Africa is the second most populous continent in the world, with an estimated population of 1.2 billion people. Africa is considered to be a resource-rich continent, with some of the world’s largest deposits of gold and diamonds, as well as sizeable oil reserves.
The African Union (AU) was established on 26 June 2001 to help work towards a “free and prosperous Africa.” It has an estimated 54 members, including all African states except Morocco. The AU’s goal is to establish “an integrated, prosperous and sustainable Africa” by 2023.
Africa also has one of the youngest populations in the world, with about 49% of its population under the age of 15. Sub-Saharan Africa has six countries that have experienced rapid growth over the past decade: