Tribal and ethnic rivalries cause political problems and often lead to conflict. Agriculture is the main economic activity, but not enough food is produced to feed the growing population. Mineral exports are essential, but better transportation is needed. Besides some help from France, the world economy has little interest in this subregion. Except for Nigeria with about 100 million people, the other 14 countries have small populations.
Cities grow quickly.
Muslim trade and colonialism by Britain, France, and Germany had long lasting effects on this subregion. Agriculture is most important, whereas mining is not so important except for Nigeria s oil. Government management and political leadership remain concerns. Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Muslims from Southwest Asia competed for influence in northern parts of this subregion. Southern areas had fewer migrations and conflicts.