West Africa

West Africa, also known as Western Africa, is the westernmost region of Africa. The United Nations defines Western Africa as the 16 countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, as well as Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (a United Kingdom Overseas Territory). The region is one of the fastest growing in Africa, both demographically and economically.

Historically, West Africa was home to several powerful states and empires that controlled regional trade routes, including the Mali and Gao Empires. Positioned at a crossroads of trade between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, the region supplied goods such as gold, ivory, and advanced iron-working.

West Africa has a rich ecology, with significant biodiversity across various regions. Its climate is shaped by the dry Sahara to the north and east — producing the Harmattan winds — and by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, which brings seasonal monsoons. This climatic mix creates a range of biomes, from tropical forests to drylands, supporting species such as pangolin, rhinoceros, and elephant.

History

Main article: History of West Africa

Further information: Sub-Saharan Africa § Western Africa, African empires § West Africa, and List of kingdoms in pre-colonial Africa § West Africa

West Africa has a rich history divided into several periods. First, there was a time when early humans arrived and developed farming. Then, large empires formed and traded with other regions. Later, European countries like Great Britain and France took control of the area. Finally, the countries of West Africa became independent nations after World War II.

West Africa has seen many changes over thousands of years. Early people lived there and created tools and pottery. Big empires like the Ghana Empire and the Mali Empire grew powerful through trade. Later, European explorers arrived, leading to the slave trade, which hurt many communities. In the 1800s, European countries began to control West Africa, but after World War II, the countries gained their independence.

Geopolitical division

Geopolitically, the United Nations definition of subregion Western Africa includes 16 countries and a small island territory. These countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, along with the United Kingdom Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

The region covers about 6.1 million square kilometers. Some countries are near deserts, while others are close to the ocean. Each country has its own unique culture and history.

Environment

West Africa has a rich variety of wildlife and plant life, though much of it has been lost over time. Before European colonisation, the region was home to many animals such as lions, hippos, elephants, and antelopes. Sadly, during colonisation, many of these animals were killed, and by the 1930s, some populations, like the Gambian elephant, had disappeared completely.

Today, there are still places where wildlife is protected. For example, the Bandia Nature Reserve in Senegal has giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, while Yankari National Park in Nigeria is home to elephants, monkeys, and antelopes.

West Africa is also known for its impressive baobab trees, some of which are very old and important in local stories. These trees provide food, materials for ropes, and oils for drinks.

The region faces serious problems with deforestation, losing large areas of forest to farming, logging, and climate change. This hurts both wildlife and the people who depend on forests. Additionally, overfishing is a big issue, threatening fish supplies and the jobs of many people who rely on fishing.

Transport

Rail transport

Main article: ECOWAS rail

A project started in 2007 aims to improve railways across West Africa. The Economic Community of West African States wants to create a connected railroad system. This includes linking railways in different countries and making sure they all use the same tracks and rules. The first line will connect cities like Lagos, Cotonou, Lomé, and Accra, helping big ships use fewer ports while serving more areas.

Road transport

Main article: Trans–West African Coastal Highway

The Trans–West African Coastal Highway is a big road plan to connect 12 coastal countries from Mauritania to Nigeria. Some roads already exist to connect two landlocked countries, Mali and Burkina Faso. The road’s eastern end is at Lagos, Nigeria. Its western end may be at Nouakchott, Mauritania, or Dakar, Senegal, leading to different names for the road.

Air transport

Big airports in the capitals of West African countries include:

• Cadjehoun Airport (COO) International; Cotonou, Benin
• Ouagadougou Airport (OUA); Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
• Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID); Praia, Cape Verde
• Banjul International Airport (BJL) International; Banjul, Gambia
• Accra International Airport (ACC); Accra; Ghana
• Conakry International Airport (CKY); Conakry, Guinea
• Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
• Port Bouet Airport (ABJ); Abidjan, Ivory Coast
• Roberts International Airport (ROB); Monrovia, Liberia
• Bamako–Sénou International Airport (BKO); Bamako, Mali
• Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC); Nouakchott, Mauritania
• Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM); Niamey, Niger
• Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS); Lagos, Nigeria
• Saint Helena Airport; Jamestown, Saint Helena
• Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS); Dakar, Senegal
• Lungi International Airport (FNA); Freetown, Sierra Leone
• Lomé–Tokoin Airport (LFW); Lomé, Togo

The most important airports for travel to West Africa are Accra International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with many international flights.

