African Political Geography: Area and Demarcation

A survey of the land area occupied by sovereign territories on the African continent, focusing on methods of measurement and border definitions. Accurate area calculations are essential for administrative and geographical understanding.

Factors Influencing Territorial Size

• Natural Boundaries: Rivers, mountain ranges, and deserts often define borders.
• Historical Treaties: Colonial and post-colonial agreements establish many boundaries.
• Geopolitical Considerations: Political maneuvering and strategic importance influenced boundary demarcation.

Challenges in Area Measurement

Determining the precise area of a territory can be complex due to varying coastlines, inclusion of inland bodies of water, and disputed territories.

Listing of Continental Territories by Landmass

The continental landmasses of Africa are often grouped in terms of geographical size. These metrics reflect sovereign control over specified tracts of land.

Influence of Population Density

Distribution of population density across a sovereign territory does not necessarily correlate to its geographic area. Population distribution is driven by factors such as agricultural viability and accessibility to resources.