The African continent is the second largest in the world after Eurasia and the first in its mystery and unpredictability. It lies between two oceans - the Atlantic and the Pacific, crosses the equator line, which is why the climate there is extremely dry and hot. Especially arid are the expanses of the eastern part of the continent. Despite the fact that the Sahara and Kalahari are in the north and south, it is here that the minimum amount of precipitation falls. Because of this, the flora is sparse, and tourism is not very well developed. The easternmost point of Africa is Cape Ras Hafoon, which is located in Somalia. It is these lands that we will now examine in detail.
Cape data
The coordinates of Africa's easternmost point are 10 ° 26 'north latitude and 51 ° 23' east longitude. It is located on the peninsula of Somalia, in the same state. Many say that this country exists only in fact. In fact, development there is at an extremely low level due to the ongoing civil war. Most people live below the poverty line, many are engaged in maritime piracy. The exact coordinates of the easternmost point of Africa give us the opportunity to see it on the map. On a large scale, it can be seen that the Hafun Peninsula (as the locals call it) is an inverted "figure" of Africa itself in miniature. Its outlines are the same as those of the main continent.
Relief and natural features
The easternmost point of Africa is a low-lying cape. Its length is about 40 kilometers, and it is located in the northeast of the state of Somalia. With its shores, the peninsula stands in the Gulf of Aden of the Indian Ocean. Its coastline is not indented with bays, because there are typically no paradise beaches and comfortable places to relax there. On the contrary, the cape leaves its shores in the open sea, which is often the cause of strong winds both above the surface of the water and on the eastern shores of Somalia. Often storms and even tsunamis occur, from which local residents literally flee deep into the continent. Due to the same winds and intense heat, Cape Hafun, like all countries in East Africa, is sparse in vegetation. Desert territories pass into the savannah, where animals such as zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and others are found. But this region is teeming with insects and reptiles. There are giant spiders and centipedes, scorpions, poisonous snakes and other very dangerous reptiles.
Region population
Today, the easternmost point of Africa is populated exclusively by Ottoman Mamuds. Now they are considered local natives, but it is impossible to name them with accuracy as the natives of these territories, since for centuries here, as throughout the world, the assimilation of peoples has taken place. About 25 thousand residents of Hafun are fishermen - this is the main type of economy in the region. Local residents rarely sell their catch, most often it is the main food for the men themselves and their families. A certain percentage of the population of the peninsula does not disdain to engage in piracy. Given the fact that Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world, the local pirates steal entire ships, and the goods that are delivered to them are simply taken away.
Economy of the region
Geographers claim that the most eastern geographical point of Africa is a corner of distinctive, unique and unforgettable nature. Unfortunately, local lands are infertile, the seashore is not suitable for recreation, and excessive heat and wind are even dangerous for the health of people who are not used to such conditions. But it is precisely on this that the country's economy has been rising recently. Fans of thrills, adrenaline often come to Cape Hafun to take a safari tour, hunt local fauna, see those very unique and huge insects, find out how local fishermen hunt and how modern Somali sea pirates live.
Those who decided to go to Cape Hafun
Given that the economic situation in Somalia is extremely deplorable, there are no exchange points, no ATMs and terminals. Therefore, it is important for travelers to change the currency in advance to the local Somali shilling. In extreme cases, you will have to pay here with the dollar, Egyptian or Yemeni currency, but at the local rate, which is extremely disadvantageous. It is also important to know that hurricanes and tsunamis often occur in the region. If such "bad weather" is approaching, you need to get to the deeper parts of the mainland in half an hour, leaving the cape. The local hurricanes literally destroy all buildings and cause invaluable damage to the country.
Neighboring countries of East Africa
The unique nature that was described above is characteristic not only of the lands of the extreme eastern cape of the continent. Similar landscapes are also found in neighboring countries. Some of them are more economically developed, those that have access to the ocean, constantly take tourists from different parts of the world. East Africa refers to a region that is located in the corresponding part of the continent. Almost all states have access to the Indian Ocean. They are united on a geographical basis, as well as on natural features. Therefore, now we list all the countries of East Africa simply in alphabetical order:
- Burundi.
- Djibouti
- Kenya.
- Camora.
- Madagascar.
- Mauritius.
- Mozambique.
- Malawi.
- Reunion.
- Rwanda.
- Seychelles.
- Somalia.
- Sudan.
- Tanzania.
- Uganda.
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia.
- South Sudan
Population and languages
Modern anthropologists believe that modern East Africa was the cradle of all mankind. The map of this region has not changed much since the alleged supercontinents existed, because it is also assumed that many locals are carriers of the most ancient types of DNA on the planet. Nevertheless, a large part of the population has long been assimilated both with residents of other regions of Africa, and with Europeans, who repeatedly made their colonies from these territories. Only the tribes of Mahmuds and natives are considered original here, who are far from civilizations and lead a predominantly nomadic lifestyle. Local languages are also a synthesis of European, mainly Romance, and local dialects. The most popular language on the east coast is Swahili.
Country borders
Now we look at how the modern political map of Africa was formed in the eastern part of the continent and what influenced the formation of the borders we know. Despite the fact that the people here have the same roots, the number of traditions, rituals, beliefs, and other cultural customs goes through the roof here for 200. For centuries, for this reason, there have always been clashes between the tribes of the East African people and armed conflicts. This weakened the development of the region, did not give him the opportunity to improve. As a result, European colonialists came here, who, at their discretion, in spite of the cultural characteristics of certain peoples, established the boundaries of modern powers. Therefore, the modern map of Africa, in particular its eastern part, is only a formality, which only aggravated the confrontation of local residents.
Conclusion
As it turned out, the easternmost point of Africa is by no means a picturesque paradise. Despite the fact that Cape Hafun is washed by the Indian Ocean, here its waters are extremely harsh. Often there are tsunamis that sweep away everything in its path. Therefore, only lovers of new experiences, extreme and drive come here.