Africa is a continent with an eventful history that currently has a population of more than 1.2
billion in 54 recognized states. It is shaped by different cultures languages and religions.
Some of the states have gone through crises and conflicts others are rooted in tradition and
ancient customs while yet others have opened up towards modern economic and socio-economic
trajectories. Overall Africa is currently confronting a number of serious problems. The
continent is still facing tremendous challenges even today & in creating the conditions for a
peaceful community providing all citizens with access to education medicine and hygiene care
and in improving housing and living conditions. In twelve chapters Martin Welz presents
Africa=s remarkable diversity and calls into question clichés and stereotypes by focusing on
African and non-African protagonists and structural conditions. Among other things he vividly
illustrates the stages that were involved in decolonization and their effects on today=s
societies. He describes external influences on Africa and the political characteristics and
systems in the individual states. The author thus opens up a broad panorama over Africa=s
historically based situation and provides the reader with a rapid and well-founded overview of
the current social and political situation on the entire continent. Horst Köhler (President of
Germany 2004&2010) commented on the book: ?Martin Welz=s book is like a mosaic: up close you
can see all the details and differences ranging from geography and history to the formative
personalities of the countries of Africa that were once shaped by colonial despotism. But when
you finish the book and step back you=re able to see the major connections and structures.
Anyone wanting to understand the history and politics of Africa since decolonization and get to
know the diversity of the continent better should read this book.=
