Top Ten Best Books about Africa
about Africa
Posted by Geoff on 11.07.2008 at 11:40 am
The following list is 10 of the best books written in recent history about Africa. These titles were chosen based on their ability to give insight and tell a powerful story about what life is like on the African continent.
(N.B. click on the images to go to the product page at betterworld.com):
10. A Long Way Gone (Sierra Leone)
9. Unbowed (Kenya)
8. Ake: The Years of Childhood (Nigeria)
7. What is the What (Sudan)
6. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (Zimbabwe)
5. King Leopold’s Ghost (Congo)
4. We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families (Rwanda)
3. Cry Beloved Country (South Africa)
2. Things Fall Apart (Nigeria)
1. Long Walk to Freedom (South Africa)
The empirical process – there was a rigorous selection process that I went through to arrive at this top ten which included moving to South Africa for a year and a half and reading a lot. What would you add?
Honorable mention:
Unheard, Heart of Darkness, The Power of One, I Write What I Like, Country of My Skull, Spud
[Bonus: If you're more interested in traditional storytelling in Africa, rather than these great stories about Africa, read My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (the book from which David Byrne and Brian Eno got the name of their first record). It's amazing.]
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1. Heidi Otto - November 10, 2008
Excellent choices! With a shared passion for African stories, I have a couple of others on my top 10 list as well:
Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. A great look into Somalia, Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
The Leopard Only Hunts in Darkness by by Wilbur Smith (fiction). A adventure in the 70’s through the heart of Zimbabwe.
2. Geoff - November 11, 2008
Thanks Heidi – since the post, a few others have emailed with their favorites.
These are:
When a Crocodile Eats the Sun (Zimbabwe)
Poisonwood Bible (Congo)
A Bend in the River (Congo)
A Primate’s Memoir (Kenya)
The Caliph’s House (Morocco)
Dark Star Safari
My Traitor’s Heart (South Africa)
Patrice Lumumba: Africa’s Lost Leader (Congo)
The Coup
The White Nile
3. Helga Schwarten - November 17, 2008
Thanks Geoff, it is an amazing list of books….I feel the sudden urge, and great need, to read more. It is an inspiration.
By the way, Dave Eggers, author of “What is the What”, was a high school classmate of Courtney’s.
4. Devon - December 30, 2009
Emma’s War, by Deborah Scroggins.
Message
lunes, 5 de abril de 2010
Africas 100best books of the 20th centure
Africa's 100 Best Books of the 20th Century
An initiative of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair
View a copy of the final list.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over the last hundred years African writers have written of their lives, experiences, culture, history and myth; they have written in diverse forms, styles and in many languages. They have been published widely on the African continent, in Europe, the Americas and Asia. They have written in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, and in many other indigenous languages. And they have written with extraordinary originality, flair and great integrity. Nonetheless their work as a corpus deriving from the African continent remains largely unknown and uncelebrated.
To mark the beginning of the 21st century, and encouraged by Professor Ali Mazrui, the Zimbabwe International Book Fair launched the international compilation of "Africa's 100 Best Books." This project was organized in collaboration with the African Publishers Network (APNET), the Pan-African Booksellers Association (PABA), African writers' associations, book development councils, and library associations.
Nominations were sought throughout the African continent and internationally. A comprehensive list of all nominations was published at the ZIBF in August 2001 and during the course of the following year regional panels compiled their own short lists of 100 best books. Closing date for nominations was 30 September 2001.
A jury made the final decision from the short list and the final list of "Africa's 100 Best Books" was announced on February 18, 2002.
See: a copy of the list below.
This allowed ample time for those involved (authors of nominated books and their publishers) to prepare for participation in ZIBF2002. From August 3rd to the 10th in 2002, the fair participants celebrated the authors and publishers on the final list.
Objectives
The aim of this endeavour is:
- to celebrate the achievements of African writers over the last century
- to stimulate debate, discussion, reading, criticism and analysis of African writing
- to foster the publication and development of new titles and those that are currently out of print
- to encourage translation of different texts
- to promote the sale and exchange of books continent-wide and throughout the world
- and above all to increase awareness and knowledge of books and writing by African authors.
Definition of an African
Only books written by Africans are eligible. After extensive discussion and debate the ZIBF has for the purpose of this project identified an African as: 'someone either born in Africa or who became a citizen of an African country.' This definition incorporates those African writers who have moved from their countries of birth to other continents. The issue of authors who are not by this definition deemed African but who consider themselves such or those who have made a notable contribution to African scholarship and literature will be addressed on their merit should their books be nominated.
Criteria for nomination of a book
Nominations were made on the basis that the book has had a powerful, important or affecting influence on the nominator, as an individual, or on society.
What you can do?
* Use this project to generate discussion among your colleagues and friends, with your teachers or students, and in the media.
* Use it as a basis for having African writers in your own cities and countries interviewed, or given a platform to speak and to debate their own work.
* Use it as a positive vehicle for analysis, serious criticism, debate and scholarship.
* Use it as an excuse to buy or loan books and to extend the breadth of your knowledge and understanding of the great wealth of fiction and non-fiction written by Africans about their lives and societies.
* Photocopy, translate, circulate and encourage people to seriously complete the nomination forms. Every serious nomination will lend weight and substance to the list; every book that has made an impact on an individual or on society is worthy of note.
***Africa Book Centre -- Order Catalogue of Best Book Award Winners (Brighton, UK)
-- Commercial site
Please address all queries and ideas directly to:
Zimbabwe International Book Fair Association
P. O. Box CY1179
Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: 263 4 702129
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa 100 Best Books of the 20th Century--Final List
Arranged in the tables below is a copy of the final list of 100 titles announced by the panel of judges in Accra, Ghana, 18 February 2002.
The jury selected books in 3 main categories:
-- Literature for Children
-- Creative Writing
-- Scholarship/non-fiction
In the table below, ** indicates a top twelve title.
