List of Countries in West Africa
West Africa is a region located in the western part of the African continent, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Sahara Desert to the north, Central Africa to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south.
West Africa consists of sixteen countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
1. Benin
Benin, a country located in West Africa, is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant markets, and historical sites. From the royal palaces of Abomey to the floating villages of Ganvie, Benin offers a blend of tradition and modernity.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (economic)
- Population: Approximately 12.1 million
- Official Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
- Famous Landmarks: Royal Palaces of Abomey, Pendjari National Park, Ganvie Floating Village
- Economy: Agriculture (cotton, palm oil), trade, textiles
- Culture: Voodoo religion, traditional music and dance (Sato, Zinli), cuisine (aklui, kedjenou)
2. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, is known for its vibrant culture, colorful festivals, and diverse landscapes. From the mud-brick mosques of Bobo-Dioulasso to the enchanting waterfalls of Banfora, Burkina Faso offers a unique blend of tradition and natural beauty.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Ouagadougou
- Population: Approximately 21.5 million
- Official Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Sindou Peaks, Ruins of Loropeni, Banfora Cascades
- Economy: Agriculture (cotton, gold), mining, handicrafts
- Culture: Mossi and Bobo cultures, traditional music and dance (balafon, tambin), cuisine (to, riz gras)
3. Cape Verde
Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant music, and colorful colonial architecture. From the volcanic landscapes of Fogo to the vibrant streets of Mindelo, Cape Verde offers a blend of relaxation and culture.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Praia
- Population: Approximately 556,000
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Mount Fogo, Salinas de Pedra de Lume, Ribeira Grande
- Economy: Tourism, fishing, remittances from abroad
- Culture: Morna and funaná music, carnival celebrations, cuisine (cachupa, pastel com diablo)
4. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
Ivory Coast, also known as Côte d’Ivoire, is a country in West Africa known for its cocoa production, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes. From the colonial architecture of Grand-Bassam to the forests of Tai National Park, Ivory Coast offers a blend of history, nature, and adventure.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Yamoussoukro (political), Abidjan (economic)
- Population: Approximately 26.4 million
- Official Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Comoe National Park, Grand-Bassam
- Economy: Agriculture (cocoa, coffee), mining (gold, diamonds), petroleum
- Culture: Gouro and Baoulé cultures, traditional music and dance (zouglou, mapouka), cuisine (alloco, kedjenou)
5. The Gambia
The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, is known for its scenic river landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the bustling markets of Banjul to the wildlife-rich reserves of Abuko Nature Reserve, The Gambia offers a blend of nature and culture.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Banjul
- Population: Approximately 2.4 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Kunta Kinteh Island, Abuko Nature Reserve, Serekunda Market
- Economy: Tourism, agriculture (peanuts, rice), fishing
- Culture: Mandinka and Wolof cultures, traditional music (griot, kora), cuisine (benachin, domoda)
6. Ghana
Ghana, often referred to as the “Gateway to Africa,” is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and welcoming people. From the historic forts of Cape Coast to the bustling markets of Accra, Ghana offers a blend of tradition and modernity.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Accra
- Population: Approximately 31.5 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Famous Landmarks: Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, Lake Volta
- Economy: Agriculture (cocoa, gold), mining, petroleum
- Culture: Akan and Ashanti cultures, highlife music, cuisine (jollof rice, fufu, banku), festivals (Akwambo, Homowo)
7. Guinea
Guinea, a country in West Africa, is known for its rich mineral resources, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the waterfalls of Guinea Highlands to the bustling streets of Conakry, Guinea offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Conakry
- Population: Approximately 13.1 million
- Official Language: French
- Currency: Guinean Franc (GNF)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Fouta Djallon, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, Îles de Los
- Economy: Mining (bauxite, gold), agriculture (rice, coffee), fisheries
- Culture: Fulani and Malinké cultures, traditional music and dance (djembe, soukous), cuisine (riz sauce, maafe)
8. Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau, a small country on the coast of West Africa, is known for its vibrant music, diverse wildlife, and colonial architecture. From the Bijagós Islands to the Bissau Old Town, Guinea-Bissau offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Bissau
