Angola is a southern African nation whose varied terrain encompasses tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine system of rivers and Sub-Saharan desert that extends across the border into Namibia. The country's colonial history is reflected in its Portuguese-influenced cuisine and its landmarks including Fortaleza de São Miguel, built by the Portuguese in 1576 to defend the capital, Luanda.
Capital: Luanda
President: José Eduardo dos Santos
Population: 21.47 million (2013) World Bank
Currency: Angolan kwanza
Official language: Portuguese
Government: Unitary state, Presidential system, Republic

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as DR Congo, DRC, DROC, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo is a country located in Central Africa. From 1971 to 1997 it was named Zaire.
Capital: Kinshasa
Population: 67.51 million (2013) World Bank
President: Joseph Kabila
Prime minister: Augustin Matata Ponyo
Official language: French

Madagascar, a huge island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, is home to thousands of animal species – like lemurs – found nowhere else, plus rainforests, beaches and reefs. Near the busy capital, Antananarivo, is Ambohimanga, a hillside complex of royal palaces and burial grounds, as well as the “Avenue of the Baobabs,” a dirt road lined by massive centuries-old trees.
Capital: Antananarivo
Dialing code: +261
Area: 578,041 km²
Currency: Malagasy ariary
Population: 22.92 million (2013) World Bank
President: Hery Rajaonarimampianina

Mauritius, a volcanic island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior encompasses Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and native fauna like the flying fox. The capital, Port Louis, blends foreign influences and offers sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, colonial Eureka plantation and 18th-century botanical garden.
Capital: Port Louis
Dialing code: +230
Area: 2,040 km²
Currency: Mauritian rupee
Population: 1.296 million (2013) World Bank
President: Ameenah Gurib

The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa, known for its beaches, coral reefs, diving, nature reserves and rare wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé island, with an international airport, is a key transport hub, home to capital Victoria, the mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and white-sand beaches including Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.
Capital: Victoria
Dialing code: +248
Currency: Seychellois rupee
Population: 89,173 (2013) World Bank
Continent: Africa
Official languages: English, French, Seselwa