Final answer:
The geography and size of Africa affected African societies and their contact with the rest of the world in terms of restricting communication and trade due to natural barriers, shaping economic systems and cultural practices based on available resources, and influencing the types of contact with other continents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geography and size of Africa have had a significant impact on African societies and their contact with the rest of the world. Africa's vast size and diverse landscapes, including deserts, rainforests, and savannas, created natural barriers that limited communication and trade between different regions. For example, the Sahara Desert in North Africa made it difficult for societies in the north to interact with those in sub-Saharan Africa.
Additionally, Africa's geography influenced the development of different economic systems and cultural practices. The availability and abundance of natural resources, such as gold, salt, and ivory, in certain regions shaped the economies of African societies and facilitated trade with other parts of the world.
Furthermore, Africa's location relative to other continents influenced the types of contact it had with the outside world. The proximity to Europe led to the colonization and exploitation of African territories by European powers. The Indian Ocean trade routes connected eastern Africa with Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences.