Abstract
The author begins this paper with an examination of the development and decline of the Roman Empire and its various trade connections. The author moves on to look at the rise of Islam in the 7th century and the subsequent fall of the Axum Empire. The author continues by looking at the rise of Christianity in the Mediterranean region and its move into Africa and then how Islam essentially eliminated Christianity in those regions. The author then discusses Islam's effect on commerce and military matters and its development in Africa by means of conquests and it's ideology of equality among believers.

From the paper:

"The spread of Islam, from its heartland in the Middle East and North Africa to India and Southeast Asia, revealed the power of the religion and its commercial and sometimes military attributes. Civilizations were altered without being fully drawn into a single Islamic statement. A similar pattern developed in sub-Saharan Africa, as Islam provided new influences and contacts without amalgamating African culture as a whole to the Middle Eastern core. New religious, economic, and political patterns developed in relation to the Islamic surge, but great diversity remained."

Tags:roman, empire, maritime, routes, commerce, middle, ages, constantinople, axum, kush, trade, mereo, nobatae, meroitic, blemmyes, byzantine, nobatia, christianity, berber, abbasid, dynasty, unity, sahel, sahara, conversion, puritanical, reformist, movement, almoravids, jihad, almohades

Abstract
This paper will discuss the nature of imperial western powers and their influence over India and Africa in the Sixteenth through Eighteenth centuries in brief. By realizing the ways that they influenced the trading and economic and especially the warfare elements in this period of history, we can understand how the western powers interacted with these cultures.

Abstract
This paper examines the economic and social problems faced by the Republic of Cameroon, a relatively young independent country of central west Africa. The paper points out that Cameroon achieved its independence from France and Britain in 1960 and quickly unified into one republic from the separate territories controlled by both France and Britain. The paper posits that because Cameroon is extremely diverse, both culturally and demographically, some would assume that having numerous people groups would hinder the progress of unification in such a developing country. However, despite recent social and economic crises, the people of Cameroon have been able to tolerate the many cultural differences present, and have dealt with a less than desirable economy and a growing AIDS epidemic in a respectable manner. The paper concludes that, despite the problem of ethnic fragmentation and regional divisions spawned by a colonial history, the many ethnic groups overcame a civil war and re-united to grow one of the best economies in sub-Saharan Africa.

From the Paper
"As noted, from the time that Cameroon declared independence from the colonial rule of the French and British, there has been a seemingly never ending line of economic problems, but, Cameroon's independence began with economic success. Although the economy relied heavily on the exporting of agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, bananas and palm oil, and remained very dependent on French capital, the economy thrived. The role of the French was still clear in much of Cameroon's economic transactions; nearly 60 percent of Cameroon's exports were to the French, and 55 percent of the imported products were from France. This beneficial partnership allowed Cameroon to be known as a success story in light of the rest of the continent's development, and boasted the title of the most prosperous country in Africa (Konings 248)."

Tags:third world, developing country, Africa economy unification colonization European colony

Abstract
Vertical transmission of AIDS has assumed enormous proportions, and this problem is aggravating the already disastrous AIDS epidemic in South Africa. This paper considers the problem of vertical transmission in little detail and ascertains the treatment methodologies and how their proper implementation could avert this major crisis from worsening the already damaged social and economic structure of Africa.

From the Paper
"AIDS is one of the most dreaded epidemic diseases of the last century with an almost unabated outburst throughout the last two decades. More than 40 million people throughout the world are afflicted by AIDS. The dreadedness of the disease is reflected in the disastrous and debilitating effects it has had on people all over the world. The social and economic implications of AIDS has been something unprecedented in the history of world. Though the HIV virus is not easily transmitted the increasing number of infected people around the world only indicates a major global catastrophe. The concerning fact is that while we are still engaged in active medical research for a cure of this deadly disease, the HIV virus continues unhindered, to infect millions of people worldwide. The third world nations and Africa in particular have been the most affected. The impact of the AIDS epidemic in Africa is made worse by the poor economic situation and the consequently unaffordable medical facilities. Vertical transmission of the disease from mother to the child is continuing in an uncontrolled manner contributing to as much as 40 % of new AIDS cases. [AidsAction]"

Tags:aids, medical, breastfeeding

Abstract
This paper looks at the economy of South Africa in comparison to Brazil. It begins by looking at South Africa; its economics and politics, then shows Brazil to have a similar background.

From the Paper
"South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent. It's population of 42.1 million uses the Rand for its everyday currency. One US dollar is equal to approximately seven South African Rands (US $1=7.555000 ZAR). With a GDP of 290.6 billion US $ and a per capita income of 6 800 US $ South Africa ranks 63rd economically in the world. South Africa has a 30% unemployment rate, and an average of 9% inflation, but is considered a stable developing country. Even though it is the largest producer of gold, platinum, and chromium, mining only accounts for 9% of the South African GDP."

Tags:economics, international

Abstract
This paper includes four essays on economics: globalization of agriculture, food production and the logistics of distribution; globalization conflicts, economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and U.S. technological development. The paper discusses conflict issues as a result of globalization and the importance of resolving these issues.

From the Paper
"The world has become an increasingly globalized community in which agriculture ,food production and the location and distribution of vital resources is a key concern ..."

Tags:Economics, Sub-Saharan Africa, globalization, agriculture, technology, biotechnology, new economy

Abstract
The natural resources of Africa are defined, explained, and considered in this paper with respect to economics, free trade, and the United States. It looks at the importance of Africa's mineral and fuel and discusses key minerals of each region.

From the Paper
"Africa like most continents is a pastiche of topographies, climates and landscapes - as such its stores of natural resources are varied. Harsh ecological conditions throughout much of Africa account for the fact that agriculture is often labor intensive and few opportunities exist in many rural areas. Wildlife reserves and the ivory trade are consistently monitored throughout the continent with mixed results. In many respects it is Africa's mineral and fuel stores that are of value to the rest of the world. Exploring Africa region-by-region will render ..."

Tags:africa, natural resources, diamonds, aids/hiv, development, petroleum

Abstract
This paper investigates the effectiveness of current HIV/AIDS prevention programs currently implemented in Africa. It asks the questions about the type of prevention programs are being implemented, which types are the most effective, and what is lacking within these programs, since they are failing to stop the AIDS epidemic in Africa. In addition, this paper briefly describes economic effects of the AIDS epidemic. Causes of the rise of AIDS are provided in the introduction.

From the Paper
"Fifteen years ago, there were some regions of the world that remained untouched by AIDS. Now, however, there is not a single country around the world that has escaped the AIDS epidemic (Christensen, 2000). Some of the developed nations hit by the epidemic in the 1980's have slowed the rate of new infections and lowered mortality rates (Christensen, 2000). Although many countries are changing the devestation of AIDS, no region of the world has a higher AIDS-related burden than sub-Saharan Africa. The statistics are shocking. Sixty seven percent of the 33 million people living with AIDS in 1998 were residents of one of the 34 countries of sub-Saharan Africa (Hunter, 2003 p. 29). Of all AIDS deaths since the epidemic started, eighty three percent have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (Hunter, 2003 p. 8). In sub-Saharan nations, 1 out of 4 adults is HIV positive (Hunter, 2003 p. 11). Among children under age 15 living with HIV/AIDS, 90% live in sub-Saharan Africa (Christensen, 2000). Africans infected with HIV die much sooner after diagnosis than HIV-infected people in other parts of the world (Hunter, 2003 p. 207). Survival time after diagnosis of AIDS ranged from nine to twenty-six months (Hunter, 2003 p. 62). In Africa, the survival time of patients with AIDS ranged from five to nine months (Hunter, 2003 p. 78). The reasons that people who are infected are dieing so quickly is because of the lack of effective prevention programs, lack of government involvement, and a lack of healthcare (Meyer-Weitz and Steyn, 1992, Lejeune, 1993, Christensen, 2000, Martz, 2001, and Sewpaul, 2001). This paper examines the reasons for the spread of AIDS. It also analyzes the effectiveness of current prevention programs implemented in Africa to stop the rise of AIDS. In addition, this paper briefly touches on the economic effects of AIDS. The AIDS problem has the ability to crush the nation's work force and economy."

Tags:aids, country, economics, hiv, multi, orphanhood, program

Abstract
This paper contrasts West Africa and China on several dimensions. The author includes population, origins and early history and religion. The paper relates the current day economics, government and general global power.

From the Paper
"The purpose of this paper is to provide a very brief overview of differences and similarities between Africa represented by West Africa and Asia represented by China. The two areas are compared and contrasted on several dimensions including ..."

Tags:West Africa, China, Global, Economics

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of Africa and its issues with a focus on why the world seems to ignore many of its needs for assistance. The paper explores financial and political issues that have an impact on the nation and provides insight as to why the world seems to have Africa on "ignore".

Outline:
Introduction
The Problem
Solutions

From the Paper
"The problems with improving the small business industry in Africa are cost prohibitive which is another reason the world ignores the problems of the continent. To create an environment that is conducive to small business growth in Africa the deficient public utility system will have to be improved. There is a power system there that is unpredictable at best and erratic most of the time. The continent has an unpredictable business environment because of the insecure rights to property and the contract enforcement difficulties as the laws are not yet clearly defined or enforceable. In addition there is corruption throughout the continent that prevents the ability to develop a small business sector that is professional, successful and accepted in the world. "

Tags:resources, business, food, economics, Congo, Equatorial, Guinea, Gabon, agricultural, poverty