Final answer:
Africa has many natural borders due to its diverse geography, including barriers like the Sahara Desert and the Sahel. The presence of natural borders is also influenced by the historical establishment of political boundaries by European colonial powers and conflicts based on ethnic and religious differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Africa has many natural borders due to its diverse geography. The continent is home to various terrains and climatic regions, which have created barriers and influenced the movement of people and cultures.
For example, the Sahara Desert acts as an almost impassable barrier, separating the Mediterranean world from sub-Saharan Africa. The Sahel, a transition zone between the Sahara and the savannas, has also influenced migrations. In addition, regions like the grassy plains of the savannas and the northern and southern fringes of Africa have historically supported settled human communities, while more arid regions have encouraged nomadism.
The current political borders of Africa were established by European powers during the colonial era, without consideration for ethnic, language, or religious groupings. These boundaries now create obstacles and divisions for nomadic groups. Political stability and conflicts based on ethnic or religious differences within national boundaries contribute to the presence of natural borders in Africa.