Sub-Saharan Africa

Definition

Sub-Saharan Africa refers to all African countries that are fully or partially located south of the Sahara Desert. It contrasts with North Africa, which is part of the Arab world.

Related terms

Sahel Region: The transitional zone between the Sahara desert in North Africa and more fertile regions in South; often affected by droughts and food shortages.

Bantu Migration: A series of migrations across Sub-Saharan Africa by Bantu-speaking peoples from 3000 BC to present times; spread Bantu languages throughout these regions.

Colonialism/Imperialism in Africa: Period during 19th and early 20th centuries when European powers established colonies in Africa, significantly impacting its political, social, and economic structures.