Difference between revisions of "Eastern Africa" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{legend|#00a000|Eastern Africa ([[subregion|UN subregion]])}}
 
{{legend|#00a000|Eastern Africa ([[subregion|UN subregion]])}}
 
{{legend|#177245|[[East African Community]]}}
 
{{legend|#177245|[[East African Community]]}}
 
{{legend|#ACE1AF|[[Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland|Central African Federation]] (defunct)}}
 
{{legend|#ACE1AF|[[Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland|Central African Federation]] (defunct)}}
 
{{legend|#00f000|geographic East Africa, including the UN subregion and East African Community}}]]
 
{{legend|#00f000|geographic East Africa, including the UN subregion and East African Community}}]]
'''East Africa''' or '''Eastern Africa''' is the [[east|easternmost]] [[region]] of the [[Africa]]n [[continent]], defined by the [[UN]] [[subregion|scheme of geographic regions]], as consisting of:
+
'''Eastern Africa''' is a region of sub–Saharan Africa containing the easternmost region of the continent, composed of two distinct regions:  
 
+
*'''East Africa''', made up of [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Uganda]];
* [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Uganda]] – also members of the [[East African Community]] (EAC)
+
* '''[[Horn of Africa]]''', made up of [[Somalia]], [[Djibouti]], [[Eritrea]], and [[Ethiopia]].
* [[Djibouti]], [[Eritrea]], [[Ethiopia]], and [[Somalia]] – often reckoned as the [[Horn of Africa]]
+
Sometimes [[Egypt]] and [[Sudan]] are geographically considered a part of this group, while the United Nations definition includes: 
 
* [[Mozambique]] and [[Madagascar]] – sometimes considered part of [[Southern Africa]]
 
* [[Mozambique]] and [[Madagascar]] – sometimes considered part of [[Southern Africa]]
 
* [[Malawi]], [[Zambia]], and [[Zimbabwe]] – often included in [[Southern Africa]], and formerly of the [[Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland|Central African Federation]]
 
* [[Malawi]], [[Zambia]], and [[Zimbabwe]] – often included in [[Southern Africa]], and formerly of the [[Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland|Central African Federation]]
Line 15: Line 15:
 
* [[Comoros]], [[Mauritius]], and [[Seychelles]] – small island nations in the [[Indian Ocean]]
 
* [[Comoros]], [[Mauritius]], and [[Seychelles]] – small island nations in the [[Indian Ocean]]
 
* [[Réunion]] and [[Mayotte]] – [[French overseas departments and territories|French overseas territories]] also in the Indian Ocean
 
* [[Réunion]] and [[Mayotte]] – [[French overseas departments and territories|French overseas territories]] also in the Indian Ocean
 +
{{toc}}
  
Geographically, [[Egypt]], [[Sudan]], [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Uganda]] are sometimes included in this region.
+
== Geography ==
 +
[[Image:Serengeti elephant.jpg|thumb|275px|Elephant in the Serengeti, May 2006.]]
  
==Background==
+
Eastern Africa consists of two distinct geographic regions: the eastern portion of the African continent that includes [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Uganda]] and the [[Horn of Africa]], which includes [[Somalia]], [[Djibouti]], [[Eritrea]], and [[Ethiopia]]. Other nations are often considered a part of the eastern Africa region, though distinctions seem to vary by organization. The Horn of Africa contains a wide diversity of geographical features, ranging from the [[Ethiopian highlands]] to the [[Ogaden desert]] in southeastern Ethiopia. The Horn of Africa is a [[peninsula]] jutting out from the African mainland and bordered by the [[Red Sea]], the [[Gulf of Aden]], and the [[Indian Ocean]].
  
[[Image:Aqua rwanda 05jun04 250m.jpg|thumb|200px|Image of the region between [[Lake Victoria]] (on the right) and Lakes [[Lake Albert|Albert]], [[Lake Kivu|Kivu]] and [[Lake Tanganyika|Tanganyika]] (from north to south) lshowing dense vegetation (bright green) and fires (red)]]
+
The geography of the eastern portion of the African mainland exhibits the same variety of natural features found in the Horn of Africa. East Africa is a land of drastic geographic contrasts, featuring the two tallest peaks on the continent, [[Kilimanjaro]] and [[Mount Kenya]], and the [[Great Rift Valley]], a deep gorge shaped by tectonic forces. East Africa is also famous for its bodies of water and boasts both [[Lake Victoria]], the world's second largest freshwater lake, and [[Lake Tanganyika]] the world's second deepest lake.
  
