Praise for the previous edition, Encyclopedia of African History and Culture:
"...well written...Recommended."—Choice
"...accessible to high school students and general readers."—Reference & Research Book News
"...fulfills its information and education goals and is highly recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries."—Booklist
Encyclopedia of Independent Africa (1960 to Present) covers the independence and postcolonial era in Africa, from the bloody and lengthy wars of liberation against Portuguese colonial rule and the breakaway white minority government in Rhodesia, through South Africa's first democratic election in 1994, which ended the long era of apartheid and led Nelson Mandela to the presidency. More recent developments include the rise of Islamist jihadist groups, such as Boko Haram and al-Shabaab; a move towards democracy following the end of the cold war; and efforts to pursue economic development while considering its link to environmental protection, social stability, and long-term economic prospects. Supported by color images and maps and a recounting of oral traditions and histories, this attractive and readable encyclopedia is an ideal source of authoritative information as well as an entertaining and illuminating guide to the world's most diverse continent.