Literature for children
Asare, Meshack Ghana **Sosu's Call Sub-Saharan Publishers
Al-Homi, Hayam Abbas Egypt Adventures of a Breath Atfalna
Mungoshi, Charles Zimbabwe Stories from a Shona Childhood Baobab Books
Tadjo, Veronique Côte d'Ivoire Mamy Wata et le monstre Nouvelles éditions ivoriennes
Creative writing
Abnudi, `Abd al-Rahman Egypt al-Mawt `ala al-asfalt Atlas
Achebe, Chinua Nigeria Arrow of God Heinemann
Achebe, Chinua Nigeria **Things Fall Apart Heinemann
Aidoo, Ama Ata Ghana Anowa Longman
Almeida, Germano Cape Verde O testamento do Sr. Napumoceno da Silva Araújo Ed. Caminho
Armah, Ayi Kwei Ghana The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born Heinemann
Bâ, Amadou Hampâté Mali L'étrange destin de Wangrin Union générale d'éditions
Bâ, Mariama Senegal **Une si longue lettre Nouvelles éditions africaines
Ben Jelloun, Tahar Morocco La nuit sacrée Seuil
Beti, Mongo Cameroon Le pauvre Christ de Bomba Présence africaine
Brink, André South Africa A Dry White Season Penguin
Bugul, Ken Senegal Riwan, ou le chemin de sable Présence africaine
Cheney-Choker, Syl Sierra Leone The Last Harmattan of Alusine Dunbar Heinemann
Chraibi, Driss Morocco Le passé simple Gallimard
Coetzee, J.M. South Africa Life and Times of
Michael K Secker & Warburg
Couto, Mia Mozambique **Terra sonâmbula Ed. Caminho
Craveirinha, José Mozambique Karingana ua Karingana Academica
Dadié, Bernard Côte d'Ivoire Climbié Editions Segiers
Dangarembga, Tsitsi Zimbabwe **Nervous Conditions Women's Press
Dib, Mohammed Algeria Algérie, La grande maison, L'incendie, Le métier à tisser Le Seuil
Diop, Birago Senegal Les contes d'Amadou Koumba Présence africaine
Diop, Boubacar Boris Senegal Murambi ou le livre des ossements Stock
Djebar, Assia Algeria **L'amour, la fantasia J.C. Lattes
Emecheta, Buchi Nigeria The Joys of Motherhood Alison and Busby
Fagunwa,
Daniel O. Nigeria Ogboju ode ninu igbo irunmale Nelson
Farah, Nuruddin Somalia Maps Pan Books
Fugard, Athol South Africa The Blood Knot Simondium Publishers
Ghitani, Jamal al- Egypt Zayni Barakat GEBO
Gordimer, Nadine South Africa Burgher's Daughter Jonathan Cape
Head, Bessie South Africa A Question of Power Heinemann
Honwana, Bernardo Mozambique Nos matamos o cão tinhoso Academica
Hove, Chenjerai Zimbabwe Bones Baobab Books
Isegawa, Moses Uganda Abessijnse Kronieken Uigeverij De
Bezige Bij
Jordan, Archibald Campbell South Africa Ingqumbo yeminyanya Lovedale Press
Joubert, Elsa South Africa Die Swerdjare van Poppie Nongena Tafelberg
Kane, Cheikh Hamidou Senegal L'aventure ambiguë Editions Juillard
Khosa, Ungulani Ba Ka Mozambique Ualalapi AEMO
Kourouma, Ahmadou Côte d'Ivoire Les soleils des indépendances Le Seuil
Laye, Camara Guinea L'enfant noir Plon
Magona, Sindiwe South Africa Living, Loving and Lying Awake at Night David Philip Publishers
Mahfouz, Naguib Egypt **The Cairo Trilogy Maktabet Misr
Marechera, Dambudzo Zimbabwe House of Hunger Heinemann
Mofolo, Thomas Lesotho **Chaka Morija Sesuto Book Depot
Monenembo, Tierno Guinea Un attieké pour Elgass Le Seuil
Mutwa, Vusamazulu Credo South Africa Indaba, My Children Blue Crane Books
Ngugi wa Thiong'o Kenya Caitaani Mutharaba-ini Heinemann
Ngugi wa Thiong'o Kenya **A Grain of Wheat Heinemann
Niane, Djibril Tamsir Senegal Soundjata ou l'épopée mandingue Présence africaine
Nyembezi, Sibusiso South Africa Inkinnsela yaseMgungundlovu Shuter and Shooter
Okigbo, Christopher Nigeria Labyrinths Heinemann
Okri, Ben Nigeria The Famished Road Spectrum Books
Oyono, Ferdinand Cameroon Le vieux nègre et la médaille Editions Juillard
P'Bitek, Okot Uganda Song of Lawino Heinemann
Pepetela Angola A geração da utopia Dom Quixote
Saadawi, Nawal El Egypt Woman at Point Zero Zed Books
Salih El Tayyib Sudan Season of Migration to the North Heinemann
Sassine, Williams Guinea Le jeune homme de sable Présence africaine
Sembene, Ousmane Senegal Les bouts de bois de Dieu Le livre contemporain
Senghor, Léopold Sédar Senegal **Ouevre poétique Le Seuil
Serote, Mongane South Africa Third World Express David Philip Publishers
Shabaan,
Robert Bin Tanzania Utenzi wa vita vya uhuru East African Literature Bureau
Sony Labou Tansi Congo La vie et demie Seuil
Sow Fall, Aminata Senegal La grève des battus Nouvelles éditions africaines
Soyinka, Wole Nigeria Death and the King's Horsemen Spectrum
Tchicaya U Tam'si Congo Le mauvais sang - feu de brousse - à trisse-coeur P.J. Swald
Tutuola, Amos Nigeria The Palm-wine Drinkard Faber
Vera, Yvonne Zimbabwe Butterfly Burning Baobab Books
Vieira, José Luandino Angola Nós os do Makulusu [União dos Escritores Angolanos]
Vilakazi, B.W. South Africa Amal'eZulu Witwatersrand University Press
Yacine, Kateb Algeria Nedjma Le Seuil
Scholarship/non-fiction
Amin, Samir Egypt Accumulation on a World Scale Monthly Review Press
Amadiume, Ifi Nigeria Male Daughters, Female Husbands Zed Books
Andrade,
Mario de Angola Os nacionalismos africanos Sa da Costa
Appiah, Anthony Ghana In My Father's House Oxford University Press
Cabral, Amilcar Guinea-Bissau Unity and Struggle Monthly Review Press
Chimera, Rocha Kenya Kiswahili, past, present and future horizons Nairobi University Press
Diop, Cheikh Anta Senegal **Antériorité des civilisations nègres Présence africaine
Doorkenoo, Efua Ghana Cutting the Rose Minority Rights Group
Hayford, J.E. Casely Ghana Ethiopia Unbound Cass
Hountondji, Paulin Benin Sur la philosophie africaine François Maspero
Johnson, Samuel Nigeria The History of the Yorubas G. Routledge & Sons
Kenyatta, Jomo Kenya Facing Mount Kenya Secker & Warburg
Ki-Zerbo, Joseph Burkina Faso Histoire de l'Afrique noire Hatier
Krog, Antjie South Africa Country of My Skull Jonathan Cape
