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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Mountain Country Population - Located in the horn of Africa, Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country. With over 100 million people, it is the second-most populous. It once had miles of coastline along the Red Sea through the Eritrea region, but it became landlocked when Eritrea won its independence in 1993. Hiking - So you won’t do much snorkeling in Ethiopia. But if hiking in high altitudes appeals to you, you’re in luck. Some 70% of Africa’s mountains are in Ethiopia, including the Bale and Semian ranges. It’s one reason the country produces so many world-class distance runners. The mountains are also home to the gelada baboon, one of several wildlife species unique to Ethiopia. Religion - Ethiopia was one of the first countries in the world to convert to Christianity, in the 4th century. It’s famous churches in Lalibela were carved out of solid rock in the 12th and 13th centuries. They attract thousands of visitors each year. He...

Khartoum, Sudan Language - There are more than 60 languages spoken in Sudan, although Arabic and English are the most common ones spoken here. Until recently, Sudan was the largest country in Africa, but that changed when South Sudan won its independence in 2011. For a poor country whose recent history is marked by ethnic clashes and civil war, the Sudanese people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality.   Pyramids   -  Here’s something you probably didn’t know: In the Nubia region of Sudan there are more pyramids than in Egypt — in fact, nearly twice as many. And with only a fraction of the tourists. Omdurman -  But let’s say you’ve seen enough pyramids for the moment. You can visit Sudan’s largest city, Omdurman, which is next to the capital city of Khartoum. In Omdurman you will find one of the biggest outdoor markets in all of Africa. You can definitely get some steps in there! Sanganeb Marine National Park -  Or, for a complete ...

Ancient Wonders Africa - Almost everything about Africa is BIG. It is the second-largest continent — only Asia is larger. Its terrain includes ocean beaches, tropical rain forests, and the Sahara Desert. Africa also includes the Nile River. It flows north from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea — 6,650 km (4,132 miles)! Along the way, it passes through 11 countries before reaching Cairo, the capital of Egypt.   Ancient Egypt began to flourish around 3200 BC, making it one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The Giza Pyramids were built around 2500 BC. You won’t want to miss seeing the pyramids, which are not far from Cairo. The largest of these, the Great Pyramid of Giza, was built for the Egyptian pharaoh Khufu. Originally standing 146 meters (481 feet) high, it is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one still in existence.    Giza - Camel rides are a popular tourist activity in the Giza area. But to get ...

Why It Matters When was the last time you had a good laugh? We’re talking unrestrained giggles that make your stomach hurt! If you think it’s been too long, you’re not alone. Most adults laugh a fraction of what little kids do in a day (surprise, surprise!). Laughter helps reduce stress, improve moods, and it even boosts our immune system. Not to mention the immediate emotional and physical release we get from a good giggle feels amazing! Try to get in a few extra laughs each day. Who knows, you might even laugh so hard you get a coworker or family member to join in! Tips Liven up your day with these 7 silly tips that are guaranteed to make you laugh! Mon: Laugh in the morning . Want to start your day with a smile? Take a 5-minute laugh break! Add some humor to your morning routine with a daily comic strip, joke-of-the-day calendar, or funny podcast. Tues: Find funny friends. We all have that friend who makes us laugh uncontrollably, regardless of the mood we’re in. S...

Dodoma, Tanzania The Highest Peak Terrain - Tanzania’s diverse terrain ranges from the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the Serengeti plain, to the islands of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean. The country has 16 national parks. Together, they contain about 40% of its wildlife — including lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, the distinctive white-bearded wildebeests, and more. Languages - Roughly 130 languages are spoken in Tanzania. There is no official language, although Swahili is known to about 90% of the population. About half of Tanzania’s workers are employed in agriculture, which also accounts for about 85% of its exports. Only about 15% of the population have access to electricity, and even fewer during times of drought.   Tourism , a $4.5 billion industry in Tanzania, is one of the country’s economic bright spots. The country’s national parks, of which Serengeti is the most popular, attract about a half-million visitors each year. Zanzibar, located just of...

Welcome to Maputo, Mozambique! A Slower Pace Economic health - Mozambique may be one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Although a relatively poor country — its economic health is tied almost exclusively to its natural gas reserves — Mozambique is rich with visual delights. The good news: You won’t find yourself drowning in a sea of tourists. That’s because Mozambique, though one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, is the farthest thing from a tourism hub. Mozambique Island -  No visit to the country would be complete without touring Mozambique Island. It is conveniently joined to the mainland by a 2-mile bridge. The island combines a stunning natural setting with the architectural influence of the Portuguese, who colonized Mozambique from the early 16th century until 1974. Here you will find narrow streets flanked by centuries-old buildings, and you can stroll a promenade that runs along the coast. Fort São Sebastião -  The island also features Fort São Sebas...

Antananarivo, Madagascar! Back to the Island Wildlife - Occupying the world’s fourth-largest island off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is famous for its variety of wildlife. Left to develop in isolation, this island nation is home to more than 600 unique species of plants and animals. Included is one of the world’s smallest primates, Berthe’s mouse lemur,  one of 41 unique mammals. The panther chameleon,  also found only in Madagascar, is one of 61 unique reptiles. Population - Madagascar’s population of 25 million is mostly descended from East Africans and seafaring Austronesians, who arrived from Southeast Asia nearly 2000 years ago.  Language - The local language is Malagasy, although some English is spoken, as well as French — reminders of Madagascar’s colonial past. If you are doing a research project on natural selection and can’t get to the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar could be the next best thing. Biodiversity — or variety of life...