However there are many things Africa is famous for it resources are quite often the center of discussion. Africa is rich in its natural resources such as fish, grains, and gemstones. Diamonds and gold tend to be the most frequently talked about because much of the worlds supply comes from the region. Other metals that are found in Africa and are exported by their countries are uranium, platinum, iron, and copper ores.
The diamond gem is still one of the most highly sought after gems in the world and its value is renowned. In 2008, Africa was responsible for 55% of all diamond production in the world. This means more than half of all the diamonds in the world come from Africa. This can be problematic however because rebel groups can control the less monitored diamond mines which are sold to people in exchange for anything from weapons, to money, to just food.
Again in 2008, Africa was responsible for a large portion of the gold found in the world. It yielded a full 483 tons of gold in the year. This was 22% of the world’s total gold which is not the same percentage as diamond however is still a substantial amount. Oil is another good natural resource found in Africa, which includes the Middle East, where the majority of the worlds raw oil comes from. It is also unfortunately used as “blood oil” like diamonds are to fund terror or rebellion efforts.
The natural resource production is very important because it provides jobs to many of the less fortunate in Africa. With Africa’s unemployment rate being very high, working in mines and poor healthcare often leads to lower life expectancy and more stress put on the body. This is also because of the dry, hot, and arid environments that make it a region so fit for the formation of precious stones.
The last main export is the wood harvesting and fishing industry that provides a large amount of jobs as well. The wood harvesting is used for making tools, instruments, and other various items that are exported and used to boost the economy of Africa. The fishing industry provides for over 10 million and takes in over 2.7 billion dollars according to National Geographic. This proves to be a good natural resource that benefits almost all people in the industry.
National Geographic :
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/africa-resources/?ar_a=1
Natural Resources and Conflict in Africa report :
http://www.un.org/africa/osaa/reports/Natural%20Resources%20and%20Conflict%20in%20Africa_%20Cairo%20Conference%20ReportwAnnexes%20Nov%2017.pdf
The diamond gem is still one of the most highly sought after gems in the world and its value is renowned. In 2008, Africa was responsible for 55% of all diamond production in the world. This means more than half of all the diamonds in the world come from Africa. This can be problematic however because rebel groups can control the less monitored diamond mines which are sold to people in exchange for anything from weapons, to money, to just food.
Again in 2008, Africa was responsible for a large portion of the gold found in the world. It yielded a full 483 tons of gold in the year. This was 22% of the world’s total gold which is not the same percentage as diamond however is still a substantial amount. Oil is another good natural resource found in Africa, which includes the Middle East, where the majority of the worlds raw oil comes from. It is also unfortunately used as “blood oil” like diamonds are to fund terror or rebellion efforts.
The natural resource production is very important because it provides jobs to many of the less fortunate in Africa. With Africa’s unemployment rate being very high, working in mines and poor healthcare often leads to lower life expectancy and more stress put on the body. This is also because of the dry, hot, and arid environments that make it a region so fit for the formation of precious stones.
The last main export is the wood harvesting and fishing industry that provides a large amount of jobs as well. The wood harvesting is used for making tools, instruments, and other various items that are exported and used to boost the economy of Africa. The fishing industry provides for over 10 million and takes in over 2.7 billion dollars according to National Geographic. This proves to be a good natural resource that benefits almost all people in the industry.
National Geographic :
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/africa-resources/?ar_a=1
Natural Resources and Conflict in Africa report :
http://www.un.org/africa/osaa/reports/Natural%20Resources%20and%20Conflict%20in%20Africa_%20Cairo%20Conference%20ReportwAnnexes%20Nov%2017.pdf