Events that have taken place in this Era are the Rwanda Genocide, Syrian Uprising, Famine, AIDS, and Slavery (yes it is still happening within Africa).
Government
Syria, as explained in the Current Issue portion, has the government style of the Ba'ath Party Rule. South Africa however, is a constitutional democracy, which is much like the United States. A president with 3 branches: Judicial, legislative, and executive.
Geography/Environment
The environment in Africa is very deserty. Since rainfall is scarce, not much can grow so the people can't eat as much.
Current Issue
A Civil War is predicted at this time for the country of Syria. The Syrian uprise started in January of 2011. The public was finally fed up with the government and the Current President Bashar al-Assad. Ba'ath Party Rule is the type of government running Syria. It's focus is Secularism (religion rejection), Socialism, and Arab Unionism that started in the early 1960's.
Culture
In today's world, parts of Africa suffer from AIDS, starvation, and other diseases. But when you scratch all that away, there is a nice, fun atmosphere. Africans enjoy music and art.
Economy
The economy in Africa is pretty corrupt. Leadership in most areas is rare. And since the environment can't produce much food there is nothing to trade.
Health and Disease
AIDS is very common throughout Africa. Over 90 million Africans are infected with the disease and millions die every day, including children. People get the disease from where they live and by sexual contact. Areas of Africa are very dirty and because of that AIDS goes around. AIDS is a disease that attacks the immune system and is incurable.
Technology
In the poor parts of Africa, "Technology" is a privilege that doesn't come around too often. Since the economy is corrupt, there is no money for things like computers, iPod, etc. They make most of their homes from mud, rocks, and straw because of the economy also.