Eastern Africa consists of two distinct geographic regions: the eastern portion of the African continent that includes [[Kenya]], [[Tanzania]], and [[Uganda]] and the [[Horn of Africa]], which includes [[Somalia]], [[Djibouti]], [[Eritrea]], and [[Ethiopia]]. The Horn of Africa contains a wide diversity of geographical features, ranging from the [[Ethiopian highlands]] to the [[Ogaden desert]] in southeastern Ethiopia. In essence the Horn of Africa is a peninsula jutting out from the African mainland and bordered by the [[Red Sea]], the [[Gulf of Aden]], and the [[Indian Ocean]].  
+
Throughout the region, farming flourished on the nutrient–rich land. Some scholars argue that the fertile lands of Eastern Africa were a major contributor to European [[colonialism]], as many European powers desired to utilize the [[agriculture|agricultural]] resources.  
  
The geography of the eastern portion of the African mainland exhibits the same variety of natural features found in the Horn of Africa. East Africa is a land of drastic geographic contrasts, featuring [[Kilimanjaro]] and [[Mount Kenya]](the two tallest peaks in Africa) and the [[Great Rift Valley]], a deep gorge shaped by tectonic forces. East Africa is also famous for its bodies of water and boasts both [[Lake Victoria]] ( the world's second largest freshwater lake) and [[Lake Tanganyika]] the world's second deepest lake.
+
Beyond agriculture, fertile lands also provide a home for a wide variety of wild animals. Some parts of Eastern Africa have garnered worldwide fame for their heavy concentrations of what is often termed the "big five": the [[African elephant|elephant]], [[water buffalo]], [[lion]], [[leopard]], and [[rhinoceros]]. The [[Serengeti Plain]] of [[Tanzania]] supports large migratory herds of [[zebra]], [[wildebeest]], [[antelope]], and [[gazelle]] as well as the lions, [[cheetah]]s, and [[canidae|wild dog]]s that prey on them. Despite declining wildlife populations, Eastern Africa continues to attract tourists looking for contact with big game. Due to the wildlife population, and the dramatic landscape of the area, tourism has become a major component of the [[Kenya]]n, Tanzanian, and [[Uganda]]n economies.
 
 
Throughout East Africa, farming flourished on the rich and nutrient rich land. Some scholars argue that the fertile lands of East Africa were a major contributor to European colonialism, as many European powers desired to exploit the agricultural land.  Beyond human agriculture, fertile lands also provide a home for a wide variety of wild animals. Some parts of East Africa have garnered worldwide fame for their heavy concentrations of "[[Big Five Game|big five]]" of [[African elephant|elephant]], [[water buffalo]], [[lion]], [[leopard]] and [[rhinoceros]]. Despite declining wildlife populations, East Africa continues to attract tourists looking for contact with big game. Due to the wildlife population, and the dramatic landscape of the area, tourism has become a major component of the Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan economies.
 
 
 
==Culture and Religion==
 
 
 
Major populations in the Horn of Africa include the [[Amhara]], [[Tigray]], [[Oromo]], and [[Somali]] peoples. They are linked together due to deep linguistic and cultural ties, the main tie being the common use of [[Afro-Asiatic languages]]. Throughout history the Horn of Africa has been in contact with the [[Arabian peninsula]] and [[Southeast Asia]], and both [[Islam]] and [[Christianity]] are deeply rooted in the cultures of the region.
 
 
 
East Africa also had contacts with the Arabian peninsula early in its history, especially through the island of [[Zanzibar]]. While these early contacts contributed to the culture of East Africa, the heaviest cultural influences in the region come from the [[Bantu Kingdoms]] near [[Lake Victoria]] and the Kenyan cattle raising civilizations in the highlands.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
=== Pre-Colonial History===
+
=== Pre-colonial history===
  
East Africa, due to its coastal location, was heavily involved in trade and developed an export economy early in its history. Early trade in the region is documented by a team of archaeologists who have found Egyptian coins in the port city of [[Mtambe Mkuu]] in modern day Tanzania. These coins document East African exportation of furs, gold, ivory,and rock crystals as early as 1000 A.D.  
+
Eastern Africa, due to its coastal location, was heavily involved in trade and developed an export economy early in its history. Early trade in the region is documented by a team of [[archaeology|archaeologists]] who have found [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] coins in the port city of [[Mtambe Mkuu]] in modern day [[Tanzania]]. These coins document East African exportation of [[fur]]s, [[gold]], [[ivory]], and rock [[crystal]]s as early as 1000 C.E.  
  