Mama, Amina Nigeria Beyond the Mask, Race, Gender and Identity Routledge
Mamdani, Mahmood Uganda Citizen and Subject James Currey Publishers
Mandela, Nelson South Africa Long Walk to Freedom Little Brown
Marais, Eugene South Africa Die Siel van die Mier J.L. van Schaik
Memmi, Albert Tunisia Portrait du colonisé suivi de portrait du colonisateur L'Etincelle
Mondlane, Eduardo Mozambique The Struggle for Mozambique Penguin
Mphahlele, Ezekiel South Africa Down Second Avenue Faber & Faber
Mudimbe, V.Y. Dem. Rep. of Congo The Invention of Africa Indiana University Press
Nkrumah, Kwame Ghana Ghana: The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah Nelson
Plaatje, Sol South Africa Native Life in South Africa P.S. King
Soyinka, Wole Nigeria **Ake: The Years of Childhood Rex Collings
Van Onselen, Charles South Africa The Seed is Mine David Philip Publishers
An initiative of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair
View a copy of the final list.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over the last hundred years African writers have written of their lives, experiences, culture, history and myth; they have written in diverse forms, styles and in many languages. They have been published widely on the African continent, in Europe, the Americas and Asia. They have written in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, and in many other indigenous languages. And they have written with extraordinary originality, flair and great integrity. Nonetheless their work as a corpus deriving from the African continent remains largely unknown and uncelebrated.
To mark the beginning of the 21st century, and encouraged by Professor Ali Mazrui, the Zimbabwe International Book Fair launched the international compilation of "Africa's 100 Best Books." This project was organized in collaboration with the African Publishers Network (APNET), the Pan-African Booksellers Association (PABA), African writers' associations, book development councils, and library associations.
Nominations were sought throughout the African continent and internationally. A comprehensive list of all nominations was published at the ZIBF in August 2001 and during the course of the following year regional panels compiled their own short lists of 100 best books. Closing date for nominations was 30 September 2001.
A jury made the final decision from the short list and the final list of "Africa's 100 Best Books" was announced on February 18, 2002.
See: a copy of the list below.
This allowed ample time for those involved (authors of nominated books and their publishers) to prepare for participation in ZIBF2002. From August 3rd to the 10th in 2002, the fair participants celebrated the authors and publishers on the final list.
Objectives
The aim of this endeavour is:
- to celebrate the achievements of African writers over the last century
- to stimulate debate, discussion, reading, criticism and analysis of African writing
- to foster the publication and development of new titles and those that are currently out of print
- to encourage translation of different texts
- to promote the sale and exchange of books continent-wide and throughout the world
- and above all to increase awareness and knowledge of books and writing by African authors.
Definition of an African
Only books written by Africans are eligible. After extensive discussion and debate the ZIBF has for the purpose of this project identified an African as: 'someone either born in Africa or who became a citizen of an African country.' This definition incorporates those African writers who have moved from their countries of birth to other continents. The issue of authors who are not by this definition deemed African but who consider themselves such or those who have made a notable contribution to African scholarship and literature will be addressed on their merit should their books be nominated.
Criteria for nomination of a book
Nominations were made on the basis that the book has had a powerful, important or affecting influence on the nominator, as an individual, or on society.
What you can do?
* Use this project to generate discussion among your colleagues and friends, with your teachers or students, and in the media.
* Use it as a basis for having African writers in your own cities and countries interviewed, or given a platform to speak and to debate their own work.
* Use it as a positive vehicle for analysis, serious criticism, debate and scholarship.
* Use it as an excuse to buy or loan books and to extend the breadth of your knowledge and understanding of the great wealth of fiction and non-fiction written by Africans about their lives and societies.
* Photocopy, translate, circulate and encourage people to seriously complete the nomination forms. Every serious nomination will lend weight and substance to the list; every book that has made an impact on an individual or on society is worthy of note.
***Africa Book Centre -- Order Catalogue of Best Book Award Winners (Brighton, UK)
-- Commercial site
Please address all queries and ideas directly to:
Zimbabwe International Book Fair Association
P. O. Box CY1179
Causeway
Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: 263 4 702129
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Africa 100 Best Books of the 20th Century--Final List
Arranged in the tables below is a copy of the final list of 100 titles announced by the panel of judges in Accra, Ghana, 18 February 2002.
The jury selected books in 3 main categories:
-- Literature for Children
-- Creative Writing
-- Scholarship/non-fiction
In the table below, ** indicates a top twelve title.
