We discovered a map in our office that tries to embody the massive scale of the true size of Africa, which is larger than the USA, China, India, Japan and all of Europe -- combined! As stated below (in tiny print), the graphical layout of this map is meant purely as a visualization to illustrate the fact that Africa is much larger than most people assume. After studying this comparison, we think you'll agree that Africa is immense!
Here are just a few interesting facts about the seven Africa West Area countries in which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has established missions and where the gospel began to take root almost two decades before it was formally preached in these countries. The Church is growing rapidly throughout this part of Africa.
Sierra Leone has the 3rd largest natural harbor in the world, where shipping from all over the globe berth at Freetown's famous Queen Elizabeth II Quay. Its estimated population is 6 million. Language: English. Currency: the Leone.
Liberia is the only country in Africa rooted in U.S. colonization. Beginning in 1820, the region was colonized by blacks from the U.S., most of whom were freed slaves. Language: English. Currency: the American Dollar.
Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) is slightly larger than the U.S. state of New Mexico. The people speak over 60 tribal languages. Mandated language: French. Currency: the West African CFA Franc.
Ghana, slightly smaller than the state of Oregon, has the largest artificial lake in the world -- Lake Volta. The Greenwich Prime Meridian runs through Tema, a city just east of Accra. Language: English. Currency: the Cedi.
Togo (formerly know as the Slave Coast) is one of the smallest countries in Africa, measuring about the size of West Virginia. It has a tropical climate that provides good growing seasons. Language: French. Currency: the CFA Franc.
Benin spans 202 miles at its widest point and is about 1/8 the size of its neighbor, Nigeria. It shared the name Slave Coast with Togo due to the large number of slaves shipped to the New World during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Language: French. Currency: the CFA Franc.
Nigeria is the 7th largest country in the world by population. It is called "the Giant of Africa" with 162 million people and 500 different ethnic groups. Language: English. Currency: the Naira.
