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

From Burundi and Comoros to Eritrea and Ethiopia, keep reading, to discover how many countries are in East Africa!

Few regions in the world are as complex and varied as East Africa. Straddling the equator and encompassing landscapes as diverse as the highlands of Ethiopia and the azure waters of the Seychelles, you might be wondering how many countries are in East Africa.

As a region, East Africa comprises 18 countries and one overseas French territory. These countries and territories include Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the French overseas region of Mayotte.

However, defining the exact number of countries that make up this region is not as straightforward as it seems. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of this question, as we define the region’s boundaries and explore the geopolitical complexities of East Africa. Read on, as we answer the question, ‘How many countries are in East Africa?’.

Table of Contents

How many countries are in East Africa?

Commonly, East Africa includes 18 nations and one French territory. These are: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mayotte, a French overseas region.

However, the count of countries in East Africa can often result in ambiguous answers, a problem which is rooted in geographical, political, and cultural definitions. Geographically, East Africa is defined by the Great Rift Valley, a significant physical feature influencing the region’s landscape. However, political and cultural considerations often extend this boundary. For instance, some definitions include countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe, which are geographically in Southern Africa, but share historical and cultural ties with East Africa.

Further complicating this are regional organizations like the East African Community (EAC), which only includes six countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Such groupings often influence perceptions of regional identity which are largely inaccurate. Typically, though, it’s safe to say that East Africa comprises 18 sovereign nations and one overseas territory which remains part of France.

A United Nations map of the African continent.

List of countries in East Africa

The following list is based on the United Nations geoscheme, which is used for statistical purposes. It provides an excellent representation of the number of countries in East Africa, but as with any list, it can also be contentious. For example, the UN list includes countries that are geographically in Southern Africa, like Zambia and Zimbabwe, but which are included as East African due to their socio-economic connections with the region.

The United Nations categorises the following 18 countries as part of the Eastern Africa subregion:

Burundi
Comoros
Djibouti
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Kenya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Rwanda
Seychelles
Somalia
South Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Mayotte can be included as the 19th country in East Africa, although, technically, this isn’t a sovereign nation but a French overseas territory. Keep reading for more information on Mayotte’s curious status (it’s part of the European Union!), below.

The following map of East Africa demonstrates the complexities of defining the region. This map (by Peter Fitzgerald, amendments by Burmesedays) limits the number of countries toa core region around Kenya.

Facts about East Africa

Here are a few important facts to know about East Africa:

Geographical Location: East Africa is located in the eastern part of the African continent, with a coastline along the Indian Ocean.
Countries Included: Typically includes 19 countries: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mayotte (French overseas region).
Major Languages: Swahili, Amharic, Somali, English, French, and various indigenous languages.
Population: Over 400 million people.
Key Geographical Features: Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Maasai Mara (Kenya), Lake Victoria (shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania), and Zanzibar Archipelago (Tanzania).
Economic Overview: Economies range from agriculture-based to rapidly growing sectors like technology and tourism. Key exports include coffee, tea, flowers, and minerals.
Cultural Aspects: Diverse mix of cultures and ethnic groups, including Maasai, Kikuyu, and Somali. Rich in traditional music, dance, and art.
Regional Organisations: East African Community (EAC) includes Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Challenges: Issues include political instability in some areas, environmental concerns like deforestation and climate change impacts, and economic disparities.
Notable Historical Sites: Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches (Ethiopia), Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania), and the ancient city of Axum (Ethiopia).
Climate: Varies from tropical along the coast to arid in interior regions. Some highland areas experience cooler temperatures.

So, where is East Africa?

East Africa is a region of profound geographical diversity. It’s defined by its location on the eastern side of the African continent. It stretches from the Horn of Africa, south to Mozambique, and is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east.

To the north, it extends up to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, touching on the fringes of the Middle East. The western boundary is more ambiguous, often considered to be the Great Rift Valley, which runs from the Red Sea down through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and on into Mozambique. This valley is a significant geological feature that has shaped the region’s landscapes and ecosystems.

The southern boundary is generally marked by the Zambezi River, beyond which lies Southern Africa. This region includes countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, along with others that share historical, cultural, and ecological characteristics. Geographically diverse, East Africa is known for its savannahs, mountains, and extensive coastal areas, hosting a biodiverse array of wildlife and a fascinating collection of cultures and languages.

Wildlife, like these buffalo, abound in East Africa.

What is the East African Community?

The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization composed of six member countries in the African Great Lakes region in Eastern Africa. Founded initially in 1967, it was dissolved in 1977 and re-established on July 7, 2000. The current member states are:

Burundi
Kenya
Rwanda
South Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda

The primary objectives of the EAC are to promote economic, social, and political integration among its member states. The vision is to create a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable, and politically united East Africa. The EAC has made significant strides in economic integration, including establishing a Customs Union in 2005 and a Common Market in 2010. These steps allow for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across member states.

Additionally, the EAC aims to enhance regional peace and security through cooperation and coordination. It has plans to establish a Monetary Union, which is an ongoing process, and ultimately aspires towards a political federation of the East African states. The community represents a substantial part of the African continent and plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development and political stability of the region.

The emblem of the East African Community (EAC).

Is Mayotte a country?

Mayotte is not an independent country; it is an overseas department and region of France. Located in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique, Mayotte comprises a main island, Petite-Terre, and several smaller islands.

Historically, Mayotte was part of the Comoros archipelago and shared much of its history and culture with the neighboring islands. However, when the Comoros gained independence from France in 1975, Mayotte voted to remain under French administration. In 2011, Mayotte became an overseas department of France, the 101st department, granting it a status similar to that of other departmental regions within metropolitan France.

