Dieser Kontinent ist zu groß, als dass man ihn beschreiben könnte. Er ist ein regelrechter Ozean, ein eigener Planet, ein vielfältiger, reicher Kosmos. Wir sprechen nur die Einfachheit, der Bequemlichkeit halber von Afrika. In Wirklichkeit gibt es dieses Afrika gar nicht, außer als geographischen Begriff.“                                                              

                                                                                     Rsyzard Kapuscinski

Ethymology:

Africa was the name of several peoples who dwelt in North Africa near the provincial capital, Carthage. The roman suffix "-ca" denotes "country or land" other etymologies that have been postulated for the ancient name 'Africa': the Latin word aprica, meaning "sunny"; the Greek word aphrike, meaning "without cold."

Africa, second in size only to Asia, is three times bigger than the continental states of the United States and Europe. It is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea in the northeast, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast and is divided almost equally by the equator with an area of about 30.2 million km2. Population (2009 est.): 1 Billion, divided in 54 sovereign states and accounts for about 14.7% of the world’s human population

Africa is also known as the birthplace of human species^, some million years ago, today, the majority of inhabitants are of indigenous origin. Africans speak a vast number of languages some of which were adopted from the colonial period, they practice a lot of religions, from the colonial Christendom to traditional African religions, they also live in variety of dwelling places ranging from townships, cities, villages and jungles engaging in a wide range of economic activities. Africans languages are more than 2,000 which represents one-third of the World’s languages.

Rich and diverse in culture, its diversity is articulated through its physical, Geography, climate and in its plurality of many different cultures through tradition, beliefs, values, religion and artistic expression. “The descriptions of African diversity are enough to make an Olympic skating champion dizzy” In the past, European, Asian, African and many other cultures melted together into a cultural mix on the continent of Africa, which  today, is visible in each of the 54 countries of Africa. This cultural mix ranges from modern art galleries to ancient rock art sites, from museums to cultural villages, from jazz clubs to open air festivals. There are manifested in venues such as the deep bush, outdoor theatres, botanical gardens, night clubs and luxurious theatre complexes.  In Africa you will find many world heritage sites “places of outstanding value to humanity” In recent times, these are some of the ways you can still live, feel and experience the African culture. Comparing it to the situation in the west or Europe, “The situation is analogous to that of Great Britain in which despite its Scottish, Welch and Northern Irish subcultures, the British culture remains unquestionable”. Likewise, despite this cultural mix in Africa no one will question the existence of an Africa culture. The main focus of the African culture is centered on family and the ethnic groups. Everywhere on the continent, the bond between religion and society remains strong. “From African bishops to the most insignificant Muslim; pastor to the most insignificant protestant, we all have an animistic past” (Felix Houphouet Boigny). The African, returning to the roots of religion, believes that only God can modify the logic of the world created for eternity^. This view immediately contradicts the worships of gods or spirits, prevalent in the African tradition. Also Africa’s rich tradition for crafts and Arts cannot be ignored, this tradition can be seen through a wide expression of pottery, sculptures, paintings, cloths, woodcarvings, leather works etc. Emphasis is also placed on personal appearance as it is expressed through the use of accessories and jewelries. Arts component such as oral literature, music enforces not only existing religions but also social aspects of the community. Most African governments foster national dance and music groups, museums, artists and writers more than education.

The hugeness of the African continent is also reflected by its diversity in food and drinks with constitutes the traditional colonial food to the local traditional African cuisine including exotic food and games gathered from Africa’s vast areas.