=== Period of European Imperialism===
+
=== Period of European Imperialism ===
  
In the 19th century Scramble for Africa, East Africa became a prime target for European nations looking to expand into the fertile agricultural lands were trading ports were already well established. The only country to escape the demands of European colonialism was Ethiopia, which successfully repelled invasion attempts by the Italian. [[Ethiopia]] enters the annals of history as the oldest independent nation in Africa.  
+
In the nineteenth–century [[Scramble for Africa]], Eastern Africa became a prime target for [[Europe]]an nations looking to expand into the fertile agricultural lands where trading ports were already well established. The only country to escape the demands of European [[colonialism]] was [[Ethiopia]], which successfully repelled invasion attempts by [[Italy]]. Ethiopia enters the annals of history as the oldest independent nation in Africa.  
  
The first European power to establish a presence in East Africa was [[Portugal]], who set about acquiring a position in southern [[Mozambique]]. Using southern Mozambique as a base, the Portuguese expanded their sphere of influence northward, eventually reaching modern day [[Kenya]]. Portuguese attempts at expansion stopped only when it reached the British [[Protectorate]] of [[Nyasaland]] (modern day [[Malawi]]). Portuguese forces surrounded the British stronghold and solidified Portuguese control of the entire eastern shore of the lake, a move that prohibited further British expansion in the area.  
+
The first European power to establish a presence in Eastern Africa was [[Portugal]], who set about acquiring a position in southern [[Mozambique]]. Using southern Mozambique as a base, the Portuguese expanded their sphere of influence northward, eventually reaching modern day [[Kenya]]. Portuguese attempts at expansion stopped only when it reached the [[Britain|British]] [[Protectorate]] of Nyasaland (modern day [[Malawi]]). Portuguese forces surrounded the British stronghold and solidified Portuguese control of the entire eastern shore of the lake, a move that prohibited further British expansion in the area.  
  
Despite Portuguese attempts to hinder British expansion, [[Great Britain]] succeeded in cystralizing its position as a major colonial force in east Africa. British interests in the area primarily focused on acquiring fertile agricultural land, and under this idea it was quick to acquire [[Uganda]] and [[Kenya]]. Both of these lands boasted extensive wildlife and a long history of cash crop agriculture for  exportation. The nutrient rich lands of East Africa were ideal for large scale agriculture especially valuable crops like [[coffee]] and [[tea]]. Along with agriculture, the British raised large herds of cattle and goats to raise money for the crown, selling both the meat and animal by-products like milk. Due to economic opportunity in the region, the British began to establish residential areas like [[Nairobi]] and [[Entebbe]] that mirrored residential life in Great Britain. East Africa also received many British nationals were were relocated to the region.  
+
Despite Portuguese attempts to hinder British expansion, [[Great Britain]] succeeded in cystralizing its position as a major colonial force in east Africa. British interests in the area primarily focused on acquiring fertile agricultural land, and with this goal it was quick to acquire [[Uganda]] and [[Kenya]]. Both of these lands boasted extensive [[wildlife]] and a long history of cash crop agriculture for  exportation. The nutrient rich lands of Eastern Africa were ideal for large scale agriculture, especially valuable crops such as [[coffee]] and [[tea]]. Along with agriculture, the British raised large herds of [[cattle]] and [[goat]]s to raise money for the crown, selling both the meat and animal by-products like milk. Due to economic opportunity in the region, the British began to establish residential areas like [[Nairobi]] and [[Entebbe]] that mirrored residential life in Great Britain. Eastern Africa also received many British nationals who were relocated to the region.  
  