Literature for children
Asare, Meshack Ghana **Sosu's Call Sub-Saharan Publishers
Al-Homi, Hayam Abbas Egypt Adventures of a Breath Atfalna
Mungoshi, Charles Zimbabwe Stories from a Shona Childhood Baobab Books
Tadjo, Veronique Côte d'Ivoire Mamy Wata et le monstre Nouvelles éditions ivoriennes
Creative writing
Abnudi, `Abd al-Rahman Egypt al-Mawt `ala al-asfalt Atlas
Achebe, Chinua Nigeria Arrow of God Heinemann
Achebe, Chinua Nigeria **Things Fall Apart Heinemann
Aidoo, Ama Ata Ghana Anowa Longman
Almeida, Germano Cape Verde O testamento do Sr. Napumoceno da Silva Araújo Ed. Caminho
Armah, Ayi Kwei Ghana The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born Heinemann
Bâ, Amadou Hampâté Mali L'étrange destin de Wangrin Union générale d'éditions
Bâ, Mariama Senegal **Une si longue lettre Nouvelles éditions africaines
Ben Jelloun, Tahar Morocco La nuit sacrée Seuil
Beti, Mongo Cameroon Le pauvre Christ de Bomba Présence africaine
Brink, André South Africa A Dry White Season Penguin
Bugul, Ken Senegal Riwan, ou le chemin de sable Présence africaine
Cheney-Choker, Syl Sierra Leone The Last Harmattan of Alusine Dunbar Heinemann
Chraibi, Driss Morocco Le passé simple Gallimard
Coetzee, J.M. South Africa Life and Times of
Michael K Secker & Warburg
Couto, Mia Mozambique **Terra sonâmbula Ed. Caminho
Craveirinha, José Mozambique Karingana ua Karingana Academica
Dadié, Bernard Côte d'Ivoire Climbié Editions Segiers
Dangarembga, Tsitsi Zimbabwe **Nervous Conditions Women's Press
Dib, Mohammed Algeria Algérie, La grande maison, L'incendie, Le métier à tisser Le Seuil
Diop, Birago Senegal Les contes d'Amadou Koumba Présence africaine
Diop, Boubacar Boris Senegal Murambi ou le livre des ossements Stock
Djebar, Assia Algeria **L'amour, la fantasia J.C. Lattes
Emecheta, Buchi Nigeria The Joys of Motherhood Alison and Busby
Fagunwa,
Daniel O. Nigeria Ogboju ode ninu igbo irunmale Nelson
Farah, Nuruddin Somalia Maps Pan Books
Fugard, Athol South Africa The Blood Knot Simondium Publishers
Ghitani, Jamal al- Egypt Zayni Barakat GEBO
Gordimer, Nadine South Africa Burgher's Daughter Jonathan Cape
Head, Bessie South Africa A Question of Power Heinemann
Honwana, Bernardo Mozambique Nos matamos o cão tinhoso Academica
Hove, Chenjerai Zimbabwe Bones Baobab Books
Isegawa, Moses Uganda Abessijnse Kronieken Uigeverij De
Bezige Bij
Jordan, Archibald Campbell South Africa Ingqumbo yeminyanya Lovedale Press
Joubert, Elsa South Africa Die Swerdjare van Poppie Nongena Tafelberg
Kane, Cheikh Hamidou Senegal L'aventure ambiguë Editions Juillard
Khosa, Ungulani Ba Ka Mozambique Ualalapi AEMO
Kourouma, Ahmadou Côte d'Ivoire Les soleils des indépendances Le Seuil
Laye, Camara Guinea L'enfant noir Plon
Magona, Sindiwe South Africa Living, Loving and Lying Awake at Night David Philip Publishers
Mahfouz, Naguib Egypt **The Cairo Trilogy Maktabet Misr
Marechera, Dambudzo Zimbabwe House of Hunger Heinemann
Mofolo, Thomas Lesotho **Chaka Morija Sesuto Book Depot
Monenembo, Tierno Guinea Un attieké pour Elgass Le Seuil
Mutwa, Vusamazulu Credo South Africa Indaba, My Children Blue Crane Books
Ngugi wa Thiong'o Kenya Caitaani Mutharaba-ini Heinemann
Ngugi wa Thiong'o Kenya **A Grain of Wheat Heinemann
Niane, Djibril Tamsir Senegal Soundjata ou l'épopée mandingue Présence africaine
Nyembezi, Sibusiso South Africa Inkinnsela yaseMgungundlovu Shuter and Shooter
Okigbo, Christopher Nigeria Labyrinths Heinemann
Okri, Ben Nigeria The Famished Road Spectrum Books
Oyono, Ferdinand Cameroon Le vieux nègre et la médaille Editions Juillard
P'Bitek, Okot Uganda Song of Lawino Heinemann
Pepetela Angola A geração da utopia Dom Quixote
Saadawi, Nawal El Egypt Woman at Point Zero Zed Books
Salih El Tayyib Sudan Season of Migration to the North Heinemann
Sassine, Williams Guinea Le jeune homme de sable Présence africaine
Sembene, Ousmane Senegal Les bouts de bois de Dieu Le livre contemporain
Senghor, Léopold Sédar Senegal **Ouevre poétique Le Seuil
Serote, Mongane South Africa Third World Express David Philip Publishers
Shabaan,
Robert Bin Tanzania Utenzi wa vita vya uhuru East African Literature Bureau
Sony Labou Tansi Congo La vie et demie Seuil
Sow Fall, Aminata Senegal La grève des battus Nouvelles éditions africaines
Soyinka, Wole Nigeria Death and the King's Horsemen Spectrum
Tchicaya U Tam'si Congo Le mauvais sang - feu de brousse - à trisse-coeur P.J. Swald
Tutuola, Amos Nigeria The Palm-wine Drinkard Faber
Vera, Yvonne Zimbabwe Butterfly Burning Baobab Books
Vieira, José Luandino Angola Nós os do Makulusu [União dos Escritores Angolanos]
Vilakazi, B.W. South Africa Amal'eZulu Witwatersrand University Press
Yacine, Kateb Algeria Nedjma Le Seuil
Scholarship/non-fiction
Amin, Samir Egypt Accumulation on a World Scale Monthly Review Press
Amadiume, Ifi Nigeria Male Daughters, Female Husbands Zed Books
Andrade,
Mario de Angola Os nacionalismos africanos Sa da Costa
Appiah, Anthony Ghana In My Father's House Oxford University Press
Cabral, Amilcar Guinea-Bissau Unity and Struggle Monthly Review Press
Chimera, Rocha Kenya Kiswahili, past, present and future horizons Nairobi University Press
Diop, Cheikh Anta Senegal **Antériorité des civilisations nègres Présence africaine
Doorkenoo, Efua Ghana Cutting the Rose Minority Rights Group
Hayford, J.E. Casely Ghana Ethiopia Unbound Cass
Hountondji, Paulin Benin Sur la philosophie africaine François Maspero
Johnson, Samuel Nigeria The History of the Yorubas G. Routledge & Sons
Kenyatta, Jomo Kenya Facing Mount Kenya Secker & Warburg
Ki-Zerbo, Joseph Burkina Faso Histoire de l'Afrique noire Hatier
Krog, Antjie South Africa Country of My Skull Jonathan Cape
Mama, Amina Nigeria Beyond the Mask, Race, Gender and Identity Routledge
Mamdani, Mahmood Uganda Citizen and Subject James Currey Publishers
Mandela, Nelson South Africa Long Walk to Freedom Little Brown
Marais, Eugene South Africa Die Siel van die Mier J.L. van Schaik
Memmi, Albert Tunisia Portrait du colonisé suivi de portrait du colonisateur L'Etincelle
Mondlane, Eduardo Mozambique The Struggle for Mozambique Penguin
Mphahlele, Ezekiel South Africa Down Second Avenue Faber & Faber
Mudimbe, V.Y. Dem. Rep. of Congo The Invention of Africa Indiana University Press
Nkrumah, Kwame Ghana Ghana: The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah Nelson
Plaatje, Sol South Africa Native Life in South Africa P.S. King
Soyinka, Wole Nigeria **Ake: The Years of Childhood Rex Collings
Van Onselen, Charles South Africa The Seed is Mine David Philip Publishers
Top 10 happiest countries in the world
Top 10 happiest countries in the world
by Roman on May 27, 2008
Here is a list of TOP 10 happiest countries in the world. The basis of this list is research done by professor Ruut Veenhoven who runs the World Database of Happiness at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
How is happiness measured?
