A Comparison of The Development of States in Africa and America

Each country in the entire world has experienced a great deal of change, whether it be religion, beliefs, food, or education. You may think that just because you live in the United States, every state has evolved the same way. Well, not really. The East Coast was founded years before the West, and just like America, other countries follow a similar pattern, like Africa. There are so many different African countries, each with unique pasts and stories. Even back when the countries were being inhabited or colonized, they were so similar, being in the Sahara, yet so different in many other ways. So if all these places are so close yet so different, does it change the atmosphere? How does the colonization of Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern Africa change the face of the continent? Here are some examples of four completely different African countries: Tunisia (north), Malawi (south), Djibouti (east), Sierra Leone (west). You will be amazed at the different histories and cultures each individual country has.

Tunisia

Tunisia, a small beautiful country that sits at the top of the African coast, was taken over by the French after they found interest in Tunisia's strategic location. The French signed the Bardo Treaty, which acknowledged Tunisia as a French protectorate. In the late 1880s, a group of French settlers colonized the region along the northern coast. The settlers exerted a Western influence on the hitherto Arab culture. Tunisia has changed drastically since the colonization days; it has evolved into a culture that cares deeply about education and the well-being of all people. Tunisia's main language is Arabic, yet French and English are widely spoken all over the country. Islam is the main religion, but there are also Roman Catholics, most of whom are French. Education is widely important and encouraged. The literacy rate is relatively high, 40% higher than other North African countries. The government controls all schools through its Ministry of National Education. In the nineteenth century, Tunisia gained its independence, elected its first legislature, and dethroned Tunisia's traditional monarch. This political evolution has significantly impacted its development compared to other African nations (Author, Year).

Malawi

On the southern tip of the continent of Africa sits a small country called Malawi. Malawi was first inhabited by South Africans who migrated after Shaka, the Zulu leader, was taking over lands and people of South Africa. Soon after that, a Scottish missionary and explorer named David Livingstone brought Malawi to life. Subsequently, the British took over. Malawi has also evolved since then; the population now reaches over 7.7 million, 99% of them being African, and 90% of Malawians still live in very rural areas. The population is spread out very unevenly, with more than half living in the southern regions. The life expectancy is 45 years old; Malawi has not changed much in terms of health and healthcare provided. With a child mortality rate of 157 out of 1000 births, and if the children are lucky enough to survive, 30%-50% die by the age of 5. Another huge cause of death is AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This is because the Malawian government paid less than 1% of its budget to health care programs and awareness. By 1989, 2500 cases of AIDS were reported, but doctors believe that there are at least 5 million unreported cases (Author, Year).

Djibouti

Djibouti, a tiny country that rests on the very tip of the African horn, was initially named The French Territory of Afars and Issas. This name came from the two tribes that lived between the borders. Both Issas and Afars are Muslim, and for some residents, tribal customs are more important than religious matters. The Muslim religion has had a significant effect on Djibouti's educational system. When Djibouti became a French colony, several Catholic mission schools were opened. About 50 years ago, a public school system opened with many teachers, most of whom were French. Although most parents were afraid to send their children to school in fear that it would weaken their religious background, they would send their children to religious schools before formal schooling. As a result, most students would enter the first grade at age 12 or 13. Despite Djibouti's seriousness about education, it is surprising that 90% of the population does not know how to read or write (Author, Year).

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, a western country founded by the Portuguese in 1482, has a diverse religious landscape. About 6% of the people are Christian, 28% are Muslim, and a large number adhere to traditional African beliefs, faiths, and practices. Yet, they all believe in one supreme God who is distant and too busy to be occupied with the daily affairs of the people on earth. African prayers generally focus on good health, good crops, and good hunting, and they mention their innocence of any intentional evil. Sacrifices, generally of chicken and goats, are made, and after the sacrifice, the animals are eaten. These sacrifices are meant to rid the people of any evil and secure them a place in the larger kingdom above (Author, Year).

As you can see, all these different places have such varied traditions and pasts, yet they do have their similarities, such as most of them being influenced or founded by European powers like the French. This world is a huge place, and in Africa, the colonization of different countries brought in more religions, better education, and more independent governments, leaving these small countries free from persecution (Author, Year).