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

From New World Encyclopedia
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==Geography and climate==
 
==Geography and climate==
 
[[Image:horn_of_africa.jpg|thumb|200px|The Horn of Africa as seen from the [[NASA]] [[Space Shuttle]] in May 1993. The orange and tan colors in this image indicate a largely arid to semiarid climate.]]
 
[[Image:horn_of_africa.jpg|thumb|200px|The Horn of Africa as seen from the [[NASA]] [[Space Shuttle]] in May 1993. The orange and tan colors in this image indicate a largely arid to semiarid climate.]]
The Horn of Africa is almost [[:wikt:equidistant|equidistant]] from the [[Equator]] and the [[Tropic of Cancer]]. It consists chiefly of mountains uplifted through the formation of the [[Great Rift Valley]], a fissure in the Earth's [[crust (geology)|crust]] extending from [[Turkey]] to [[Mozambique]] and marking the separation of the African and Arabian [[plate tectonics|tectonic plate]]s. Most of the region is mountainous due to faults resulting from the Rift Valley, with the highest peaks in the [[Simien Mountains]] of northwestern Ethiopia. Extensive [[glacier]]s once covered the Simien and [[Bale Mountains]], but melted at the beginning of the [[Holocene]]. The mountains descend in a huge escarpment to the [[Red Sea]] and more steadily to the Indian Ocean. [[Socotra]] is a small island  in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia that is considered a part of Africa. Its size is 3,600 km² (1,390 mi²) and it is a territory of [[Yemen]], the southernmost country on the [[Arabian peninsula]].
 
  
The lowlands of the Horn are generally arid in spite of their proximity to the equator. This is because the winds of the tropical [[monsoon]]s that give seasonal rains to the [[Sahel]] and the [[Sudan (region)|Sudan]] blow from the west. Consequently, they lose their moisture upon reaching Djibouti and Somalia, with the result that most of the Horn receives little rainfall during the monsoon season. On the windward side in the west and center of Ethiopia, and the extreme south of Eritrea, monsoonal rainfall is heavy. In the mountains of Ethiopia, many areas receive over 2,000 [[millimetre|mm]] (78 [[inch|in]]) per year, and even [[Asmara]] receives an average of 570 mm (23 in). This rainfall is the sole source of water for many areas far from Ethiopia, most famously for [[Egypt]], which — in terms of rainfall — is the driest nation on Earth.
 
  
In the winter, the northeasterly [[trade winds]] do not provide any moisture except in mountainous areas of northern Somalia, where rainfall in late autumn can produce annual totals as high as 500 mm (20 in). On the eastern coast, a strong [[upwelling]] and the fact that the winds blow ''parallel'' to the coast means annual rainfall can be as low as 51 mm (2 in).
+
The Horn of Africa is primarily distinguished through a low lying arid plain called the Ethiopian Highlands, which is divided into two sections by the Rift Valley. The two distinct sections of the Ethiopian Highlands form an area previously rich in natural resources. While this area once proved a great attraction for explorers looking for frankensense and myrhh, the potential of the potential of the area has decreased in recent years. Only 5 percent of the original habitat of the Horn of Africa is intact, a fact which most environmental scientists attribute to overgrazing.
 +
 
 +
While much of the Horn of Africa is semiarid or arid land, the Rift Valley has punctuated the landscape with mountains and ranges. the most notable range in the region is the Simien range, one of the largest mountain ranges in Africa. This range offers a wide variety of challenges for mountiain climbers and hikers, including the daunting peak of Ras Dashen. Ras Dashen is the largest mountain peak in Ethiopia, and the forth tallest in all of Africa. The range also remains snow capped throughout the year, an unusual occurance on the African continent.
 +
 
 +
The Simien mountain range shelters much of the wildlife for the Horn of Africa, particularly predatory animals and birds that would not be able to survive in the plains. Notable inhabitants of the mountain range include the endangered Ethiopian wolf and roaming bands of Gelada baboons. While the mountian range proves shelter for endangered species, the plains offer a harsh existence for animals who choose to make their home outside of the proctective mountain folds. Access to a water source is a pressing motivation for plains wildlife, as much of the Horn of Africa recieves very little annual rainfall. Exceptions to this rule are found in the west and center of Ethiopia and the most southern region of Eritrea, where annual rainfall is boosted by heavy precipitatino during the monsoon season. Many developed areas in the region rely on the runoff from the Simien mountain range as a source of water throughout the year.  
  
