explorations in Africa.

The voyages by the Portuguese along the African coast and beyond during the 15th century.

Early Portuguese explorations concentrated on the southwestern coast of Africa.

The Portuguese initially sought a sea route to the East Indies. Later, commercial motives and maritime power became their primary goals.

The Portuguese faced opposition from Castile, particularly concerning the Canary Islands. A concordat was established in 1436 to resolve their disputes.

The Portuguese explorations led to improvements in shipbuilding and naval technology, contributing to their maritime dominance.

A Portuguese explorer known for his voyages to India in the late 15th century, opening up a sea route between Europe and Asia.

Sailors from Portugal who journeyed around the world in search of new trade routes, lands, and wealth.

A path across the ocean that connected Europe to India, a major source of spices and other valuable goods.

The interactions between Portuguese explorers and the indigenous people they encountered on their voyages.

A skilled sailor from Portugal, especially adept at navigation and warfare, who played a key role in exploring and colonizing Africa.

King John II of Portugal aimed to establish a Christian kingdom in West Africa as a base to reach India and control trade routes.

In 1475, Fernando Jomer's ships reached the Ghanaian coast, crossing the equator, initiating Portuguese trade in the region.

Captain Diogo Cao, a Portuguese navigator, was the first to reach the Congo River, expanding Portuguese exploration in Africa.

Vasco da Gama's goal was to reach India, seeking to find a priest named Saint Thomas and obtain spices from the East.

A mythical kingdom in Africa, supposedly ruled by a Christian king, held strong beliefs in Europe during the Middle Ages.

A legendary wealthy black ruler of Western Africa, thought to control abundant gold south of the coastal regions.

Rulers of Spain and Portugal during the early modern period, who competed with Islamic forces for power.

A Portuguese monarch who led expeditions along the African coast, driven by a religious mission to stop Muslim encroachment.

Portuguese monarchs were motivated by religious missions, aiming to protect Christian cities from Muslim expansion and defend their faith.

The African coastline has a shortage of natural harbors, such as bays and inlets, which are important for international trade and interaction.

Africa has a scarcity of islands and peninsulas near the shoreline, which are valuable for exploration and colonization. These features are rare on the continent, unlike other continents.

Most African rivers have limited inland access due to their ending in deltas, marshes, or rapids. Explorers faced difficulty utilizing rivers to travel deep into the continent.

The lack of natural harbors significantly limited trade and interaction with the outside world. It also made it more challenging for foreign powers to establish colonies and exert influence.

Islands and peninsulas near the coast served as important staging points for explorers. They provided a safe haven for supplies and allowed for further expeditions inland.

The Portuguese capture of the North African city of Ceuta in 1415, marking the initiation of Portuguese exploration into Africa.

The Portuguese prince responsible for overseeing the exploration of Africa, particularly focusing on the African coast.

A mythical Christian kingdom rumored to exist beyond the African desert, famed for its wealth and ruled by a priest.

The economic influence of Muslim traders in Africa, particularly their control over valuable trade routes and resources.

Prince Henry's desire to forge an alliance with the rumored Christian kingdom beyond the desert, driven by his religious zeal.