How many countries are in Central Africa? Where does Southern Africa begin? Are Chad and Cameroon in Central Africa or West Africa? Here’s everything you need to know!

Venturing into the heart of the African continent, you’ll find yourself in Central Africa, a region of profound complexities and intriguing history. However, defining the exact number of countries that constitute this region is no easy task, with various geopolitical, cultural and geographical interpretations often lead to differing lists.

So, how many countries are in Central Africa? Typically comprising nine nations, as recognised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Central Africa includes Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Understanding the number of countries in this region and their distinctive features is key for any traveller seeking a deeper appreciation of Africa’s heartland. As we delve into the intricacies of Central Africa, we uncover why this region remains a fascinating destination for those drawn to the untold stories of the African continent. Keep reading, as we explain how many countries there are in West Africa.

How many countries are in Central Africa?

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) recognises nine nations within the Central Africa region, including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

This classification is typically used for regional analysis and coordination purposes within the framework of UNECA, and is an excellent way to categorise the number of countries in West Africa.

From the dense rainforests of the Congo Basin to the intriguing blend of Portuguese and African cultures in São Tomé and Príncipe, the West African region offers a window into a unique array of ecosystems, cultures, and histories. Each country in this region has its own unique historical, cultural, and geopolitical context, contributing to the overall diversity and complexity of Central Africa as recognised by the United Nations.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon, for instance, are notable for their vast natural resources and cultural diversity. Meanwhile, countries like Chad and the Central African Republic have experienced significant geopolitical challenges, impacting their development and stability.

The Republic of the Congo and Gabon, on the other hand, are known for their oil reserves, which play a crucial role in their economies. Equatorial Guinea, though small, is similarly resource-rich. São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation, offers a distinct narrative, with a history deeply influenced by Portuguese colonization.

The geopolitical significance of Central Africa cannot be overstated. The region has been a focal point of international interest due to its natural resources, including minerals critical for the global economy. However, this interest has also led to complex political dynamics, often intertwined with historical colonization and ongoing international relations.

A United Nations Map of Africa.

Read more: 14 Best Things to Do in Dakar, Senegal

List of Central African countries

Central Africa, as a region, typically includes nine countries. These are:

  1. Angola
  2. Cameroon
  3. Central African Republic
  4. Chad
  5. Democratic Republic of the Congo
  6. Equatorial Guinea
  7. Gabon
  8. Republic of the Congo
  9. São Tomé and Príncipe

However, it should also be noted that smaller and larger regional boundaries can be drawn that overlap with other regions in Africa.

For example, the broadest definitions of Central Africa might extend to include additional countries based on various criteria such as economic ties, historical connections, or broader geographical considerations. This expanded definition could encompass countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and even parts of Tanzania, Zambia, and Sudan. Such interpretations are less common and are typically used in specific contexts, such as academic or geopolitical analyses.

A map of Central Africa. Note that this interpretation from Wikipedia includes South Sudan in the region, but excludes Chad!

Read more: How Many Countries Are in East Africa? Everything You Need to Know.

So, where is Central Africa?

If you’re confused by different definitions of Central Africa, then it’s helpful to look at the region in more concrete geographic terms. Typically, Central Africa is characterised by the following geographical features and boundaries:

  • Northern Boundary: To the north, Central Africa is generally bounded by the Sahara Desert. This boundary often includes the southern regions of countries like Chad and Sudan, where the arid Sahel region transitions into more equatorial climates.
  • Southern Boundary: The southern limit of Central Africa is less precisely defined, but it typically extends to the northern borders of Angola and Zambia. In some definitions, it may include the northernmost parts of these countries.
  • Eastern Boundary: The eastern boundary of Central Africa is often marked by the Great Rift Valley, which runs through the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This includes regions bordering countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, which are sometimes included in broader definitions of Central Africa.
  • Western Boundary: To the west, Central Africa extends to the Atlantic Ocean, encompassing the coastal countries of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. The coastline here is characterised by its dense rainforest and significant river estuaries.
  • Central Features: The region is dominated by the vast Congo Basin, home to the second-largest rainforest in the world, after the Amazon. The Congo River, one of the world’s longest and deepest rivers, is a central feature of the region, flowing through several Central African countries.
  • Topography and Climate: Central Africa’s topography varies from coastal plains to plateaus and mountain ranges. The climate is predominantly equatorial, characterised by high temperatures and significant rainfall, supporting dense tropical rainforests, particularly in the Congo Basin.
The rainforests and ecosystems of the Congo Basin are an integral part of Central Africa.