 
Temperatures on the Red Sea coast are some of the hottest in the world, typically around 41°C (106°F) in July and 32°C (90°F) in January. On the east coast, owing to the upwelling, they are somewhat, cooler but still hot. As elevation increases, temperatures decrease, so that at [[Asmara]], maxima are around 20°C (68°F), though [[frost]]s are frequent on cloudless nights. On the highest peaks of the Simien Mountains, however, temperatures rarely reach 14°C (57°F) and can be as low as –10°C (14°F) on cloudless nights.
 
Temperatures on the Red Sea coast are some of the hottest in the world, typically around 41°C (106°F) in July and 32°C (90°F) in January. On the east coast, owing to the upwelling, they are somewhat, cooler but still hot. As elevation increases, temperatures decrease, so that at [[Asmara]], maxima are around 20°C (68°F), though [[frost]]s are frequent on cloudless nights. On the highest peaks of the Simien Mountains, however, temperatures rarely reach 14°C (57°F) and can be as low as –10°C (14°F) on cloudless nights.
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 +
==Ecology==
 +
[[Image:Grevys zebra.jpg|250px|left|thumb|[[Grevy's zebra]] (''Equus grevyi'')]]
 +
The Horn of Africa is a [[UNESCO]] [[Biodiversity Hotspot]] and one of the two entirely arid ones. However the Horn of Africa suffers largely from [[overgrazing]] and only 5% of its original [[Habitat (ecology)|habitat]] still remains. On Socotra, another great threat is the development of [[infrastructure]].
 +
 +
===Fauna===
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About 220 [[mammal]]s are found in the Horn of Africa. Among threatened [[species]] of the region, we find several [[antelope]]s such as the [[Beira (antelope)|beira]], the [[dibatag]], the [[silver dikdik]] and the [[Speke’s gazelle]]. Other remarkable species include the [[Somali wild ass]], the [[desert warthog]], the [[Hamadryas Baboon]], the [[Somalia Gerbil|Somali pygmy gerbil]], the ammodile and the [[Gundi|Speke’s pectinator]]. The [[Grevy's zebra]] is the unique wild [[Equidae|equid]] of the region.
 +
 +
Some important [[bird]] species of the Horn are the [[Bulo Burti boubou]], the [[Golden-winged Grosbeak|golden-winged grosbeak]], the Warsangli [[linnet]], or the Djibouti [[francolin]].
 +
 +
The Horn of Africa holds more [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] [[reptile]]s than any other region in Africa, with over 285 species total (and about 90 species found exclusively in the region). Among endemic reptile genera, there are ''[[Haackgreerius]]'', ''[[Haemodracon]]'', ''Ditypophis'', ''Pachycalamus'' and ''Aeluroglena''. Half of these genera are uniquely found on Socotra. Unlike reptiles, [[amphibian]]s are poorly represented in the region.
 +
 +
There are about 100 species of [[freshwater]] [[fish]] in the Horn of Africa, about 10 of which are endemic. Among the endemic, we find the cave-dwelling Somali blind barb and the Somali [[cavefish]].
 +
 +
===Flora===
 +
It is estimated that about 5,000 species of [[vascular plant]]s are found in the Horn, about half of which are endemic. Endemism is most developed in [[Socotra]] and Northern Somalia. The region has two endemic plant [[family (biology)|families]]: the [[Barbeyaceae]] and the [[Dirachmaceae]]. Among the other remarkable species, there are the cucumber tree found only on Socotra (''Dendrosicyos socotrana''), the Bankoualé palm, the [[Cordeauxia edulis|yeheb nut]], and the Somali [[cyclamen]].
 +
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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The Horn of Africa, since 2002, has been a major focus of attention by the [[United States]], [[France]], [[Germany]], and eleven African nations regarding the [[War on Terrorism]].
 
