Africa Travel Information

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History

Africa History

Africa is renowned for being the oldest inhabited territory on earth. In fact, most Asian, European (and, for that matter, American) family trees can find their ancient roots on this continent. Africa's written history begins with the Egyptians in 3300 B.C. Other prominent civilizations developed throughout the continent in the centuries that followed.

European domination of Africa began in the fifteenth century with the Portuguese exploration of the continent during their search for a lucrative trade route to India. Trading stations were established by Portugal and other European maritime powers along Africa's west coast. In the centuries that followed, the slave trade rapidly expanded.

In the early nineteenth century, as contemporary powers moved away from slavery, powerful European nations staged a massive "scramble for Africa" to secure its wealth of natural resources. The entire continent-save Liberia and Ethiopia-was colonized. This occupation continued until the conclusion of WWII, when the colonial states gradually gained independence. Today, Africa is home to 50 independent countries and is heading down a path of continued social and economic growth.

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Egypt Fast Facts

Capital: Cairo Population: 77.5 million Language: Arabic Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP) Time Zone: EST plus 7 hours Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
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Kenya Fast Facts

Capital: Nairobi Population: 33.8 million Language: Swahili, English, tribal languages Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES) Time Zone: EST plus 8 hours Electricity: 240V, 50Hz
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South Africa Fast Facts

Capital: Pretoria Population: 44 million Language: English, Afrikaans, tribal languages Currency: Rand (ZAR) Time Zone: EST plus 7 hours Electricity: 220/230V (250V in Pretoria), 50Hz
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Tanzania Fast Facts

Capital: Dar es Salaam Population: 37 million Language: Swahili, English Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS) Time Zone: EST plus 8 hours Electricity: 220V
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Currency Information

If you are in the process of planning your vacation and need information on currency exchange rates, click here to access our currency converter tool. While you're on vacation you will need spending money for meals and entrance fees not already included, beverages, excursions, gratuities and shopping.

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