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Horn Of Africa - Geography Notes for UPSC Preparation!

Last Updated on Dec 14, 2023

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The Horn of Africa is an eastern African area. It is the easternmost extension of African territory, and for the sake of this article, it is defined as the region containing the nations of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, whose cultures have long been connected. The Somali peninsula is a part of the Horn of Africa area; this phrase is generally used to refer to the territories of Somalia and eastern Ethiopia.

The Horn, which includes the Ethiopian Plateau’s highlands, the Ogaden desert, and the Eritrean and Somali coasts, is home to the Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, and Somali peoples, among others.

The geographical features and strategic significance of the Horn of Africa are discussed in this article. Study more topics from Indian Geography and their types from UPSC point of view.

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What is the Horn of Africa?
The Horn of Africa is a peninsula located in northeastern Africa, jutting out into the Arabian Sea. It is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. The region is also known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife.

Geographical Background

Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia make up the Horn of Africa. Africa’s eastern area and their cultures have long been intertwined.
Ethiopia is building the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile River.
The Horn Of Africa is hundreds of kilometers into the Arabian Sea and is located to the south of the Gulf of Aden.
During ancient and medieval times, the region was known as Bilad al Barbar or Berber Land.
Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti are among the nations covered by the Horn Of Africa.
The Horn Of Africa has a population of around 115 million people and spans a territory of about 2 million square kilometers. Ethiopia is home to 96.6 million people, Eritrea to 6.4 million, Somalia to 10.4 million, and Djibouti to 0.81 million.

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The Horn of Africa’s Importance to India

India’s foreign policy prioritises Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

India has a long history of working with African countries through soft power efforts.

Ethiopia is the largest African beneficiary of India’s concessional lines of credit.

Djibouti’s strategic location at the junction of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, as well as its position as a crossroads connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, has made it a particularly appealing piece of geopolitical real estate.

Because of its proximity to India, Africa, particularly the Horn of Africa, is vital to India’s security.

Djibouti has resurfaced on India’s political radar as a result of China’s strategic gains in the Horn.

India’s involvement in ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa area in order to combat the terrorist threat.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) serves as a collaborative forum for bilateral and regional collaboration.

Check the Other Notes of Geography for Competitive Exams here.

Concerns about the Horn and international borders

Somali pirates represent a serious threat in the waters off the Somali coast and the Gulf of Aden, which transports a large portion of the world’s commerce and energy supplies.

The issue worsened by the end of 2016. Piracy has been increasing “in frequency, range, aggression, and intensity at an alarming rate.

The continued actions of the pirates, as well as the possibility of developing linkages with foreign terrorist organisations, have aroused widespread concern.

Due to local disputes over access to and sharing of natural resources, the region has the highest maternal and child death rates in the world, causing people to flee and resulting in internally displaced individuals and refugees.

Learn more about the East African Community EAC!

China’s influence in the Horn of Africa

With the frequent deployment of naval troops to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden, China’s geopolitical interest in the Horn has grown over the last decade.

Despite the fact that piracy has decreased substantially in recent years, China is boosting its geopolitical presence in the region.

President Xi Jinping started the One Belt One Road initiative, which resulted in Beijing’s infrastructural development in the Horn of Africa.

One of the more conspicuous infrastructure projects in the region is the 750-kilometer rail link between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Beijing has obtained the rights to a facility in Djibouti that can accommodate up to 10,000 soldiers until 2026, making it China’s first foreign military base. However, Beijing is not the only country that has bases in the region.

Because France governed Djibouti during the colonial era, it had the highest concentration of foreign soldiers in the country.

Learn more about the India-Africa Relation!

What Impact does China’s connection with the Horn of Africa have on India?

Djibouti, like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, may become part of China’s “string of pearls” of military ties and assets surrounding India.

The Indian Ocean transports 80% of the world’s oil and a third of the world’s bulk goods.

China is aiming to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean by safeguarding its energy and commerce transportation linkages along the important maritime route.

It also invests in infrastructure projects such as ports, highways, and trains.

President Xi Jinping’s grandiose One Belt, One Road project to create a new Silk Route features the Indian Ocean prominently.

In Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, through constructing ports and other infrastructure.

The Indian Ocean is also becoming a popular destination for countries seeking a larger role in global affairs.

China has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean, which New Delhi regards to be within its sphere of influence, citing anti-piracy patrols and freedom of navigation as reasons for the Indian Navy’s increased monitoring of key waterways.

Learn more about the Interesting Facts about Africa!