The Horn of Africa, since 2002, has been a major focus of attention by the [[United States]], [[France]], [[Germany]], and eleven African nations regarding the [[War on Terrorism]].
 +
 +
 +
==Economy==
 +
States of the region depend largely on a few key [[export]]s:
 +
 +
*Ethiopia: [[Coffee]] 80% of total exports.
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*Somalia: [[Banana]]s and [[livestock]] over 50% of total exports.
  
 
==Culture and ethnicity==
 
==Culture and ethnicity==
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*In Somalia: the [[Somali people|Somali]]
 
*In Somalia: the [[Somali people|Somali]]
  
==Economy==
 
States of the region depend largely on a few key [[export]]s:
 
 
*Ethiopia: [[Coffee]] 80% of total exports.
 
*Somalia: [[Banana]]s and [[livestock]] over 50% of total exports.
 
 
==Ecology==
 
[[Image:Grevys zebra.jpg|250px|left|thumb|[[Grevy's zebra]] (''Equus grevyi'')]]
 
The Horn of Africa is a [[UNESCO]] [[Biodiversity Hotspot]] and one of the two entirely arid ones. However the Horn of Africa suffers largely from [[overgrazing]] and only 5% of its original [[Habitat (ecology)|habitat]] still remains. On Socotra, another great threat is the development of [[infrastructure]].
 
  
===Fauna===
 
About 220 [[mammal]]s are found in the Horn of Africa. Among threatened [[species]] of the region, we find several [[antelope]]s such as the [[Beira (antelope)|beira]], the [[dibatag]], the [[silver dikdik]] and the [[Speke’s gazelle]]. Other remarkable species include the [[Somali wild ass]], the [[desert warthog]], the [[Hamadryas Baboon]], the [[Somalia Gerbil|Somali pygmy gerbil]], the ammodile and the [[Gundi|Speke’s pectinator]]. The [[Grevy's zebra]] is the unique wild [[Equidae|equid]] of the region.
 
 
Some important [[bird]] species of the Horn are the [[Bulo Burti boubou]], the [[Golden-winged Grosbeak|golden-winged grosbeak]], the Warsangli [[linnet]], or the Djibouti [[francolin]].
 
 
The Horn of Africa holds more [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] [[reptile]]s than any other region in Africa, with over 285 species total (and about 90 species found exclusively in the region). Among endemic reptile genera, there are ''[[Haackgreerius]]'', ''[[Haemodracon]]'', ''Ditypophis'', ''Pachycalamus'' and ''Aeluroglena''. Half of these genera are uniquely found on Socotra. Unlike reptiles, [[amphibian]]s are poorly represented in the region.
 
 
There are about 100 species of [[freshwater]] [[fish]] in the Horn of Africa, about 10 of which are endemic. Among the endemic, we find the cave-dwelling Somali blind barb and the Somali [[cavefish]].
 
 
===Flora===
 
It is estimated that about 5,000 species of [[vascular plant]]s are found in the Horn, about half of which are endemic. Endemism is most developed in [[Socotra]] and Northern Somalia. The region has two endemic plant [[family (biology)|families]]: the [[Barbeyaceae]] and the [[Dirachmaceae]]. Among the other remarkable species, there are the cucumber tree found only on Socotra (''Dendrosicyos socotrana''), the Bankoualé palm, the [[Cordeauxia edulis|yeheb nut]], and the Somali [[cyclamen]].
 
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==

Revision as of 22:39, 13 October 2007

File:Nasa Horn.JPG
The Horn of Africa. NASA image

The "Horn of Africa" is a large extension of land that protrudes from the eastern edge of the continent of Africa, lying between the Indian Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Aden to the north. Overall, the horn of Africa is estimated to consist of over 772,200 square mile, most of which boast a semi arid to arid climate. Despite difficult living conditions in many parts of the horn of Africa, recent estimations put the population of the region at about 90.2 million.

In a more general way, the term "Horn of Africa" is also used to define a political region that consists of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Many of these countries are also included in definitions of East Africa.

Geography and climate

The Horn of Africa as seen from the NASA Space Shuttle in May 1993. The orange and tan colors in this image indicate a largely arid to semiarid climate.


