Let's say I'm a budding young empire in mid-nineteenth century Europe with an eagerness to prove my imperial might. Assuming the whole continent is up for grabs, where is the best place in Africa to establish a colony? Here are a few locations I was thinking:
Egypt/The Sinai Peninsula, for it's strategic location and the ability to control trade in the Mediterranean/Indian Ocean. Not much in the way for settler colonies, however, and it's rather small.
North African Coast, for it's geographical proximity to Europe, moderate climate in Morocco/Algeria for settler colonies, and high-quality oil in Libya.
The Congo, for its sheer amount of natural resources, such as rubber, which would be very profitable for state enterprise. However, the climate is extreme, and unfavorable for settler colonies.
Coasts of Southern Africa (ex. Angola and Mozambique). Has access to many resources, such as oil in Cabinda, and diamonds. Once the 20th century rolls around, settling the region will become more viable. In the interior, regions such as modern day Botswana and Rhodesia have moderate climates for settlers and are suitable for farming.
The Cape, for it's strategic location, and having an ideal climate for settlers. Further inland, Uranium deposits will become useful. Again, allows for access to the interior for farming and further settler colonies.
Which of these is the best places for my Empire to colonize in Africa? Are there any places that are better that I've missed, such as the Swahili Coast? Conversely, which places are the worst, and would be costly mistakes to colonize?
Egypt/The Sinai Peninsula, for it's strategic location and the ability to control trade in the Mediterranean/Indian Ocean. Not much in the way for settler colonies, however, and it's rather small.
North African Coast, for it's geographical proximity to Europe, moderate climate in Morocco/Algeria for settler colonies, and high-quality oil in Libya.
The Congo, for its sheer amount of natural resources, such as rubber, which would be very profitable for state enterprise. However, the climate is extreme, and unfavorable for settler colonies.
Coasts of Southern Africa (ex. Angola and Mozambique). Has access to many resources, such as oil in Cabinda, and diamonds. Once the 20th century rolls around, settling the region will become more viable. In the interior, regions such as modern day Botswana and Rhodesia have moderate climates for settlers and are suitable for farming.
The Cape, for it's strategic location, and having an ideal climate for settlers. Further inland, Uranium deposits will become useful. Again, allows for access to the interior for farming and further settler colonies.
Which of these is the best places for my Empire to colonize in Africa? Are there any places that are better that I've missed, such as the Swahili Coast? Conversely, which places are the worst, and would be costly mistakes to colonize?