Navigating the Boundaries: Africa’s Contested Continents

Tackling Geographical Misconceptions about Africa's Placement

When it comes to geographical locations, Africa is often misunderstood. Many people ask, 'Is Africa in Europe or Asia?' The quick answer is that Africa is its own continent. However, the question itself is rooted in a series of outdated and sometimes superficial divides. Geography is not our strength, but knowledge of these divides can be enlightening.

The Rhetoric and Reality of Continental Boundaries

Geography 101

Geography is not your strength, I get it. Many of us find it complex and confusing. Ancient civilizations had their own understanding of the world, and while they had some accurate observations, their maps and knowledge often differed from modern data. Concepts like the land mass named Godwana, and the giant landmasses that broke apart and reformed over millennia, like Pangea, are fascinating and well-established scientific facts.

These are not just myths or pseudoscience, but verifiable findings from educated scientists. We should embrace this knowledge, as it helps us understand the dynamic nature of our planet. The Earth is round, and it rotates. This is a fact, not a belief.

Continents shift over millennia due to tectonic activities. Africa’s core has never shifted, and it remains a distinct landmass. This understanding is critical when dispelling notions of a divinely divided world. Clergy and religious rhetoric aside, it’s important to base our understanding of the world on science and evidence rather than faith alone.

Africa’s Position in the Geopolitical Map

Africa, Not In Europe or Asia

Africa is a continent of its own, in almost all definitions. In ancient times, the continents were not as clearly defined as they are today. The three basic continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa—were established over 2,000 years ago, based on the knowledge and understanding of the world at that time. They were the mainlands around the Mediterranean Sea, which is why it is called 'Mediterranean' (meaning 'in the middle of the lands').

However, modern definitions of continents are more scientific and based on geological features such as continental and oceanic rises. In these definitions, Africa is part of a larger combined and unnamed supercontinent that includes Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, all connected by the same continental rise.

From the geopolitical perspective, Africa is also not limited to its own continent. The concept of geopolitical boundaries extends to including the oceanic rises and slopes around oceanic islands like Iceland, Hawaii, and Kerguelen. This gives us a much broader understanding of the world's geography and its interconnectedness.

The Modern Geopolitical and Geological Divisions

Six New Continents, But with a Twist

In the modern era, we recognize six new continents. Apart from the large and familiar Australia, Antarctica, and the combined AfAsEuAma (Afro-Arab-Eurasian-American), there are three smaller continents: Zealandia, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Plateau, which are mostly below sea level.

This modern view is not just a classification but a recognition of the dynamic nature of our planet. It challenges us to think beyond the traditional boundaries and consider the interconnectedness of the Earth's geology.

So, if the question is, 'Is Africa in Europe or Asia?', the answer is a resounding no. Africa is a continent of its own, with its own unique place in the world. Understanding this helps us appreciate the complexity and beauty of our planet's geographical diversity.