The Horn of Africa is primarily distinguished through a low lying arid plain called the Ethiopian Highlands, which is divided into two sections by the Rift Valley. The two distinct sections of the Ethiopian Highlands form an area previously rich in natural resources. While this area once proved a great attraction for explorers looking for frankensense and myrhh, the potential of the potential of the area has decreased in recent years. Only 5 percent of the original habitat of the Horn of Africa is intact, a fact which most environmental scientists attribute to overgrazing.

While much of the Horn of Africa is semiarid or arid land, the Rift Valley has punctuated the landscape with mountains and ranges. the most notable range in the region is the Simien range, one of the largest mountain ranges in Africa. This range offers a wide variety of challenges for mountiain climbers and hikers, including the daunting peak of Ras Dashen. Ras Dashen is the largest mountain peak in Ethiopia, and the forth tallest in all of Africa. The range also remains snow capped throughout the year, an unusual occurance on the African continent.

The Simien mountain range shelters much of the wildlife for the Horn of Africa, particularly predatory animals and birds that would not be able to survive in the plains. Notable inhabitants of the mountain range include the endangered Ethiopian wolf and roaming bands of Gelada baboons. While the mountian range proves shelter for endangered species, the plains offer a harsh existence for animals who choose to make their home outside of the proctective mountain folds. Access to a water source is a pressing motivation for plains wildlife, as much of the Horn of Africa recieves very little annual rainfall. Exceptions to this rule are found in the west and center of Ethiopia and the most southern region of Eritrea, where annual rainfall is boosted by heavy precipitatino during the monsoon season. Many developed areas in the region rely on the runoff from the Simien mountain range as a source of water throughout the year.

Temperatures on the Red Sea coast are some of the hottest in the world, typically around 41°C (106°F) in July and 32°C (90°F) in January. On the east coast, owing to the upwelling, they are somewhat, cooler but still hot. As elevation increases, temperatures decrease, so that at Asmara, maxima are around 20°C (68°F), though frosts are frequent on cloudless nights. On the highest peaks of the Simien Mountains, however, temperatures rarely reach 14°C (57°F) and can be as low as –10°C (14°F) on cloudless nights.

Ecology

Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi)

The Horn of Africa is a UNESCO Biodiversity Hotspot and one of the two entirely arid ones. However the Horn of Africa suffers largely from overgrazing and only 5% of its original habitat still remains. On Socotra, another great threat is the development of infrastructure.

Fauna

About 220 mammals are found in the Horn of Africa. Among threatened species of the region, we find several antelopes such as the beira, the dibatag, the silver dikdik and the Speke’s gazelle. Other remarkable species include the Somali wild ass, the desert warthog, the Hamadryas Baboon, the Somali pygmy gerbil, the ammodile and the Speke’s pectinator. The Grevy's zebra is the unique wild equid of the region.

Some important bird species of the Horn are the Bulo Burti boubou, the golden-winged grosbeak, the Warsangli linnet, or the Djibouti francolin.

The Horn of Africa holds more endemic reptiles than any other region in Africa, with over 285 species total (and about 90 species found exclusively in the region). Among endemic reptile genera, there are Haackgreerius, Haemodracon, Ditypophis, Pachycalamus and Aeluroglena. Half of these genera are uniquely found on Socotra. Unlike reptiles, amphibians are poorly represented in the region.

There are about 100 species of freshwater fish in the Horn of Africa, about 10 of which are endemic. Among the endemic, we find the cave-dwelling Somali blind barb and the Somali cavefish.

Flora

It is estimated that about 5,000 species of vascular plants are found in the Horn, about half of which are endemic. Endemism is most developed in Socotra and Northern Somalia. The region has two endemic plant families: the Barbeyaceae and the Dirachmaceae. Among the other remarkable species, there are the cucumber tree found only on Socotra (Dendrosicyos socotrana), the Bankoualé palm, the yeheb nut, and the Somali cyclamen.


History

Early history

The Kingdom of Aksum (also known as "Axum") was a Sabean influenced state located in Ethiopia, Eritrea, northern Somalia and Yemen that thrived between the 1st and 7th centuries. Due to the Horn's strategic location, it has been used to restrict access to the Red Sea in the past.

