While Islamist forces gain more control in northern Mali, Unesco has declared the ancient city of Timbuktu an endangered World Heritage site.

Provides an overview of Niger, including key events and facts about this arid state on the southern rim of the Sahara.

Provides an overview of Sao Tome and Principe, including key events and facts about this oil-rich island nation - one of Africa's smallest states.

Provides an overview of Namibia, including key events and facts about this sparsely populated but stable country on Africa's south-west coast.

Provides an overview of Mozambique, including key events and facts about this former Portuguese colony and its recovery from a long civil war in the 1980s.

Provides an overview of Mauritius, including key events and facts about this ethnically diverse Indian Ocean island nation

Provides an overview, basic information and key events for this oil-producing, mainly desert country in west Africa

An overview

Provides an overview, basic information and key events for this island nation which lies off Africa

Provides an overview of Liberia, including key events and facts about this West African country

Provides an overview, key facts and history of his small country completely surrounded by South Africa

Provides an overview, basic information and key events for this west African country.

Provides an overview, basic facts and key events for this west African country

Provides overview, key facts and events, timelines and leader profiles along with current news about The Gambia.

Provides overview, key facts and events, timelines and leader profiles along with current news about Tunisia