Happiness can be very subjective. Some people are happy when it rains, others are happy when the sun is shining. So how is it measured? Apparently the people at World Database of Happiness take into account a number of different things such as average life expectancy and most importantly the answer to the following multiple choice question “How happy are you?” (Although the actual question has varied a bit throughout the years). Having all the variables they run it through a computer and get a number from 1 to 10. The bigger the number, the happier the country
Happiest countries in the world
10. Luxembourg – 7.6 points
Living in the worlds richest country inevitably puts a smile on your face! This small landlocked European country has an army of 800 people (yes, 800). They don’t have a navy nor an air force but together with Belgium they can afford to own 1 military cargo plane. Beat that US!
According to the Guinness Book of World Records Luxembourg holds the world record as the country that consumes most alcohol in the world per citizen.
9. Guatemala – 7,6 points
This Central American country borders with Mexico in the north and is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This location makes it a very difficult country to stay happy in – Guatemala is frequently ravished by hurricanes and earthquakes that often kill thousands of people. Main exports of Guatemala include coffee, sugar and bananas. The latter is probably why they are so happy – have you ever seen someone that can stay sad while eating a banana? 56% of all Guatemalans live in poverty. If you ask me, they can use the cheap bananas!
8. Canada – 7,6 points
Many people have no idea that Canada’s head of state is actually Queen Elizabeth II – the head of the British Monarchy. This meant that when Britain declared war on Germany in World War I, Canada was automatically at war with the soon to be Nazi country. Unlike the neighboring US, Canada has never cancelled its relations with Cuba and has declined to take part from the Iraq War – instead, it has played a leading role in the United Nations peacekeeping missions and helped to launch a $1.5 billion initiative to help develop vaccines that could save millions of people in poor countries. It seems that happy people make a happy country!
7. Sweden – 7,7 points
This “welfare state” model is an excellent example of effective national taxes. Among other things the state provides universal tax-funded childcare, parental leave, health care, education (including university), retirement pensions and sick leave. Including value added tax (VAT – kind of like sales tax), it is possible to pay up to 80% of your income as taxes. Contrary to popular belief, Swedes are quite OK with their high taxes. After all it gives them tons of free and high quality services – what’s not to be happy about!
Sweden is also the home of IKEA – the worlds largest furniture store. IKEA’s founder Ingvar Kampard is famous for being the 7th richest person in the world (Net worth $31 billion) and driving a 15 year old Volvo station wagon. It has been claimed that more people read the Ikea catalogue than the Bible – and that one in ten Europeans have been conceived on an Ikea bed.
6. Australia – 7,7 points
The name “Australia” comes from the Latin word “Australis”, meaning “Southern”. Australia is the only country in the world, that consists of an entire continent. Between 1788 and 1868 the British used Australia as a colony to deport their convicted criminals – these people are the predecessors to many of today’s citizens. Australians are famous for playing rugby and calling each-other “mates”.
5. Finland – 7,7 points
This is the country that brought us Nokia – the worlds largest manufacturer of mobile phones. In 2003 Nokia accounted for about a quarter of Finland’s exports and in 2006 it generated more revenue than the entire budget of Finland. Before starting to make mobile phones Nokia made (yes, it’s true) rubber boots! Finland was also home to Simo Häyhä – considered to be the most deadly sniper through history with 542 kills. According to World Economic Forum Finland has the most competitive economy in the world. Plenty to be happy about!
4. Iceland – 7,8 points
This geologically active country is rich in volcanoes and geysers (A geyser is a hot spring that erupts water in certain intervals). Thanks to geothermal power Iceland gets its electricity and hot water dirt cheap. There have been occasions where steel has been shipped for processing from Australia or Africa and when finished shipped back to the originating country. Cheap local energy actually makes this cost effective. According to the Human Development Index, Iceland (together with Norway) is the world’s most developed country.
3. Austria – 8,0 points
Austria is the home to the popular energy drink Red Bull. This country is also one of the few in the world, that allows legal voting beginning from age 16. Upon turning 18, all Austrian males have to take part of a 6 month military service. The country has declared itself formally a neutral country or a “perpetual neutrality” as they say it, but in reality it has taken part of various peacekeeping missions and also took part of the UN sanctions against Iraq. Thanks to the wide use of wind-, solar- and hydropower Austria produces around 80% of its energy from renewable resources. Education is mostly free, with the exception of an average semester fee of 583 dollars (370 eur) in universities. As you probably guessed – student loan debts are not an issue in Austria.
