Final answer:
The claim that the belt from the Ethiopian Highlands to Lake Victoria is well-settled is true, as this region has favorable conditions for agriculture and provides vital freshwater resources, supporting a stable and structured society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the north-south belt from the Ethiopian Highlands down through Lake Victoria is one of the more settled regions of Africa is true.
The Ethiopian Plateau, which includes the Ethiopian Highlands and Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, features elevations averaging more than 5,000 feet with peaks such as Ras Dashan reaching 14,928 feet. This region, as part of the Great Rift Valley, is marked by rich volcanic soils that support agriculture - a crucial aspect of settled life.
Lake Victoria, the world's second-largest lake by surface area, is a significant freshwater resource for millions of people in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The lake's presence along with the productive agricultural conditions promotes the settlement in this region.
Furthermore, a variety of river systems like the Nile, and resource-rich environments have historically supported settled communities, as stable agricultural practices often lead to structured, urban societies.
Rwanda and Burundi, while geographically in East Africa, also illustrate the importance of waterways in supporting settlements with their proximity to river systems and lakes.