Western Africa: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

News •

Mer Group lands €46m. in West African intelligence, cyber contracts • Nov. 10, 2026, 8:51 AM ET (Jerusalem Post)

Gambia hosts West Africa's top lab experts to fortify regional health defence • Nov. 3, 2026, 6:50 AM ET (The Point)

Ecowas, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger meeting: Wetin Alliance of Sahel States proposed cooperation wit Ecowas mean for West Africa • Oct. 18, 2026, 1:28 PM ET (BBC)

Photos and Videos

Map of western Africa showing country borders, major cities, and capitals, with shaded relief indicating elevation levels. Coastal countries along the Atlantic Ocean, such as Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria, are labeled, as are inland countries like Mali, Niger, and Chad. Elevation ranges from low-lying green coastal areas to higher brown and tan regions inland.

Map of western Africa showing the distribution of major ethnic groups and the approximate boundaries of historic states in the western Sudan region. The map labels groups such as the Fulani, Hausa, Tuareg, Mandingo, and Bambara, and marks historical states including Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Kanem, and Bornu. Major rivers and cities are also indicated.

Map of western Africa showing the greatest territorial extent of major historical states from the 11th to 16th centuries. The 14th-century Kingdom of Mali is outlined in green, the 16th-century Songhai Empire in purple, and the 16th-century Hausa Bakwai states in red. Major cities, rivers, and regional names are labeled within and around these territories.

slavery: attempting to escape

Engraving showing African captives in chains being brought aboard a slave ship, with white crew members overseeing and preparing them on the deck.

Map of western Africa showing the locations and territorial extents of major kingdoms and peoples from the 17th to 19th centuries. The Hausa Bakwai states are outlined in orange, representing their largest area in the 17th-18th centuries, while the Fulani kingdom is outlined in green, showing its 19th-century peak. Major cities, rivers, and regions such as the Niger and Benue Rivers, the Bauchi Highlands, and the Adamawa Plateau are labeled for context.

A collage featuring four colonial-era European figures in military and formal attire, a yellow map of Africa, and a vintage cartoon of imperialism in the background.

Observe ancient techniques still employed by metalworkers in western Africa

Observe a western African village dedicated to making pottery using ancient methods

See how European influence in West Africa led to the mass exportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas

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