Togo

A former German and French colony that has only had two leaders, both from the same families for its entire existence. It is one of the largest coffee and cocoa exporters in the world and is the prime drivers of its economy.  Togo is currently going through a political transition period and the success of these transitions will determine the future of the country.

Ghana

One of the more successful African countries. Ghana has a stable democracy and is wealthier than its neighbors due to its abundance in natural resources. The country is still trying to get more people out of poverty, but has become a model for countries around it.

Burkina Faso

After a month long break, I am back and continuing to blog.

Burkina Faso is a poor land locked African country. It is one of the poorest countries on earth and a majority of its citizens are sustenance farmers. It is relatively stable politically and it is a Muslim majority country.

Mali

Mali is home to the mythical Timbuktu and was the slave trading capital in Northern Africa. Mali is very poor country that has had a history of military coups. It is now one of the most stable democracies in Africa and a role model for other countries.

Ivory Coast - Cote d'Ivoire

Another African country that has been constantly plagued by civil wars and instability. Ivory Coast had one of the bloodiest civil wars in recent memory. Peace was declared in 2003 and elections were held, this was a short period of stability and no war. Sadly the 2010 elections have caused much disruption and the country is on the verge of another civil war and more bloodshed.

Liberia

Liberia was created by slaves freed in the United States. It was one of only two countries that were not colonized by the European powers. It was created as a free country where slaves could return to Africa in safety. Sadly in the last 30 years it has been plagued by many coups and civil wars.

Sierra Leone

Another African country that is coming out of a decade long civil war and still recovering. Its wealth in minerals especially gold and diamonds has caused it major turmoil with numerous coups and government changes.