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Horn of Africa
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Map of the Horn of Africa, highlighting the core countries of Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti in solid light green, with Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda shown in striped light green to indicate broader definitions. Surrounding countries and bodies of water, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean, are also labeled. An inset globe marks the region's location in Africa. The Simen Mountains rise above the green Ethiopian Plateau, with dramatic peaks under a blue sky with scattered clouds in northwestern Ethiopia. Fishers stand on the sandy shore and in shallow water near small boats at the port of Mogadishu, Somalia, with weathered buildings and dark clouds in the background. Thematic map of the Horn of Africa showing major peoples and language areas, with regions shaded to indicate where Semitic languages (in pink) and Cushitic languages (in green) are spoken. The map highlights ethnic groups such as Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, Somali, and Sidamo across Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and surrounding areas. View of the Horn of Africa from space, showing the arid landmass jutting into the ocean, with scattered clouds and the curve of the Earth visible.
Quizzes
Mount Kenya in Mount Kenya National Park is the highest mountain in Africa. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Giant Lobelia in foreground. (Mt. Kenya; Mt. Kenya National Park; mountains; rugged mountain; African geography, African landscape, stratovolcano)
Africa’s Physical Features
Church of Saint George (Bet Giyorgis), Lalibela, Ethiopia. UNESCO World Heritage site.
Geography of Africa Quiz
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Horn of Africa: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Media added. Aug 18, 2026
Article revised and media added. Jul 10, 2026
Add new Web site: ABC listen - Radio National Breakfast - Horn of Africa: 10 million living in hunger and drought. Jul 10, 2026
Add new Web site: The Brookings Institution - Challenges facing the Horn of Africa. May 02, 2024
Add new Web site: Humanities LibreTexts - East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Dec 26, 2022
Add new Web site: BlackPast - The Horn of Africa. Aug 22, 2022
Corrected display issue. Feb 06, 2019
Add new Web site: National Centre of Competence in Research - Horn of Africa. Jan 17, 2019
Add new Web site: National Centre of Competence in Research - Horn of Africa. Jan 17, 2019
Add new Web site: U.S. Department of State - Crisis in the Horn of Africa. Jul 03, 2015
Revised to reflect the July 2011 secession of South Sudan and changed "The Sudan" to "Sudan." Mar 15, 2012
Add new Web site: Fact Monster - World - Horn of Africa, Africa. Sep 14, 2011
handled for the cross-ref removal 11 cluster Mar 15, 2010
Revised to mention that there are various interpretations of which countries should be grouped under the Horn of Africa label and to include some of the more common alternates to stated definition of the region. Jul 22, 2009
New article added. Apr 23, 2009
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