Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30,300,000 km² (11,700,000 mi²) including adjacent islands, it covers 5.9% of the Earth's total surface area, and 20.3% of the total land area.Sayre, April Pulley. (1999) Africa, Twenty-First Century Books. ISBN 0-7613-1367-2. With more than 840,000,000 people (as of 2005) in 61 territories, it accounts for more than 12% of the world's human population.

Etymology

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The name Africa came into Western use through the Romans, who used the name Africa terra — "land of the Afri" (plural, or "Afer" singular) — for the northern part of the continent, as the province of Africa with its capital Carthage, corresponding to modern-day Tunisia.

The Afri were a tribe — possibly Berber — who dwelt in North Africa in the Carthage area. The origin of Afer may be connected with Phoenician `afar, dust (also found in most other Semitic languages). Some other etymologies that have been postulated for the ancient name 'Africa' that are much more debatable include:

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AFRICA: Drying, Drying, Disappearing… - Mixx: Enter your email and receive TerraViva Africa, our free weekly journal.
group_drstock (group drstock) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:53:17 -0000
AFRICA: Drying, Drying, Disappearing… - Mixx: Enter your email and receive TerraViva Africa, our free weekly journal.
♫ The Very Best – Warm Heart of Africa Featuring Ezra Koenig http://bit.ly/5DrYr7 http://detektor.fm/player/ #nowplaying
detektorfm_w (detektor.fm Wort) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:52:42 -0000
♫ The Very Best – Warm Heart of Africa Featuring Ezra Koenig http://bit.ly/5DrYr7 http://detektor.fm/player/ #nowplaying
South Africa v England: Paul Collingwood faces late fitness test after ...: Telegraph.co.uk Flanked by the east.. http://bit.ly/5Bu3ED
lisapatterson2 (lisa patterson) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:52:35 -0000
South Africa v England: Paul Collingwood faces late fitness test after ...: Telegraph.co.uk Flanked by the east.. http://bit.ly/5Bu3ED
@kelsey_94 but if youre from africa, why are you white?
fraserrrrr (Fraser Currie) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:52:24 -0000
@kelsey_94 but if youre from africa, why are you white?
@RibbyRMGNufSaid africa ;; is that ok w| u?
GunCalledNadia (qorqeous fuqin gabby) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:52:11 -0000
@RibbyRMGNufSaid africa ;; is that ok w| u?
Under-pressure South Africa set to change (AFP)http://bit.ly/6BawPD
WhatsHappenin2 (WhatsHappenin2) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:51:54 -0000
Under-pressure South Africa set to change (AFP)http://bit.ly/6BawPD

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