The British and Portugues were joined in East Africa by the French, who settled in [[Madagascar]]. In an odd twist of history, French colonialism in East Africa was aided by the British, as they had ceded Madagascar to France in exchange for control of another island nation in Zanzibar. Smaller islands near Madagascar, especially [[Réunion]] and the [[Comoros]] also fell under the control of the French.  
+
The British and Portuguese were joined in the region by the [[France|French]], who settled in [[Madagascar]]. In an odd twist of history, French colonialism in Eastern Africa was aided by the British, as they had ceded Madagascar to France in exchange for control of another island nation in [[Zanzibar]]. Smaller islands near Madagascar, especially [[Réunion]] and the [[Comoros]] also fell under the control of the French.  
  
[[Germany]] and [[Italy]] also gained strongholds in East Africa, although of less strategic importance than the areas controlled by the Portuguese and the British. Germany exercised control over a larger area than Italy, with German East Africa comprised of present-day [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]] and the mainland part of [[Tanzania]] named [[Tanganyika]]. Tanganyika did not remain under German control for long, however, and was transferred to Great Britain under a [[League of Nations]] mandate in 1922. It continued under British rule until it gained its independence in 1961. In 1965 the Zanzibar Revolution united the independent state of Tanganyika to mainland Tanzania and formed the United Republic of Tanzania. German interests in East Africa never proved very politically important, mainly due to the fact that areas occupied by the German had very harsh climatic conditions and settlers often fell to native diseases. Like German territory in East Africa, Italian territory never proved large enough to cause trouble in the international scene. Italy controlled only the southern three-fourths of Somalia, while the British controlled the northern portion. Hemmed in by superior forces Italy was unable to establish a formidable presence in the area.
+
[[Germany]] and [[Italy]] also gained strongholds in Eastern Africa, although of less strategic importance than the areas controlled by the Portuguese and the British. Germany exercised control over a larger area than Italy, with German East Africa comprised of present-day [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]] and the mainland section of [[Tanzania]] named [[Tanganyika]]. Tanganyika did not remain under German control for long, however, and was transferred to Great Britain under a [[League of Nations]] mandate in 1922. It continued under British rule until it gained its independence in 1961. In 1965, the Zanzibar Revolution united the independent state of Tanganyika to mainland Tanzania and formed the United Republic of Tanzania. German interests in the region never proved very politically important, mainly due to the fact that areas occupied by the German had very harsh climatic conditions and settlers often fell to native [[disease]]s. Like German territory in Eastern Africa, Italian territory never proved large enough to cause trouble on the international scene. Italy controlled only the southern three-fourths of [[Somalia]], while the British controlled the northern portion. Hemmed in by superior forces, Italy was unable to establish a formidable presence in the area.
  
 
===Conflicts===  
 
===Conflicts===  
  
East Africa has been plagued by a series of conflicts in the region, many of which can be traced to political corruption or political coups. The most significant military conflicts include:  
+
Eastern Africa has been plagued by a series of conflicts in the region, many of which can be traced to political corruption or political coups. The most significant military conflicts include:  
  
 
* [[Ethiopian Civil War]]  
 
* [[Ethiopian Civil War]]  
Line 66: Line 60:
 
* [[Uganda-Tanzania War]]
 
* [[Uganda-Tanzania War]]
  
Contrary to the theme of political instability in the region, Kenya has enjoyed relatively stable governments. The peace has been punctuated at times by scenes of violence, including the [[1982 Kenyan coup|attempted coup d’état in 1982]], but these are short lived and the two countries are overall stable. The [[Awdal]] region of Somalia is also considered predominantly peaceful.
+
Contrary to the theme of political instability in the region, Kenya has enjoyed relatively stable governments. The peace has been punctuated at times by instances of violence, including the attempted coup d’état in 1982, but these are short lived and the country is overall stable. [[Burundi]] and [[Rwanda]] suffered civil wars and acts of [[genocide]] during the twentieth century, while [[Somalia]] and [[Ethiopia]] are punctuated by military conflict.
  
==References==  
+
==Society and culture ==
{{reflist}}
+
[[Image:Aqua rwanda 05jun04 250m.jpg|thumb|200px|Image of the region between [[Lake Victoria]] (on the right) and Lakes [[Lake Albert|Albert]], [[Lake Kivu|Kivu]] and [[Lake Tanganyika|Tanganyika]] (from north to south) showing dense vegetation (bright green) and fires (red).]]
  
