Africa South of the Sahara: A Geographical Interpretation

Africa south of the Sahara is a region in transition. The optimism of the early postindependence years has long since faded, replaced by a pervasive sense of crisis that typically includes slow and often negative economic growth, a crushing debt burden, hunger and ecological crisis, and the virtual collapse of the state in a number of countries. At the same time, the 1990s have seen recent cause for hope -- most dramatically, in the peaceful transition to black majority rule in South Africa. This much-needed text provides a broad and balanced introduction to the geography of this vast region. Examining sociocultural, political, and economic processes, patterns of resource utilization, and the dynamics of change in Africa's geography, the text is enhanced by vivid case studies, maps, and photographs. Also featured are lists of recommended reading and a glossary of key terms.