Horn Of Africa - Key Facts for UPSC Exams

Horn Of Africa – Overview for UPSC Exams

Why is it called the Horn of Africa?

The horn-shaped land formation near the easternmost point of Africa is where the area’s English name comes from.

Near the southernmost point of the Red Sea, the peninsula extends hundreds of kilometers into the Somali Sea, Guardafui Channel, and the Gulf of Aden.

How many countries are in the Horn of Africa?

It is home to the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, whose cultures have been linked throughout their long history.

What are China’s Primary Interests in the Region?

China’s primary Interests include Infrastructural Projects, Financial Assistance, Natural Resources, and Maritime Interests.

What are India’s concerns over China’s presence in the Horn of Africa?

China is aiming to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean by safeguarding its energy and commerce transportation linkages along the important maritime route.

In what ways are several countries in the Horn of Africa strategically located?

They are close to the Middle Eastern oil reserves as well as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes.

Additionally, these nations are ideally positioned in the middle of Southeast Asia and Europe.

Learn more about the India-Africa defence dialogue!

Way Forward
The Horn of Africa is a region full of possibilities. It has faced many problems for a long time, such as wars that never end, unstable governments, and environmental damage. But even with these problems, there are still reasons to hope for change. Working together in a way that takes care of the root causes of instability and promotes sustainable development is important for making the Horn of Africa a better place in the future.
In this article, we have studied the features and concerns associated with the horn of Africa. Besides we have understood the strategic significance of the Horn of Africa for India. Testbook provides a set of comprehensive notes for different competitive exams. Testbook is always on the top of the list because of its best quality assured products like live tests, mocks, Content pages, GK and current affairs videos and much more. To study more topics from Modern History for UPSC, download the Testbook App now!
हॉर्न ऑफ अफ्रीका के बारे में हिंदी भाषा में भी जानकारी यहाँ प्राप्त कर सकते हैं!

Horn Of Africa FAQs: –

Which African nation is known as the Horn of Africa?

Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya are among the nations that make up the Horn of Africa.

What does the name Horn of Africa mean?

The horn-shaped geographical feature that constitutes the easternmost point of the African continent, extending into the Indian Ocean south of the Arabian Peninsula, is known as the Horn of Africa.

What is Africa's Horn of Africa's strategic value?

The Horn of Africa has a wealth of natural and human resources.

What makes up the Horn of Africa's tip?

Somalia is located in the southernmost point of Africa's Horn of Africa.

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Horn Of Africa - Geography Notes for UPSC Preparation!

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What is the Horn of Africa?
The Horn of Africa is a peninsula located in northeastern Africa, jutting out into the Arabian Sea. It is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. The region is also known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife.

Geographical Background

Horn Of Africa FAQs: –

Which African nation is known as the Horn of Africa?

What does the name Horn of Africa mean?

What is Africa's Horn of Africa's strategic value?

What makes up the Horn of Africa's tip?

Horn Of Africa – Overview for UPSC Exams
Why is it called the Horn of Africa?	The horn-shaped land formation near the easternmost point of Africa is where the area’s English name comes from. Near the southernmost point of the Red Sea, the peninsula extends hundreds of kilometers into the Somali Sea, Guardafui Channel, and the Gulf of Aden.
How many countries are in the Horn of Africa?	It is home to the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, whose cultures have been linked throughout their long history.
What are China’s Primary Interests in the Region?	China’s primary Interests include Infrastructural Projects, Financial Assistance, Natural Resources, and Maritime Interests.
What are India’s concerns over China’s presence in the Horn of Africa?	China is aiming to increase its influence in the Indian Ocean by safeguarding its energy and commerce transportation linkages along the important maritime route.
In what ways are several countries in the Horn of Africa strategically located?	They are close to the Middle Eastern oil reserves as well as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes. Additionally, these nations are ideally positioned in the middle of Southeast Asia and Europe.

PSC Exams

Latest Update

Latest Exam Update

Coaching

UPSC Current Affairs

Syllabus

UPSC Notes

Previous Year Papers

Mock Tests

UPSC Editorial

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Books

Government Schemes

Topics

Horn Of Africa - Geography Notes for UPSC Preparation!

IMPORTANT LINKS

What is the Horn of Africa?The Horn of Africa is a peninsula located in northeastern Africa, jutting out into the Arabian Sea. It is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. The region is also known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife.

Geographical Background

Horn Of Africa FAQs: –

Which African nation is known as the Horn of Africa?

What does the name Horn of Africa mean?

What is Africa's Horn of Africa's strategic value?

What makes up the Horn of Africa's tip?