Africa: Facts & Figures (Africa Continent in the Balance)

*Starred Review* Gr. 7-10. The first of a new series, Continent in the Balance: Africa, this excellent, detailed overview, which serves as a preface to volumes that cover specific countries, introduces the continent in all its geographical and cultural diversity. As scholar Robert Rotberg says in his long, incisive introduction, "There is not one Africa." Far from the usual exotic or reverential treatment, historian Habeeb discusses the huge contemporary problems in many countries, including poverty and AIDS, and examines how colonialism carved up the continent with arbitrary borders that have resulted in devastating ethnic and religious conflicts that exist even today. The attractive, open design, with clear type, beautiful photos, maps, and lots of extras in lists and insets, manages to pack in an extraordinary amount of information on the people, geography, economy, climate, cities, arts, and more. The bibliography is slim, but the book includes a helpful glossary, a detailed chronology, ideas for projects and reports, and lots of Web sites and organizations to contact. Hazel Rochman
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