List of African dependencies facts for kids

Africa is a huge continent with many countries and some special territories.

This article explores the different types of territories connected to Africa. Some of these places are not independent countries. Instead, they are governed by other nations, often from Europe. These are called dependencies. Other territories are part of an African country but have a special status. We'll also look at places that are disputed or have unique situations.

External Territories: Lands Governed by Other Countries

External territories are places that are geographically linked to Africa but are governed by countries outside of Africa. Think of them like islands or land areas that are part of another country, even if they are far away.

French Territories in Africa

France has several territories that are considered part of Africa. These are often islands in the Indian Ocean.

• French Southern and Antarctic Lands: These are a group of islands in the southern Indian Ocean. They are very remote and mostly used for scientific research.
  • Crozet Islands: These islands are home to many seabirds and seals.
  • Kerguelen Islands: Also known as the "Desolation Islands," they are cold and windy.
  • Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands: These small islands are volcanic and have unique wildlife.
  • Scattered Islands: These are small, remote islands spread across the Indian Ocean, often with no permanent residents. They include places like Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island.

British Territories in Africa

The United Kingdom also has territories linked to the African continent.

• British Indian Ocean Territory: This territory is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. The main island is Diego Garcia, which has a military base. Its capital is Camp Justice.
• Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha: This is a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. They are famous for their remote location and unique history. The capital for the group is Jamestown on Saint Helena.
  • Ascension Island: This island is known for its volcanic landscape and as a nesting site for sea turtles. Its capital is Georgetown.
  • Saint Helena: This island is famous as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled. Its capital is Jamestown.
  • Tristan da Cunha: This is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Its capital is Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.

Internal Territories: Special Areas Within African Countries

Internal territories are parts of independent African countries that have a special administrative status. They might have more self-governance or unique laws compared to other regions of the same country.

French Regions in Africa

France has two overseas regions that are geographically part of Africa. These are considered full parts of France, just like regions in mainland Europe.

• Mayotte: This island is located in the Indian Ocean. Its capital is Mamoudzou.
• Réunion: This is a large island east of Madagascar. Its capital is Saint Denis.

Italian Islands Near Africa

Italy has islands that are geologically part of the African continent, even though they are politically part of Europe.

• Sicily: This large island is off the coast of Italy. Geologically, it sits on the African tectonic plate. Its capital is Palermo.
  • Pantelleria: A volcanic island known for its hot springs.
  • Pelagie Islands: A small group of islands, including Lampedusa, Lampione, and Linosa.

South African Islands

South Africa has remote islands that are part of its territory.

• Prince Edward Islands: These are two small, uninhabited islands in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean. They are important wildlife sanctuaries.

Tanzanian Islands

Tanzania includes a famous island group with a unique history.

• Zanzibar: This archipelago is known for its spice trade and beautiful beaches. It has a special semi-autonomous status within Tanzania. Its capital is Zanzibar City.

Condominium: Shared Control

A condominium is a territory that is governed by two or more countries together. It's like sharing a house, but for a piece of land!

• Abyei Area: This area is located between Sudan and South Sudan. Both countries claim it, so it is currently under a special administrative arrangement. Its main town is Abyei Town.

Terra Nullius: Land Belonging to No One

Terra nullius is a Latin term meaning "nobody's land." It refers to a territory that has never been claimed by any country, or where all previous claims have been given up.

• Bir Tawil: This small area of land between Egypt and Sudan is unclaimed by either country. It's a rare example of a modern terra nullius.

Disputed Territories: Areas with Unsettled Claims

Disputed territories are places where two or more countries claim ownership. This can lead to political tension and sometimes conflict.

• Halaib Triangle: This area is claimed by both Egypt and Sudan.
• Ilemi Triangle: This region is claimed by South Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
• Kafia Kingi: This area is disputed between Sudan and South Sudan.
• Western Sahara: This is a large territory on the Atlantic coast of North Africa. Its status is highly disputed.
  • Part of Western Sahara is controlled by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which claims independence. Their temporary capital is Tifariti.
  • Another part is controlled by Morocco, which considers it part of its Southern Provinces. Major cities in this area include Dakhla and Laayoune.

See also

• British Overseas Territories
• Overseas department and region
• Political status of Western Sahara