Paying the bills!
2. Switzerland – 8,1 points
This cheese and chocolate producing land is the world’s 10th richest country. Switzerland’s neutrality helped their banks to raise some serious cash – for decades it was possible to open a bank account without having to identify yourself. Upon opening an account, you were given a special number that anyone could use to deposit or withdraw money. This law was later changed since it attracted illegal money. Switzerland is also one of the top garbage recyclers in the world (66% to 96% recyclable materials recycled). They achieve this by keeping recycling free, but asking money for regular garbage – thus giving people a financial incentive to recycle.
1. Denmark – 8,2 points
Just like Sweden, Denmark is a Nordic welfare state with most of its services free to the citizens. Expect to pay 72% of your money to the government on the highest income tax bracket. According to Wikipedia Denmark has the worlds highest taxes! When buying a car in Denmark one has to pay 25% VAT to the import price of the vehicle and then a 180% registration tax on top. That means when a car sells for $20 000, you have to pay an additional $45 000 as taxes for the government (total of $65 000). That’s why people in Denmark ride bikes or use one of the best public transport systems in the world. Denmark also has 2 autonomous provinces – the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The latter is over 50 times larger than Denmark but has about 100 times less people.
Other notable countries
USA – 7.4 points – 17th place
Great Britain – 7.1 points – 22nd place
France – 6.5 points – 39th place
China – 6.3 points – 44th place
India – 6.3 points – 45th place
Japan – 6.3 points – 46th place
I’ve been to 4 out of 10 happiest countries in the world – Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland and Denmark! What’s your score
by Roman on May 27, 2008
Here is a list of TOP 10 happiest countries in the world. The basis of this list is research done by professor Ruut Veenhoven who runs the World Database of Happiness at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
How is happiness measured?
Happiness can be very subjective. Some people are happy when it rains, others are happy when the sun is shining. So how is it measured? Apparently the people at World Database of Happiness take into account a number of different things such as average life expectancy and most importantly the answer to the following multiple choice question “How happy are you?” (Although the actual question has varied a bit throughout the years). Having all the variables they run it through a computer and get a number from 1 to 10. The bigger the number, the happier the country
Happiest countries in the world
10. Luxembourg – 7.6 points
Living in the worlds richest country inevitably puts a smile on your face! This small landlocked European country has an army of 800 people (yes, 800). They don’t have a navy nor an air force but together with Belgium they can afford to own 1 military cargo plane. Beat that US!
According to the Guinness Book of World Records Luxembourg holds the world record as the country that consumes most alcohol in the world per citizen.
9. Guatemala – 7,6 points
This Central American country borders with Mexico in the north and is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This location makes it a very difficult country to stay happy in – Guatemala is frequently ravished by hurricanes and earthquakes that often kill thousands of people. Main exports of Guatemala include coffee, sugar and bananas. The latter is probably why they are so happy – have you ever seen someone that can stay sad while eating a banana? 56% of all Guatemalans live in poverty. If you ask me, they can use the cheap bananas!
8. Canada – 7,6 points
Many people have no idea that Canada’s head of state is actually Queen Elizabeth II – the head of the British Monarchy. This meant that when Britain declared war on Germany in World War I, Canada was automatically at war with the soon to be Nazi country. Unlike the neighboring US, Canada has never cancelled its relations with Cuba and has declined to take part from the Iraq War – instead, it has played a leading role in the United Nations peacekeeping missions and helped to launch a $1.5 billion initiative to help develop vaccines that could save millions of people in poor countries. It seems that happy people make a happy country!
7. Sweden – 7,7 points
This “welfare state” model is an excellent example of effective national taxes. Among other things the state provides universal tax-funded childcare, parental leave, health care, education (including university), retirement pensions and sick leave. Including value added tax (VAT – kind of like sales tax), it is possible to pay up to 80% of your income as taxes. Contrary to popular belief, Swedes are quite OK with their high taxes. After all it gives them tons of free and high quality services – what’s not to be happy about!
Sweden is also the home of IKEA – the worlds largest furniture store. IKEA’s founder Ingvar Kampard is famous for being the 7th richest person in the world (Net worth $31 billion) and driving a 15 year old Volvo station wagon. It has been claimed that more people read the Ikea catalogue than the Bible – and that one in ten Europeans have been conceived on an Ikea bed.
6. Australia – 7,7 points
The name “Australia” comes from the Latin word “Australis”, meaning “Southern”. Australia is the only country in the world, that consists of an entire continent. Between 1788 and 1868 the British used Australia as a colony to deport their convicted criminals – these people are the predecessors to many of today’s citizens. Australians are famous for playing rugby and calling each-other “mates”.
5. Finland – 7,7 points
This is the country that brought us Nokia – the worlds largest manufacturer of mobile phones. In 2003 Nokia accounted for about a quarter of Finland’s exports and in 2006 it generated more revenue than the entire budget of Finland. Before starting to make mobile phones Nokia made (yes, it’s true) rubber boots! Finland was also home to Simo Häyhä – considered to be the most deadly sniper through history with 542 kills. According to World Economic Forum Finland has the most competitive economy in the world. Plenty to be happy about!
4. Iceland – 7,8 points
This geologically active country is rich in volcanoes and geysers (A geyser is a hot spring that erupts water in certain intervals). Thanks to geothermal power Iceland gets its electricity and hot water dirt cheap. There have been occasions where steel has been shipped for processing from Australia or Africa and when finished shipped back to the originating country. Cheap local energy actually makes this cost effective. According to the Human Development Index, Iceland (together with Norway) is the world’s most developed country.
3. Austria – 8,0 points
Austria is the home to the popular energy drink Red Bull. This country is also one of the few in the world, that allows legal voting beginning from age 16. Upon turning 18, all Austrian males have to take part of a 6 month military service. The country has declared itself formally a neutral country or a “perpetual neutrality” as they say it, but in reality it has taken part of various peacekeeping missions and also took part of the UN sanctions against Iraq. Thanks to the wide use of wind-, solar- and hydropower Austria produces around 80% of its energy from renewable resources. Education is mostly free, with the exception of an average semester fee of 583 dollars (370 eur) in universities. As you probably guessed – student loan debts are not an issue in Austria.