Read more: How Many Countries Are in North Africa? Everything You Need to Know.

What is the Economic Community of Central African States?

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), established in 1983, is a vital regional organisation in Central Africa, aimed at fostering economic cooperation and integration among its member countries. The community includes Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

ECCAS’s primary goals encompass promoting economic collaboration, enhancing trade, developing infrastructure, and encouraging sustainable development and policy harmonisation across various sectors. Additionally, it plays a significant role in promoting peace, security, and stability in the region, understanding that these are essential for economic progress.

While ECCAS faces challenges like political instability and infrastructural limitations, it remains a key player in the African economic landscape, contributing to the broader goals of the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The community’s efforts are pivotal in advancing regional integration and improving the economic and social conditions in Central Africa.

As you’ll notice, ECCAS also includes wider countries such as Rwanda and isn’t analogous the more refined definition of Central Africa proposed by the United Nations.

The ECCAS emblem.

Read more: How Many Countries Are in Africa? Everything You Need to Know.

Where does West Africa begin?

West Africa begins where Central Africa ends, and the delineation between these two regions is primarily based on geographical, cultural, and historical factors. The boundary between West and Central Africa is not strictly defined but is generally understood in the following terms:

  • Geographical Boundary: The most significant geographical boundary between West and Central Africa is marked by the Cameroon Highlands, which include the Adamawa Plateau. This area serves as a natural border, with Cameroon often considered a part of both Central and West Africa due to its geographical and cultural characteristics.
  • Cultural and Historical Factors: The transition from Central to West Africa is also marked by cultural and linguistic shifts. West African countries have distinct historical and cultural identities that differ from those in Central Africa. This includes different colonial histories, with West Africa having a strong influence from French and British colonialism, whereas Central Africa was more influenced by Belgian, French, and Portuguese colonialism.
  • Political and Economic Considerations: In terms of political and economic groupings, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plays a significant role in defining the countries that are considered part of West Africa. This includes countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Mali, which are distinct from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) member countries.

So, while there’s no precise line demarcating West Africa from Central Africa, the transition is generally understood in terms of these geographical, cultural, and political distinctions. Cameroon, in particular, serves as a pivotal nation that straddles both regions, embodying characteristics of both West and Central African identities.

Central Africa is home to large populations of lowland gorillas.

Read more: How Many Countries Are in West Africa? Everything You Need to Know.

Where does Southern Africa begin?

Southern Africa begins at the southernmost region of the African continent, encompassing a group of countries characterised by distinct geographical, historical, and cultural attributes. The delineation between Southern Africa and the rest of the continent is generally based on a combination of geographical and geopolitical factors:

  • Geographical Boundary: The natural geographical boundaries that often demarcate Southern Africa include the Zambezi River to the north, which separates countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe from those further south. The Indian Ocean lies to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Southern Ocean to the south.
  • Political and Economic Considerations: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a significant regional organisation that helps define the political and economic scope of Southern Africa. SADC includes countries like South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland (Eswatini), Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
  • Cultural and Historical Factors: The region is marked by shared historical experiences, notably the impact of European colonialism and the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. There is also a notable cultural coherence in parts of Southern Africa, particularly among the countries that were influenced by British and Portuguese colonization.

In essence, Southern Africa begins where Central and East Africa end, typically around the Zambezi River, and extends down to the southernmost tip of the continent. It includes a diverse range of environments, from the deserts of Namibia and Botswana to the lush, tropical coastlines of Mozambique and the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho.

Central and southern Africa share similar species of wildlife.

Read more: How Many Countries Are in Southern Africa? Everything You Need to Know.

Where does East Africa begin?

East Africa is situated to the east of Central Africa, and the two regions are adjacent to each other on the African continent. The boundary between East and Central Africa is typically defined by both geographical and political factors:

  • Geographical Features: The most prominent geographical feature marking the boundary between East and Central Africa is the Great Rift Valley. This massive rift runs along the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and extends through countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, which are often considered part of both Central and East Africa due to their transitional location.
  • Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria, one of the African Great Lakes, also serves as a geographical landmark. The lake is bordered by countries that are typically classified as part of East Africa, such as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Factors: East Africa is characterised by distinct cultural and linguistic elements, including the Swahili language and the influence of Indian Ocean trade, which distinguish it from the more forested and Francophone countries of Central Africa.
  • Political Boundaries: Politically, East African countries include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and sometimes Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti. These nations form part of the East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation.

In summary, East Africa is located to the east of Central Africa, with the transition between the two regions marked by significant geographical landmarks and distinct cultural and political characteristics.

