At this point Africa has some of the most credulous, shallow, indeed stupid people in the entire world. There are many arguments we can as to why this is so- centuries of oppression has certainly turned us more into followers than leaders.

But that can only take you so far, as at this point most African nations are decades after independence and we keep screwing things up for ourselves.

But Africa has a great history worth noting. Our species originated from here before spreading out to the world, whilst some of the greatest civilisations of the ancient world where right here. In Mali, Ghana (the ancient empire we derive our name from), Songhai- in Cairo and Carthage: these were great civilisations way ahead of their times that would balk at the kind of leadership and populace we have on the continent these days.

So we have done great things in the past, and currently every once in a while we produce someone who can rub shoulders with the rest of the world has to offer. Nelson Madela, Chinua Achebe, Haile Gebrselassie; these are just three Africans who were some of the best ever in their various disciplines.

This long intro is necessary, I think- because no matter how we have screwed up now, we have the capacity for greatness like everyone else. And if we try hard enough, by dedication to the right values- reason and logic and science, as well as secular humanist values: by getting rid of superstition and clinging to corruption and self centeredness, we can make it.

Certainly this set of extraordinary facts about the continent, some good and some not so good- tell of a diverse group capable of greatness and ignominy in equal measure. We need to gravitate more towards the former and eschew the latter; if not for us at least for the generations coming after us- who have to deal with an increasingly inhospitable planet.

So let’s learn about ourselves. You can add some interesting facts you know that not many people know as well as we all educate each other.

The Good

• Nigeria has the richest Black people in Africa.
• Samuel Eto’o is the highest paid Footballer of all time, he received about £350,000 weekly in Russia in 2011.
• Nigeria has won more football cups than England.
• Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe is the world’s most educated President with 7 degrees, two of them are Masters.
• Al-Ahly of Egypt is the richest club in Africa.
• Didier Drogba is Chelsea’s highest goalscorer in European competition.
• The Seychelles are the most educated Africans. Seychelles’ literacy rates (Adult 92%, Youth: 99%) Zimbabwe is 2nd (Adult: 91.2%,Youth: 99%).
• Rwanda is a better country for gender equality than England and USA.
• South Africa has the most Grammy award winners in Africa.
• Ethiopia has the most airports in Africa.
• Ethiopia’s economy is growing faster than China’s.
• Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country, it has existed for over 3,000 years without being colonised.
• George Weah of Liberia is the first man to win World, European and African footballer of the year in the same year.
• President Jacob Zuma was given a special award by Fifa for refereeing on Robben Island during his years as a political prisoner.
• President Robert Mugabe was jailed for 11 years for fighting for freedom.

The Bad

• Swaziland is the only remaining absolute monarch in the world.
• King Sobhuza ll of Swaziland took the longest time in reigning Swaziland, 62 years as he was crowned in 1921 and died in August 1982 at the age of 83 years.
• King Sobhuza II of swaziland, married 70 wives, who gave him 210 children between 1920 and 1970.
• Zimbabwe is the only country in the world were almost everyone was a billionaire at one point
• President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is Africa’s longest serving Head of State. He has ruled Equatorial Guinea since August 3, 1979 when he overthrew his uncle, Francisco Nguema. His son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue is his Vice President and will succeed him if he resigns.
• President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos has ruled Angola since 1979.
• The Gambia has only one university.

Other Trivia

• South Africa is the most visited African country.
• Equatorial Guinea is Africa’s only Spanish speaking country.
• A person from Botswana is called a Motswana, the plural is Batswana.
• A person from Lesotho is called a Mosotho.
• A person from Niger is called a Nigerien.
• A person from Burkina Faso is called a Burkinabe.
• Zinedine Zidane wanted to play for Àlgeria, but the selector rejected him, saying they are already many players like him in the team.
• President Robert Mugabe is Africa’s oldest Head of State and the world’s second oldest Head of State. He was born in 1924.
• Eritrea’s President, Isaias Afwerki is the least richest President in Africa.
• Haile Selassie I was the 225th and last Emperor of Ethiopia.
• Nigeria has the most monarchs in the world.
• Angola has more Portuguese speakers than Portugal
• The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa followed by Swaziland.
• Somalia got its first ATM on October 7, 2014.
• Johannesburg, South Africa is the most visited city in Africa.