Health

Main article: History of West Africa § Health

West Africa has improved health for its people, though challenges like poverty, diseases, and lack of food remain. Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis are still leading causes of death. Good basic health care helps prevent many illnesses and saves lives, especially for children and mothers. Recently, more people in West Africa are facing mental health issues, but talking about it is still difficult, and professional help is not always available.

Culture

West Africa, covering countries from Nigeria to Senegal, shares many cultural traits despite its diversity. Traditional clothing includes items like the flowing boubou robe and the colorful dashiki. These garments reflect centuries of local style and craftsmanship.

The region's cuisine is rich and influential, with dishes like jollof rice, mafé stew, and fufu dough enjoyed both locally and worldwide. Common ingredients include yams, plantains, cassava, and rice, prepared through boiling or frying. Football is a popular sport, with teams from Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria often competing successfully on the international stage. Traditional music, including styles like mbalax and afrobeat, remains vibrant, supported by heritage artists known as griots who keep oral histories alive through song and story.

Religion

Further information: Christianity in Africa and Religion in Africa § Christianity Further information: Islam in Africa and Religion in Africa § Islam

Christianity is widely practiced in West Africa. It was brought to the region by European missionaries starting in the late 18th century. Many West African Christians are Roman Catholic or Anglican, with some also belonging to Evangelical churches. Christianity is the main religion in countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and Liberia, as well as parts of Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast. Traditional African beliefs often mix with Christian practices.

Islam is also common in West Africa, especially in the interior and along the far west coast. It arrived in the region with traders in the 8th century. Islamic traditions strongly influence the culture and daily life in areas where it is practiced. Countries with large Muslim populations include Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, and Niger, along with parts of Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.

Traditional African religions are the oldest belief systems in West Africa. They include practices like Akan religion, Yoruba religion, Odinani-Igbo, and Serer religion. These spiritual traditions help preserve history and culture, blending social and religious life closely together. Rituals are often led by tribal elders or spiritual leaders who guide the community.

Demographics and languages

Further information: Demographics of Africa, List of ethnic groups of Africa § West Africa, List of African countries by population, African diaspora, and Writing systems of Africa § West Africa

Most people in West Africa speak languages from the Niger–Congo family, including groups such as the Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Akan, and Wolof. Other languages spoken in the region include Nilo-Saharan and Afro-Asiatic languages. As of 2021, West Africa is home to about 419 million people.

European languages like French, English, and Portuguese are widely used as official languages, while Arabic is spoken in northern areas. These languages help people from different ethnic groups communicate with each other.

Architecture

Further information in the sections of Architecture of Africa:

• Prehistoric West African Architecture
• Ancient West African Architecture
• Medieval West African Architecture

Science and technology

Further information in the sections of History of science and technology in Africa:

West Africa has a rich history of science and technology. People in this region have made important advances in many areas, including education, astronomy, mathematics, and metallurgy. They have also developed skills in medicine, agriculture, and textiles.

In addition, West Africans have created impressive maritime technology and architecture. They have also built strong communication systems, and have traditions in warfare and commerce. These achievements show the creativity and ingenuity of the people in West Africa.

Main articles: By country

Economic and regional organizations

The West African Monetary Union includes eight countries that use the CFA franc as their shared currency. These nations work together to support their economies.

Women across West Africa have played an important role in promoting peace, especially after conflicts. Groups like the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace have inspired many, and organizations such as Women Peace and Security Network – Africa help empower women to take part in politics and peacebuilding efforts in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.