Paying the bills!
2. Switzerland – 8,1 points
This cheese and chocolate producing land is the world’s 10th richest country. Switzerland’s neutrality helped their banks to raise some serious cash – for decades it was possible to open a bank account without having to identify yourself. Upon opening an account, you were given a special number that anyone could use to deposit or withdraw money. This law was later changed since it attracted illegal money. Switzerland is also one of the top garbage recyclers in the world (66% to 96% recyclable materials recycled). They achieve this by keeping recycling free, but asking money for regular garbage – thus giving people a financial incentive to recycle.
1. Denmark – 8,2 points
Just like Sweden, Denmark is a Nordic welfare state with most of its services free to the citizens. Expect to pay 72% of your money to the government on the highest income tax bracket. According to Wikipedia Denmark has the worlds highest taxes! When buying a car in Denmark one has to pay 25% VAT to the import price of the vehicle and then a 180% registration tax on top. That means when a car sells for $20 000, you have to pay an additional $45 000 as taxes for the government (total of $65 000). That’s why people in Denmark ride bikes or use one of the best public transport systems in the world. Denmark also has 2 autonomous provinces – the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The latter is over 50 times larger than Denmark but has about 100 times less people.
Other notable countries
USA – 7.4 points – 17th place
Great Britain – 7.1 points – 22nd place
France – 6.5 points – 39th place
China – 6.3 points – 44th place
India – 6.3 points – 45th place
Japan – 6.3 points – 46th place
I’ve been to 4 out of 10 happiest countries in the world – Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland and Denmark! What’s your score
50smartest people of the world
Parade Magazine Top 50 Smartest People in the World
(August 7, 2005)
http://www.parade.com/current/coverstory/top50.html
Who’s smarter—men or women? Marilyn vos Savant tackled that controversial question in our July 17 cover story. We asked you your opinion in our online poll. Here are the results.
Top 50 Smartest People
1
Albert Einstein
2
Bill Gates
3
Marie Curie
4
Stephen Hawking
5
Condoleezza Rice
6
Bill Clinton
7
Sandra Day O'Connor
8
Oprah Winfrey
9
Warren Buffett
10
Jane Goodall
11
Steven Spielberg
12
Dalai Lama
13
Sally Ride
14
George S. Patton Jr.
15
Jon Stewart
16
J.K. Rowling
17
Dr. Phil (McGraw)
18
Ben Carson
19
Susan Polgar
20
Pablo Picasso
21
Rosalyn Yalow
22
Linda Buck
23
Yo-Yo Ma
24
Johnny Carson
25
Georgia O'Keeffe
26
Katharine Graham
27
Mary Matalin
28
James Carville
29
Meryl Streep
30
Sergey Brin
31
Toni Morrison
32
Dr. Ruth (Westheimer)
33
Jackie Chan
34
Quincy Jones
35
Hayao Miyazaki
36
Maya Lin
37
Meg Whitman
38
Edward Albee
39
Pat Summitt
40
Wynton Marsalis
41
Mikhail Baryshnikov
42
Martha Graham
43
Ralph Lauren
44
Bette Davis
45
Antonia Novello
46
Allison Fisher
47
Frank Gehry
48
Mike Nichols
49
Annie Duke
50
Annika Sorenstam
http://www.parade.com/current/coverstory/thankyou.html
(August 7, 2005)
http://www.parade.com/current/coverstory/top50.html
Who’s smarter—men or women? Marilyn vos Savant tackled that controversial question in our July 17 cover story. We asked you your opinion in our online poll. Here are the results.
Top 50 Smartest People
1
Albert Einstein
2
Bill Gates
3
Marie Curie
4
Stephen Hawking
5
Condoleezza Rice
6
Bill Clinton
7
Sandra Day O'Connor
8
Oprah Winfrey
9
Warren Buffett
10
Jane Goodall
11
Steven Spielberg
12
Dalai Lama
13
Sally Ride
14
George S. Patton Jr.
15
Jon Stewart
16
J.K. Rowling
17
Dr. Phil (McGraw)
18
Ben Carson
19
Susan Polgar
20
Pablo Picasso
21
Rosalyn Yalow
22
Linda Buck
23
Yo-Yo Ma
24
Johnny Carson
25
Georgia O'Keeffe
26
Katharine Graham
27
Mary Matalin
28
James Carville
29
Meryl Streep
30
Sergey Brin
31
Toni Morrison
32
Dr. Ruth (Westheimer)
33
Jackie Chan
34
Quincy Jones
35
Hayao Miyazaki
36
Maya Lin
37
Meg Whitman
38
Edward Albee
39
Pat Summitt
40
Wynton Marsalis
41
Mikhail Baryshnikov
42
Martha Graham
43
Ralph Lauren
44
Bette Davis
45
Antonia Novello
46
Allison Fisher
47
Frank Gehry
48
Mike Nichols
49
Annie Duke
50
Annika Sorenstam
http://www.parade.com/current/coverstory/thankyou.html
COMUNICADO DE IMPRENSA DO MOVIMENTO NACIONAL DA SOCIEDADE CIVIL 04.04.2010
_________________________________________________________________________________
____
Movimento
E-mail: movimentosc@yahoo.com.br; elbachir_12@hotmail.com
Sede Provisória, Rua-Justino Lopes, Casa Nº13 (atrás da casa Escada), Tel (245) 6604831/675.20.31
Cp.n 65-Bissau/ Republica da Guine-Bissau
1
REPÚBLICA DA GUINE-BISSAU
MOVIMENTO
Movimento Nacional da Sociedade Civil para Paz Democracia e Desenvolvimento
COMUNICADO À IMPRENSA
A Guiné-Bissau mais uma vez viu escapar uma oportunidade imprescindível rumo
à estabilidade e ao desenvolvimento. Os acontecimentos de hoje além de serem
actos atentatórios à ordem democrática, simbolizam a espiral mais alta da
violência, colocando em risco todos os esforços tendentes à consolidação da paz e
estabilidade.
