Africa is the world’s second largest continent, with a population to match (approx 800 million). Only Asia is larger and has a higher population. Despite its size and the fact that it is entirely surrounded by water, Africa has less coastal line than Europe. This is attributed to the fact that it has less deep indentations. Africa is home to the oldest human settlement area and it is widely accepted that the human race originates from here. The Sahara Dessert is the largest sand desert in the world (the USA would fit comfortably in its area).In post-colonial Africa there are now 54 independent states.