Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, located mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from vast deserts to lush rainforests. Africa is home to over 1.3 billion people and is made up of 54 countries. It is rich in natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas. The continent has a rich cultural heritage with over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups and a wide variety of languages and religions. Africa is also known for its iconic wildlife, such as elephants, lions, and giraffes, and is famous for its ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and the Kingdom of Aksum.