* Davidson, Basil. ''West Africa Before the Colonial Era: A History to 1850''. Essex: Pearson Education Limited, 1998. ISBN 0582318521
+
The two main regions of Eastern Africa, the ''Horn of Africa'' and ''East Africa'' both have a long history with [[Arabia]] and the Middle Eastern lands.
* Lewis, Brenda Ralph. ''Great Civilizations''. Bath: Parragon Book Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0752561413
+
 
* Costantino, Maria. ''The Illustrated Flag Handbook''. New York: Gramercy Books, 2001. ISBN 0517218100
+
Major populations in the Horn of Africa include the [[Amhara]], [[Tigray]], [[Oromo]], and [[Somali]] peoples. They are linked together due to deep linguistic and cultural ties, the main tie being the common use of [[Afro-Asiatic languages]] existant in [[North Africa]] and the [[Middle East]]. Throughout history, the Horn of Africa has been in contact with the [[Arabian peninsula]] and [[Southeast Asia]], and both [[Islam]] and [[Christianity]] are deeply rooted in the cultures of the region.
* [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9108361/eastern-Africa, Encyclopedia Britannica] Retrieved July 11, 2007.
+
 
 +
East Africa also had contacts with the Arabian peninsula early in its history, especially through the island of [[Zanzibar]]. While these early contacts contributed to the culture of East Africa, the heaviest cultural influences in the region come from the [[Bantu Kingdoms]] near [[Lake Victoria]] and the Kenyan cattle raising civilizations in the highlands. The East Africa nations show a much closer affinity with sub-Saharan Africa than with their Middle Eastern neighbors.
 +
 
 +
African scholars have attempted to classify the peoples of Eastern Africa. The population is fragmented into many subdivisions based upon lineage—patrilineal in some areas, matrilineal in others—language, religion, subsistence and habitat among others. Despite such fragmentation and differences, the various groups tend to share much of their culture in common.  
 +
 
 +
Natural resources of the area have a big impact on the economies and livelihood of the people of the region. The majority of the population is dependent mainly upon [[pastoralism]] or [[agriculture]] for survival, with agricultural products the main, though limited, exports. Rainfall is a determining factor in the productivity of agricultural endeavors and varies throughout the region. In many areas it is inadequate for crop cultivation, and pastoralism is relied upon. The result is a nomadic way of life for many, which has a negative effect on schooling and medical care.  
 +
 
 +
[[Lake Victoria]] and the lakes of the [[Great Rift Valley|Rift valleys]] support fishing communities who export to distant markets. However, management of this resource has not only proven difficult but caused international conflict where these bodies of water are bordered by more than one nation.  
 +
 
 +
Ethnic and religious rivalries exist due to the variety of peoples and tribes, [[Muslim]], [[Christian]], and Cushitic in origin, with differing lineal descendancies.
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
* [[Horn of Africa]]
 
* [[Horn of Africa]]
* [[British East Africa]]
+
* [[History of Africa]]
* [[Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa]]
+
* [[Western Africa]]
*[[History of Africa]]
+
* [[North Africa]]
*[[Economic history of Africa]]
+
* [[Southern Africa]]
*[[African archaeology]]
+
* [[Central Africa]]
*[[Legends of Africa]]
+
* [[Scramble for Africa]]
*[[History by continent]]
+
* [[Maghreb]]
*[[Synoptic table of the principal old world prehistoric cultures]]
+
 
*[[Pan-Africanism]]
+
 
*[[West Africa]]
+
 
*[[North Africa]]
+
==References==
*[[South Africa]]
+
* Costantino, Maria. 2001. ''The illustrated flag handbook''. New York: Gramercy Books. ISBN 0517218100 ISBN 9780517218105
*[[Central Africa]]
+
* Davidson, Basil. 1998. ''West Africa before the colonial era: a history to 1850''. London: Longman. ISBN 0582318521 ISBN 9780582318526
* [[North African Campaign]]
+
* Eastern Africa. ''Encyclopedia Britannica''.
* [[Western Desert Campaign]]
+
* Lewis, Brenda Ralph. 2002. ''Great civilizations''. Bath: Parragon. ISBN 0752561413 and ISBN 9780752561417
*[[North African Campaign timeline]]
+
 
