Geographical Elements in the Paper Currency of African Countries

Geography, while studying the Earth's surface, also investigates human systems. In this context, the physical/natural and human elements on the banknotes of the countries discussed in this article, which can be considered symbols of independence, can also be said to fall within the scope of geography. The 54 independent countries in Africa have produced 585 different banknotes in the last 30 years, each containing elements of both physical and human systems. One-third of these African currencies feature physical elements, while one-third feature human elements. Some banknotes contain only physical or only human elements, while others contain both. Geographers' study of these banknotes has also helped them discover some of the geographical characteristics of African countries.

Natural Elements in African Countries' Paper Currency

You can find elements within the fields of geomorphology, geology, hydrography, and biogeography on the banknotes of African countries. Among these, biogeographic elements are the most prominent, appearing in 155 out of 585 banknotes.

1. Geomorphological and Geological Elements

Geomorphology is known as the branch of science that investigates the formation and distribution of landforms, as well as the internal and external forces that influence the shaping of the Earth's surface. According to geomorphological research, a sub-branch of physical geography, the African continent is relatively less rugged than other continents in the world. It does not possess long, high mountain ranges. It has a relatively simple appearance in terms of landforms, but it is also incorrect to say that mountainous areas are completely absent. The mountainous regions in eastern Africa are depicted on the banknotes of countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Malawi. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is featured on Tanzanian banknotes. Mount Kenya, one of the highest points in both Kenya and Africa and also a volcanic mass, is featured on Kenyan banknotes, while Masa Mountain is on the banknotes of the Republic of South Africa. Furthermore, the Nyiragongo Volcano, an active volcanic mountain in East Africa, is shown on the banknotes of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanic mountains in Rwanda are also depicted on the country's banknotes. Besides mountains, rock formations have also found their way onto African banknotes. Zuma Rock, located north of Abuja, Nigeria's capital, and boasting a 725-meter diameter, is featured on Nigeria's currency; the rocks around Harare are depicted in Zimbabwe; and Bismarck Rock, formed by the granite formations of Lake Victoria, is shown on Tanzania's banknotes.

2. Hydrographic Elements on the Currency of African Countries

Hydrography, another sub-branch of physical geography, studies underground and surface water. Images of lakes, waterfalls, and rivers, elements of hydrography, can be found on the currencies of African countries. Countries bordering the Great Lakes region of East Africa feature lake images on their banknotes. Lake Victoria and Lake Bunyonyi, the largest lakes in Africa, are depicted on Ugandan banknotes. Lake Tanganyika is shown on the 2000 Burundian Franc*, Lake Nyassa on the 1 Kivacha Malawi banknote, and Lake Kivu on the 100 Rwandan Franc. Beyond African lakes, waterfalls on rivers are also featured on the banknotes of countries such as Algeria, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Uganda, Swaziland, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Victoria Falls, a major tourist attraction on Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is located at the point where the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. Therefore, many countries have depicted Victoria Falls on their banknotes. The Nile River, known for giving life to Sudan, also features on its paper currency. The 20 Sudanese Divar banknote depicts the Nile River with sailboats and palm trees stretching along its banks. Finally, Botswana's 50 Pula banknote features an image of the delta and marshes formed by the Okawango River.

3. Biogeographic Elements on the Currencies of African Countries

Biogeography, a subfield of physical geography, is a science that investigates the distribution of plant and animal species and the reasons for these distributions. Biogeographical elements are incorporated into the currency of a quarter of African countries. Besides agriculture and animal husbandry, the most frequently used geographical element on banknotes is the biogeographical conditions of the countries. Due to plant and climatic conditions, images of wild animals on African banknotes are mostly specific to savannah areas. There are a total of four plant zones in Africa: humid tropical forests, savannas, sub-desert steppes - deserts, and temperate forests. According to research, governments have given very little representation to sub-desert steppes, deserts, and temperate forests on their currency. As evidence, the Great Sahara Desert, world-famous for being the largest desert in the world, is featured on only one Tunisian banknote, despite being located within the borders of 13 countries. Humid tropical forests are featured on the 5000 CFA Franc** banknote of Equatorial Guinea and the 1000 CFA Franc*** banknotes of Cameroon and the Central African Republic. In addition to the untouched forests of Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, there are also commercially important forested areas. Across Africa, as one moves away from the equator towards the north and south, rainfall decreases, leading to more open areas in the form of savannahs and grasslands. A savannah consists of thorny trees with flat, umbrella-shaped crowns and tall grasses. African savannahs harbor an extraordinary natural environment and a unique community of living creatures unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Countries where savannahs are widespread, such as the Central African Republic, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Senegal, and Guinea, as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, and Ivory Coast, where savannahs are less common, feature savannah images on their banknotes. Although sparse, trees of varying sizes can be found in most savannahs, with baobab and oil palm trees being the most common. It could also be said that palm trees are featured on the banknotes of some African countries.

“Geographical Elements in the Bank Notes of African Countries.” DergiPark , https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/3400 . Accessed January 20, 2024.

“What are the Sub-Branches of Physical Geography?” Geographer , https://www.cografyaci.gen.tr/fiziki-cografyanin-alt-dallari-nelerdir/ . Accessed January 20, 2024.