Africa is a massive continent – the second most populous on earth, in fact – but how much does the rest of the world really know about it?
The continent is still plagued by a reputation for being corrupt, dirty and diseased, and this is not a stereotype which the media tends to challenge.
But Africa, which is now home to a billion people with Africans making up 14.72% of the world population, has developed to such an extent that people who have never visited the continent might be shocked.
A new hashtag #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou has recently been trending on Twitter, as people across the continent aim to challenge and change people’s misconceptions.
Speaking to Disney’s Fusion, Diana Salah, one of the hashtag creators, said:
I got involved because growing up, I was made to feel ashamed of my homeland, with negative images that paint Africa as a desolate continent. It’s so important to showcase the diversity and beauty of Africa and with the mainstream media not up for the task, social media was the perfect outlet.
The project throws up some fascinating facts, giving an insight into a beautiful and too often misunderstood continent.
Check out some of the best examples below.