- Population: Approximately 2 million
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Bijagós Islands, Cacheu River, Bolama
- Economy: Agriculture (cashews, rice), fishing, remittances from abroad
- Culture: Bissau-Guinean Creole culture, traditional music (gumbe, kussunde), cuisine (arroz de jollof, caldo de mancarra)
9. Liberia
Liberia, a country on the coast of West Africa, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning beaches. From the historic Providence Island to the Sapo National Park, Liberia offers a blend of history, nature, and adventure.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Monrovia
- Population: Approximately 5.1 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Liberian Dollar (LRD)
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Famous Landmarks: Providence Island, Sapo National Park, Kpatawee Waterfall
- Economy: Mining (iron ore, gold), agriculture (rubber, cocoa), forestry
- Culture: Americo-Liberian and indigenous cultures, traditional music (gospel, highlife), cuisine (jollof rice, fufu)
10. Mali
Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, is known for its ancient empires, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes. From the mud-brick mosques of Timbuktu to the cliffs of Bandiagara, Mali offers a journey through history and tradition.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Bamako
- Population: Approximately 20.3 million
- Official Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Timbuktu, Bandiagara Escarpment, Djenné Mosque
- Economy: Agriculture (cotton, gold), mining, tourism
- Culture: Mandé and Songhai cultures, traditional music and dance (mali blues, djembe), cuisine (rice, millet)
11. Mauritania
Mauritania, a country in Northwest Africa, is known for its vast desert landscapes, rich Moorish heritage, and ancient caravan routes. From the sand dunes of the Sahara to the fishing villages along the Atlantic coast, Mauritania offers a blend of adventure and cultural immersion.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Nouakchott
- Population: Approximately 4.5 million
- Official Language: Arabic
- Currency: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
- Government: Unitary presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Banc d’Arguin National Park, Ouadane, Port de Peche
- Economy: Agriculture (livestock, dates), mining (iron ore, gold), fishing
- Culture: Moorish and Berber cultures, traditional music (maqam, tidnit), cuisine (thieboudienne, couscous)
12. Niger
Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, is known for its vast desert landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. From the sand dunes of the Sahara to the wildlife-rich reserves of W National Park, Niger offers a blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Niamey
- Population: Approximately 24.2 million
- Official Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Air Mountains, W National Park, Agadez
- Economy: Agriculture (millet, sorghum), mining (uranium), livestock
- Culture: Hausa and Tuareg cultures, traditional music and dance (takamba, sako), cuisine (tuwo, dambou)
13. Nigeria
Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is the most populous country on the continent and is known for its diverse culture, bustling cities, and vibrant music scene. From the beaches of Lagos to the ancient city of Benin, Nigeria offers a blend of tradition, modernity, and urban excitement.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Abuja
- Population: Approximately 206 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
- Government: Federal presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Zuma Rock, Yankari National Park, Olumo Rock
- Economy: Oil and gas, agriculture (cocoa, cassava), telecommunications
- Culture: Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo cultures, Afrobeat music, Nollywood film industry, cuisine (jollof rice, suya)
14. Senegal
Senegal, located on the westernmost point of Africa, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning coastline. From the bustling streets of Dakar to the natural beauty of the Casamance region, Senegal offers a blend of tradition, adventure, and relaxation.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Dakar
- Population: Approximately 16.7 million
- Official Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
- Famous Landmarks: Île de Gorée, Bandia Wildlife Reserve, Saloum Delta
- Economy: Agriculture (peanuts, millet), fishing, tourism
- Culture: Wolof and Serer cultures, traditional music (mbalax, sabar), cuisine (thieboudienne, yassa)
15. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a country on the coast of West Africa, is known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant music. From the rainforests of Tiwai Island to the historic streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone offers a blend of nature, history, and culture.
Key Facts:
- Capital: Freetown
- Population: Approximately 8.1 million
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Famous Landmarks: Bunce Island, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Outamba-Kilimi National Park
- Economy: Mining (diamonds, gold), agriculture (cocoa, coffee), fishing
- Culture: Krio culture, traditional music (bubu, palm wine), cuisine (foofoo, cassava leaves)