West Africa
In contrast to the empty expanses of desert to the north, West Africa is more densely populated and made up of many smaller countries. Most of the region’s biggest cities are found along the Atlantic coast. Stretching across the north of the region is the Sahel, a tract of dry savanna grassland which is a productive agricultural area but suffers from periodic droughts and famine.
West Africa has a varied climate, is rich in mineral resources and its people are culturally and ethnically diverse. France, Britain, Portugal and Germany have all controlled parts of West Africa, however, by 1974 all nations had gained independence.
Agriculture forms the basis of most economies in the region however significant oil and gas deposits are found around the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire and the Niger Delta.
15 countries in the West African region are members of the ECOWAS or Economic Community of West African States. The aim of ECOWAS is to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activity as well as social and cultural issues.