BECE History and Geography of West Africa

Question 1

Which river is the longest in West Africa and flows through several countries including Guinea, Mali, and Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

Niger River

Answer

The Niger River is the longest river in West Africa, stretching about 4,180 km through multiple countries.

Question 2

The trans-Saharan trade routes were historically important in West Africa primarily for trading which two commodities?

Accepted Answer

Gold and salt

Answer

Gold from the south and salt from the Sahara were the main commodities of the trans-Saharan trade that enriched West African empires.

Question 3

Which West African empire, known for its wealth and the pilgrimage of Mansa Musa, was at its peak in the 14th century?

Accepted Answer

Mali Empire

Answer

The Mali Empire reached its peak under Mansa Musa in the 14th century and was renowned for its immense gold wealth.

Question 4

What is the name of the large semi-arid belt that stretches across Africa south of the Sahara Desert?

Accepted Answer

The Sahel

Answer

The Sahel is the semi-arid transitional zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the wetter savanna regions to the south.

Question 5

Which colonial power controlled the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana) before it gained independence in 1957?

Accepted Answer

Britain

Answer

The Gold Coast was a British colony and became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957.

(BECE) Basic Education Certificate Examination Practice Test