*[[East African Campaign (World War II)]]
+
== External links ==
* [[Afrika Korps]]
+
All links retrieved September 26, 2017.
* [[Panzer Army Africa]]
+
* [http://artnetweb.com/guggenheim/africa/east.html Eastern Africa] – ''Guggenheim''.
* [[László Almásy]] Explorer, long range desert specialist and the basis of the [[English Patient]]. Discovered the Magyarab tribe of Nubai.
+
 
  
 
{{Regions of the world}}
 
{{Regions of the world}}
  
[[Category:Nations and Places]]
+
{{credit|141972988}}
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Africa]]
 
[[Category:Africa]]

Revision as of 01:27, 16 January 2023


██ Eastern Africa (UN subregion) ██ East African Community ██ Central African Federation (defunct) ██ geographic East Africa, including the UN subregion and East African Community

Eastern Africa is a region of sub–Saharan Africa containing the easternmost region of the continent, composed of two distinct regions:

Sometimes Egypt and Sudan are geographically considered a part of this group, while the United Nations definition includes:

Geography

Elephant in the Serengeti, May 2006.

Eastern Africa consists of two distinct geographic regions: the eastern portion of the African continent that includes Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and the Horn of Africa, which includes Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Other nations are often considered a part of the eastern Africa region, though distinctions seem to vary by organization. The Horn of Africa contains a wide diversity of geographical features, ranging from the Ethiopian highlands to the Ogaden desert in southeastern Ethiopia. The Horn of Africa is a peninsula jutting out from the African mainland and bordered by the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean.

The geography of the eastern portion of the African mainland exhibits the same variety of natural features found in the Horn of Africa. East Africa is a land of drastic geographic contrasts, featuring the two tallest peaks on the continent, Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, and the Great Rift Valley, a deep gorge shaped by tectonic forces. East Africa is also famous for its bodies of water and boasts both Lake Victoria, the world's second largest freshwater lake, and Lake Tanganyika the world's second deepest lake.

Throughout the region, farming flourished on the nutrient–rich land. Some scholars argue that the fertile lands of Eastern Africa were a major contributor to European colonialism, as many European powers desired to utilize the agricultural resources.

Beyond agriculture, fertile lands also provide a home for a wide variety of wild animals. Some parts of Eastern Africa have garnered worldwide fame for their heavy concentrations of what is often termed the "big five": the elephant, water buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhinoceros. The Serengeti Plain of Tanzania supports large migratory herds of zebra, wildebeest, antelope, and gazelle as well as the lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs that prey on them. Despite declining wildlife populations, Eastern Africa continues to attract tourists looking for contact with big game. Due to the wildlife population, and the dramatic landscape of the area, tourism has become a major component of the Kenyan, Tanzanian, and Ugandan economies.

History

Pre-colonial history

Eastern Africa, due to its coastal location, was heavily involved in trade and developed an export economy early in its history. Early trade in the region is documented by a team of archaeologists who have found Egyptian coins in the port city of Mtambe Mkuu in modern day Tanzania. These coins document East African exportation of furs, gold, ivory, and rock crystals as early as 1000 C.E.

Period of European Imperialism

In the nineteenth–century Scramble for Africa, Eastern Africa became a prime target for European nations looking to expand into the fertile agricultural lands where trading ports were already well established. The only country to escape the demands of European colonialism was Ethiopia, which successfully repelled invasion attempts by Italy. Ethiopia enters the annals of history as the oldest independent nation in Africa.

The first European power to establish a presence in Eastern Africa was Portugal, who set about acquiring a position in southern Mozambique. Using southern Mozambique as a base, the Portuguese expanded their sphere of influence northward, eventually reaching modern day Kenya. Portuguese attempts at expansion stopped only when it reached the British Protectorate of Nyasaland (modern day Malawi). Portuguese forces surrounded the British stronghold and solidified Portuguese control of the entire eastern shore of the lake, a move that prohibited further British expansion in the area.

Despite Portuguese attempts to hinder British expansion, Great Britain succeeded in cystralizing its position as a major colonial force in east Africa. British interests in the area primarily focused on acquiring fertile agricultural land, and with this goal it was quick to acquire Uganda and Kenya. Both of these lands boasted extensive wildlife and a long history of cash crop agriculture for exportation. The nutrient rich lands of Eastern Africa were ideal for large scale agriculture, especially valuable crops such as coffee and tea. Along with agriculture, the British raised large herds of cattle and goats to raise money for the crown, selling both the meat and animal by-products like milk. Due to economic opportunity in the region, the British began to establish residential areas like Nairobi and Entebbe that mirrored residential life in Great Britain. Eastern Africa also received many British nationals who were relocated to the region.

