The GLSA Region of Africa: Geography, People, Facts & Statistics

What is the GLSA region?

GLSA stands for “Great Lakes & Southern Africa”

Why GLSA?

GLSA is appropriate because of the cultural proximity between the different countries in this area.

There is also a linguistic, historical, and social proximity that is unlike anywhere else. Economic proximity also exists in the form of EAC, SADC and other bodies.

It therefore makes sense to study and treat this region as a unit especially for particular topics.

Who designated this region as GLSA?

No authority figure or body has done it. It doesn’t mean it can’t be done though. Anyone who wishes to study the said region as a unity for linguistic or cultural purposes can do so.

The GLSA Region of Africa: Geography, People, Facts & Statistics

Number of countries

20 (EAC & SADC) members: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Total population

455 million (2020)

Main languages spoken

Swahili, English, Portuguese, French

Major cities

Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Cape Town, Kigali.

Historical areas of importance

Great Zimbabwe: Major ancient civilization in the south. Famous for its gold export.

Swahili civilizations: Famous for trade, exploration of the seas, architecture, arts, and a very early cosmopolitan life.

Great Lakes Kingdoms: Ruanda-Urundi, Buganda, Kongo and several others.

Southern Kingdoms: Zulu, Mutapa, Mapungubwe and several others.