As a department of France, Mayotte is part of the European Union, and its legal and political systems are closely integrated with those of France. The island enjoys a degree of local governance but ultimately falls under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the French government.

Are the Seychelles and Mauritius considered part of East Africa?

Under United Nations divisions, Seychelles and Mauritius are considered part of East Africa. Despite being island nations located in the Indian Ocean, both Seychelles and Mauritius are included in the East African region due to their historical, cultural, and economic connections with the mainland.

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands, while Mauritius is a single island along with its outer islands. Both have historical ties to East Africa through trade, colonial history, and migration patterns. Additionally, they are members of regional organizations that include East African nations, further integrating them into the regional dynamics of East Africa.

Their inclusion in East Africa, however, is more in a cultural and economic context rather than a strict geographical one, as they are geographically quite distant from the East African mainland.

Where does North Africa begin?

North Africa is a distinct region of the African continent, and its geographical boundaries are generally well-defined, although there can be some variations in interpretations. The region typically includes the following countries:

Algeria
Egypt
Libya
Morocco
Tunisia
Western Sahara (a disputed territory)

Geographically, North Africa is usually considered to begin at the northern edge of the Sahara Desert and extends northward to the Mediterranean Sea. This positioning places it at the intersection of Africa and the Middle East, particularly with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge to Southwest Asia.

The eastern boundary of North Africa is often regarded as the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt, where the African continent is connected to Asia. To the west, it extends to the Atlantic Ocean, including Morocco and the Western Sahara.

Culturally and historically, North Africa is distinct from Sub-Saharan Africa, largely due to its historical Arab and Mediterranean influences, which have shaped its languages (predominantly Arabic and Berber), religion (primarily Islam), and overall cultural and socio-political landscape. This region is also part of the Arab World and has close historical and cultural ties with the Middle East.

Is Sudan in East Africa?

Sudan is often categorised as part of Northeast Africa, bridging the regions of North and East Africa. Its classification can vary depending on the context. Geographically, Sudan is located to the south of Egypt, north of South Sudan, and west of the Red Sea.

It shares borders with several countries that are typically considered part of East Africa, such as Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east. This proximity and shared borders with East African nations contribute to the occasional inclusion of Sudan in discussions about East Africa.

However, in many geopolitical and cultural contexts, Sudan is more commonly associated with North Africa or the Arab world, reflecting its historical, cultural, and linguistic ties with these regions. The predominant language in Sudan is Arabic, and the majority of its population is Muslim, aligning it culturally and linguistically with North Africa and the Middle East.

The Pyramids of Meore, located in Sudan.

Where does Southern Africa begin?

Southern Africa is a distinct region in the southernmost part of the African continent. Defining its geographical boundaries can be somewhat subjective, but the region typically includes the following countries:

Botswana
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
Lesotho
Namibia
South Africa
Zimbabwe

Additionally, definitions may also include:

Angola
Malawi
Mozambique
Zambia

The region’s northern boundary is less clearly defined than its southern limit, which is marked by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the Cape of Good Hope. The northern boundary is often considered to be the Zambezi River, which runs across the continent and includes Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. This river serves as a rough demarcation line separating Southern Africa from Central and East Africa.

Where do West and Central Africa begin?

West and Central Africa are two distinct regions on the African continent, each with its own geographical, cultural, and historical characteristics. The boundaries of these regions are not always precisely defined and can vary depending on the context.

West Africa is generally defined as the westernmost region of the African continent. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Sahara Desert to the north, Central Africa to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. This region includes the following countries:

Benin
Burkina Faso
Cape Verde
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Liberia
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Togo

Central Africa, on the other hand, is located in the heart of the continent, typically encompassing the Congo Basin. It is bordered by West Africa to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest, East Africa to the east, and North Africa to the north. The countries typically included in Central Africa are:

Angola
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo (Brazzaville)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
São Tomé and Príncipe

The distinction between West and Central Africa can sometimes be blurred, especially for countries like Cameroon and Chad, which have characteristics of both regions. These countries might be included in either region depending on the context, such as cultural, historical, or geopolitical considerations.

Gabon is located within the Central Africa region.

FAQ: How many countries are in East Africa?

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

Q1. How many countries are considered part of East Africa?

East Africa typically includes 19 countries: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the French overseas region of Mayotte.

Q2. Why does the number of countries in East Africa vary in different sources?

The number can vary due to different definitions used in geographical, political, or cultural contexts. For example, some definitions might include countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe, which are geographically in Southern Africa but have strong socio-economic ties with East Africa.

Q3. Are the Seychelles and Mauritius considered part of East Africa?

Yes, both Seychelles and Mauritius, despite being island nations in the Indian Ocean, are commonly included in the East African region due to their historical, cultural, and economic connections.

Q4. Is Mayotte, a French overseas region, counted in East Africa?

Yes, Mayotte is often included in the count of East African countries due to its geographical location in the Indian Ocean near the East African coast.

Q5. Does the East African Community (EAC) include all East African countries?

No, the East African Community is a regional intergovernmental organisation comprising six countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Not all East African countries are members of the EAC.

Q6. How are the geographical boundaries of East Africa defined?

Geographically, East Africa is defined by the Great Rift Valley, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and extending from the Red Sea down through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The boundaries can vary slightly depending on the context.

Q7. What is the largest country in East Africa by area?

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa by land area. It is known for its vast wilderness areas, including the plains of the Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain.

Q8. Which East African country is the most populous?

Ethiopia is the most populous country in East Africa, with a rich cultural heritage and history, including its famous rock-cut Christian churches in Lalibela and ancient obelisks in Aksum.

Q9. What are the main languages spoken in East Africa?

East Africa is linguistically diverse. Swahili is widely spoken, especially in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Other languages include Amharic in Ethiopia, Somali in Somalia, and various Bantu languages across the region.