Dhow - modern version of traditional trading ship

The region was also a source of biological resources during the Antiquity: The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans sent expeditions to the region for frankincense, myrrh, dragon's blood or cinnabar and took these commodities back along the Incense Route. Therefore the Romans called this region Regio Aromatica. It is believed to also contain the fabled Egyptian Land of Punt.

The Horn was also part of a network of ports that extended down the coast of Africa, from the Persian Gulf as part of a larger and ancient commerce route along the greater Indian Ocean rim.

Pre-Colonial History

Colonial History

Post Colonial history

In recent decades, the Horn of Africa has been a region continuously in crisis. Ethiopia occupies a predominant position in the Horn because of its demographic importance: about 85% of the area's population live in this country. Large part of the Horn of Africa was colonialized by Italy: Eritrea (1880-1941), Italian Somaliland (1890-1960) and Ethiopia (1936-1941). Britain established in North Somalia (British Somaliland) and France in Djibouti (French Somaliland). Yet Ethiopia's history is largely marked by conflicts between Muslims and Christians for resources and living space, as well as between nationalism and Marxism-Leninism in the modern times. The rest of the region also faces continuous wars: a civil war erupted in Somalia in 1977, resulting in the country having had no functioning national government since 1991. Sudan, with the Sudanese Civil War, represents another important source of instability for the whole region. Conflicts have also occurred in Djibouti and Eritrea.

Moreover, the region is regularly stricken by natural catastrophes, such as droughts or flood that hit rural areas particularly hard. As a result, the region has some of the world's highest levels of malnutrition and is continuously threatened with a major humanitarian crisis. Between 1982 and 1992, about two million people died in the Horn of Africa due to this combination of war and famine.

The Horn of Africa, since 2002, has been a major focus of attention by the United States, France, Germany, and eleven African nations regarding the War on Terrorism.


Economy

States of the region depend largely on a few key exports:

Culture and ethnicity

Nations of the Horn of Africa.

The countries of the Horn of Africa are culturally linked together. Local people have been using the plow for cultivation and kept the Arabian dromedary as domestic animals for a long time. Some important ethno-linguistic groups in the Horn of Africa are:

  • In Djibouti: the Afar (Danakil) and the Somali (Issa)
  • In Eritrea: the Bilen, the Afar, the Hedareb (Beni-Amer/Beja), the Kunama (Baza), the Nara (Nialetic), the Saho (Irob), the Rashaida, the Tigre, and the Tigrinya. The Jebertis are Muslim Tigrinyas who consider themselves as a separate ethnicity, but are not recognized by other sources.
  • In Ethiopia: Amharas, Afars, Agaw groups, Gurages, Hamers, Hararis (also Hadere or Adere), the Irob (Catholic Sahos) Oromos, Saho, Sidamas, Somali, Tigrayans, as well as many other small groups (see also ethnicities listed at Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region) .
  • In Somalia: the Somali


See also

  • Conflicts in the Horn of Africa
  • Geography of Africa
  • History of Djibouti
  • History of Eritrea
  • History of Ethiopia
  • History of Somalia
  • Land of Punt
  • Compare: Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America

External links

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Gray, Richard and David Birmingham. Pre-Colonial African Trade, Essays on Trade in Central and Eastern Africa before 1900. "Southern Ethiopia" Oxford University Press:1970. London, England. ISBN 019215639X
  • Oliver, Roland ed. The Dawn of African History."The Kingdom of Axum". Oxford University Press:1961. London, England.
  • Thompson, L.A. and J. Ferguson Africa in Classical Antiquity, Nine Studies. "Eastern Africa and the Graeco-Roman World (To A.D. 641)". Ibadan University Press:1969. Ibadan, Nigeria.
  • Lewis, Brenda Ralph ed. Great Civilizations. Parragon Publishing:2002. Bath, England. ISBN 0752561413
  • Woodward, Peter. The Horn of Africa:Politics and International Relations Palgrave McMillan:2003. New York, New York. ISBN 1860648703

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