The British and Portuguese were joined in the region by the French, who settled in Madagascar. In an odd twist of history, French colonialism in Eastern Africa was aided by the British, as they had ceded Madagascar to France in exchange for control of another island nation in Zanzibar. Smaller islands near Madagascar, especially Réunion and the Comoros also fell under the control of the French.

Germany and Italy also gained strongholds in Eastern Africa, although of less strategic importance than the areas controlled by the Portuguese and the British. Germany exercised control over a larger area than Italy, with German East Africa comprised of present-day Rwanda, Burundi and the mainland section of Tanzania named Tanganyika. Tanganyika did not remain under German control for long, however, and was transferred to Great Britain under a League of Nations mandate in 1922. It continued under British rule until it gained its independence in 1961. In 1965, the Zanzibar Revolution united the independent state of Tanganyika to mainland Tanzania and formed the United Republic of Tanzania. German interests in the region never proved very politically important, mainly due to the fact that areas occupied by the German had very harsh climatic conditions and settlers often fell to native diseases. Like German territory in Eastern Africa, Italian territory never proved large enough to cause trouble on the international scene. Italy controlled only the southern three-fourths of Somalia, while the British controlled the northern portion. Hemmed in by superior forces, Italy was unable to establish a formidable presence in the area.

Conflicts

Eastern Africa has been plagued by a series of conflicts in the region, many of which can be traced to political corruption or political coups. The most significant military conflicts include:

Contrary to the theme of political instability in the region, Kenya has enjoyed relatively stable governments. The peace has been punctuated at times by instances of violence, including the attempted coup d’état in 1982, but these are short lived and the country is overall stable. Burundi and Rwanda suffered civil wars and acts of genocide during the twentieth century, while Somalia and Ethiopia are punctuated by military conflict.

Society and culture

Image of the region between Lake Victoria (on the right) and Lakes Albert, Kivu and Tanganyika (from north to south) showing dense vegetation (bright green) and fires (red).

The two main regions of Eastern Africa, the Horn of Africa and East Africa both have a long history with Arabia and the Middle Eastern lands.

Major populations in the Horn of Africa include the Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, and Somali peoples. They are linked together due to deep linguistic and cultural ties, the main tie being the common use of Afro-Asiatic languages existant in North Africa and the Middle East. Throughout history, the Horn of Africa has been in contact with the Arabian peninsula and Southeast Asia, and both Islam and Christianity are deeply rooted in the cultures of the region.

East Africa also had contacts with the Arabian peninsula early in its history, especially through the island of Zanzibar. While these early contacts contributed to the culture of East Africa, the heaviest cultural influences in the region come from the Bantu Kingdoms near Lake Victoria and the Kenyan cattle raising civilizations in the highlands. The East Africa nations show a much closer affinity with sub-Saharan Africa than with their Middle Eastern neighbors.

African scholars have attempted to classify the peoples of Eastern Africa. The population is fragmented into many subdivisions based upon lineage—patrilineal in some areas, matrilineal in others—language, religion, subsistence and habitat among others. Despite such fragmentation and differences, the various groups tend to share much of their culture in common.

Natural resources of the area have a big impact on the economies and livelihood of the people of the region. The majority of the population is dependent mainly upon pastoralism or agriculture for survival, with agricultural products the main, though limited, exports. Rainfall is a determining factor in the productivity of agricultural endeavors and varies throughout the region. In many areas it is inadequate for crop cultivation, and pastoralism is relied upon. The result is a nomadic way of life for many, which has a negative effect on schooling and medical care.

Lake Victoria and the lakes of the Rift valleys support fishing communities who export to distant markets. However, management of this resource has not only proven difficult but caused international conflict where these bodies of water are bordered by more than one nation.

Ethnic and religious rivalries exist due to the variety of peoples and tribes, Muslim, Christian, and Cushitic in origin, with differing lineal descendancies.

See also


References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links

All links retrieved September 26, 2017.


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