What is considered the heart of Africa?

The Congo Basin is often referred to as the "heart of Africa" due to its vast and vital ecological and geographical significance. It encompasses the central region of the continent and is characterized by its dense tropical rainforest, which is one of the largest in the world, providing essential biodiversity and serving as a critical habitat for numerous species.

The Congo Basin is also crucial for its role in regulating the climate and environment of the surrounding areas, and it significantly contributes to the livelihoods of millions of people through its resources. The river system within the basin supports agriculture, transportation, and provides fishing opportunities, further underscoring its importance to both the ecology and the human populations residing within and around it.

While the Great Rift Valley, Sahara Desert, and Lake Victoria all possess their unique geographical and ecological features, they do not embody the same centrality and interconnected resource richness that characterize the Congo Basin as the heart of Africa.