O Movimento Nacional da Sociedade Civil registou com extrema preocupação a
invasão da sede das Nações Unidas e consequente tomada de refém do Primeiroministro
e do Chefe do Estado-maior General das Forças Armadas
constitucionalmente instituídos. Conquanto e lamentavelmente, torna mais que
evidente que os militares continuam a ter um papel determinante na definição do
rumo político do país.
Infelizmente, esta autêntica demonstração de força, surgiu num momento em que
a comunidade nacional e internacional inspirava uma certa confiança no processo
de governação. Pois, era mais de que visível, a retoma da estabilidade económica,
austeridade financeira, revitalização do aparelho judiciário, início das reformas e
restituição da ordem do Estado
Porém, a tomada de medidas urgentes para a inversão substancial da forma de
actuar da classe castrense com vista à manutenção da ordem pública e
democrática é premente.
A construção do Estado de direito prende-se essencialmente com o funcionamento
pleno e efectivo das instituições e órgãos de soberania, respeito pelos direitos
humanos, submissão dos militares ao poder político, observância restrita da
legalidade e combate à impunidade.
_________________________________________________________________________________
____
Movimento
E-mail: movimentosc@yahoo.com.br; elbachir_12@hotmail.com
Sede Provisória, Rua-Justino Lopes, Casa Nº13 (atrás da casa Escada), Tel (245) 6604831/675.20.31
Cp.n 65-Bissau/ Republica da Guine-Bissau
2
REPÚBLICA DA GUINE-BISSAU
MOVIMENTO
Movimento Nacional da Sociedade Civil para Paz Democracia e Desenvolvimento
Não obstante, estes desideratos de que depende a eficiência do Estado, continuase
a constatar enormes fragilidades, ou seja, o país não consegue ainda, mitigar
os efeitos prejudiciais desses estrangulamentos nocivos ao processo da
consolidação da paz e estabilidade, isto é, está suplantado pelo império marcial.
Face ao exposto, o Movimento da Sociedade Civil delibera o seguinte:
1- Responsabilizar o Estado-Maior General das Forças Armadas pelas
consequências dos actos sobreditos,
2- Exigir o respeito pela liberdade e direitos fundamentais dos titulares
dos órgãos públicos democraticamente eleitos;
3- Apelar à Manutenção da Ordem democrática e constitucional
4- Exortar o Presidente da República para fazer valer a sua magistratura
enquanto Comandante em Chefe das Forças Armadas e guardião da
Constituição.
5- Enaltecer a atitude cívica dos cidadãos em exigir a reposição da ordem
pública
Feito em Bissau em 1 de Abril de 2010
A Direcção Nacional
___________________
____
Movimento
E-mail: movimentosc@yahoo.com.br; elbachir_12@hotmail.com
Sede Provisória, Rua-Justino Lopes, Casa Nº13 (atrás da casa Escada), Tel (245) 6604831/675.20.31
Cp.n 65-Bissau/ Republica da Guine-Bissau
1
REPÚBLICA DA GUINE-BISSAU
MOVIMENTO
Movimento Nacional da Sociedade Civil para Paz Democracia e Desenvolvimento
COMUNICADO À IMPRENSA
A Guiné-Bissau mais uma vez viu escapar uma oportunidade imprescindível rumo
à estabilidade e ao desenvolvimento. Os acontecimentos de hoje além de serem
actos atentatórios à ordem democrática, simbolizam a espiral mais alta da
violência, colocando em risco todos os esforços tendentes à consolidação da paz e
estabilidade.
O Movimento Nacional da Sociedade Civil registou com extrema preocupação a
invasão da sede das Nações Unidas e consequente tomada de refém do Primeiroministro
e do Chefe do Estado-maior General das Forças Armadas
constitucionalmente instituídos. Conquanto e lamentavelmente, torna mais que
evidente que os militares continuam a ter um papel determinante na definição do
rumo político do país.
Infelizmente, esta autêntica demonstração de força, surgiu num momento em que
a comunidade nacional e internacional inspirava uma certa confiança no processo
de governação. Pois, era mais de que visível, a retoma da estabilidade económica,
austeridade financeira, revitalização do aparelho judiciário, início das reformas e
restituição da ordem do Estado
Porém, a tomada de medidas urgentes para a inversão substancial da forma de
actuar da classe castrense com vista à manutenção da ordem pública e
democrática é premente.
A construção do Estado de direito prende-se essencialmente com o funcionamento
pleno e efectivo das instituições e órgãos de soberania, respeito pelos direitos
humanos, submissão dos militares ao poder político, observância restrita da
legalidade e combate à impunidade.
_________________________________________________________________________________
____
Movimento
E-mail: movimentosc@yahoo.com.br; elbachir_12@hotmail.com
Sede Provisória, Rua-Justino Lopes, Casa Nº13 (atrás da casa Escada), Tel (245) 6604831/675.20.31
Cp.n 65-Bissau/ Republica da Guine-Bissau
2
REPÚBLICA DA GUINE-BISSAU
MOVIMENTO
Movimento Nacional da Sociedade Civil para Paz Democracia e Desenvolvimento
Não obstante, estes desideratos de que depende a eficiência do Estado, continuase
a constatar enormes fragilidades, ou seja, o país não consegue ainda, mitigar
os efeitos prejudiciais desses estrangulamentos nocivos ao processo da
consolidação da paz e estabilidade, isto é, está suplantado pelo império marcial.
Face ao exposto, o Movimento da Sociedade Civil delibera o seguinte:
1- Responsabilizar o Estado-Maior General das Forças Armadas pelas
consequências dos actos sobreditos,
2- Exigir o respeito pela liberdade e direitos fundamentais dos titulares
dos órgãos públicos democraticamente eleitos;
3- Apelar à Manutenção da Ordem democrática e constitucional
4- Exortar o Presidente da República para fazer valer a sua magistratura
enquanto Comandante em Chefe das Forças Armadas e guardião da
Constituição.
5- Enaltecer a atitude cívica dos cidadãos em exigir a reposição da ordem
pública
Feito em Bissau em 1 de Abril de 2010
A Direcção Nacional
___________________
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