Central Africa is lined by the Atlantic Ocean. East Africa is defined by the Indian Ocean.

Is Rwanda in Central Africa?

Although Rwanda is a member of the Economic Community Community of Central Africa States, it’s typically classified as a part of East Africa, not Central Africa. Geographically, it is located in the Great Rift Valley, where the African Great Lakes region and East Africa converge.

In terms of regional groupings, Rwanda is a member of the East African Community (EAC), an intergovernmental organisation that also includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan, further aligning it with East Africa both politically and economically.

While Rwanda shares borders with countries often classified as Central African (like the Democratic Republic of the Congo), its predominant cultural, historical, and geopolitical associations align more closely with the East African region.

Read more: Where is Senegal? Everything You Need to Know.

How many languages are spoken in Central Africa?

Estimating the exact number of languages spoken in Central Africa is challenging due to the region’s immense linguistic diversity. Central Africa, encompassing countries like Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Angola, is home to hundreds of languages. This diversity is a result of the region’s complex ethnic and cultural mosaic.

While it’s difficult to provide an exact number, it’s safe to say that Central Africa is a region where several hundred languages are spoken. These range from widely spoken languages like French and Portuguese, which are official languages in several Central African countries, to a plethora of indigenous languages, many of which have smaller numbers of speakers and are specific to particular ethnic groups.

French is spoken in Libreville, the capital of Gabon.

How many religions are practised in Central Africa?

Central Africa is a region with a diverse religious landscape, reflecting its cultural and historical complexities. The major religions practised in Central Africa include:

  • Christianity: Christianity is the predominant religion in many Central African countries. It was introduced during European colonialism and has since evolved into various forms, including Roman Catholicism, Protestantism (including Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and Lutheran denominations), and numerous African Independent Churches.
  • Islam: Islam is also significant, particularly in countries like Chad and the northern regions of Cameroon. It was introduced through trade and migration, particularly from North Africa and the Sahel region.
  • Indigenous Religions: Many people in Central Africa also practice traditional African religions. These indigenous beliefs are characterised by animism, ancestor worship, and a strong connection to nature and spirits. Traditional religions often coexist with Christianity and Islam, and many people integrate elements of these global religions with their indigenous practices.

The religious composition varies from country to country within Central Africa, influenced by historical, cultural, and social factors. Overall, religion plays a significant role in the social and cultural life of the people in Central Africa, often influencing community practices, festivals, and social norms.

This church in Gabon was built by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

So, how many countries are in Central Africa?

Officially, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa recognises nine nations – Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe – as constituting Central Africa. This demarcation, rooted in geographical, political, and economic considerations, offers a clear framework for appreciating the region’s distinctive identity.

Yet, the essence of Central Africa extends beyond mere borders and numbers. For travellers, Central Africa represents a microcosm of Africa’s endlessly fascinating heart. Whether exploring its dense rainforests, engaging with its diverse communities, or studying its dynamic geopolitical landscape, Central Africa promises a journey into a region integral to the understanding of Africa as a whole.

Read more: Where is The Gambia? Everything You Need to Know.

FAQ: How many countries are in Central Africa

Here’s an FAQ on the topic, ‘How many countries are in Central Africa?’:

Q1: How many countries are officially recognised in Central Africa?

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa recognises nine countries in Central Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Q2: Why does the number of countries in Central Africa vary in different sources?

The count can vary due to different criteria used by various organisations or for specific purposes, like geographical, historical, cultural, or political considerations.

Q3: Is Cameroon considered part of Central Africa?

Yes, Cameroon is generally considered part of Central Africa, although it also has ties to West Africa due to its geographical location and cultural aspects.

Q4: Are there any island countries in Central Africa?

Yes, São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea, is an island nation and part of Central Africa.

Q5: Is the Democratic Republic of the Congo the largest country in Central Africa?

Yes, in terms of land area, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest country in Central Africa.

Q6: How do regional organisations define Central Africa?

Regional organisations like the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) have their own definitions, primarily for economic and political collaboration purposes, which generally align with the U.N.’s classification.

Q7: Can the definition of Central Africa change over time?

While the core countries remain relatively constant, the definition can evolve due to changes in geopolitical, cultural, or economic contexts.

Q8: Are the languages and cultures in Central Africa diverse?

Yes, Central Africa is home to a vast array of languages and cultures, reflecting its ethnic diversity and complex history.

Q9: Is Central Africa a popular destination for tourism and travel?

Central Africa, with its rich natural resources, diverse cultures, and historical significance, is of increasing interest to adventurous travellers, though it is less frequented than other regions of Africa.