Skip to main content

See 15 Images of Wondrous West Africa From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Explore Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso! This gallery immerses you in West Africa's vibrant cultures, diverse people, and stunning wildlife.

Rafael Moreno
Rafael Moreno
·2 min read·63 views

Originally reported by Smithsonian Magazine ↗ · Rewritten for clarity and brevity by Brightcast

See 15 Images of Wondrous West Africa From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo ContestArts

West Africa is a vibrant region with many distinct cultures. While people from afar might see them as one, countries like Ghana have over 100 ethnic groups. Nigeria alone boasts more than 300 groups and 500 languages.

A goat peeks from behind a tree

Despite this diversity, West African nations share common threads. Oral traditions, cooking styles, and textile making are some practices that unite the people across the region.

Black and white photo of African people jumping at beach

This collection of photos offers a virtual journey through some of these nations, showcasing their people, culture, and wildlife.

Wait—What is Brightcast?

We're a new kind of news feed.

Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.

Start Your News Detox

A motorcycle next to a hut

A African mother holds her young son at the beach

African fisherman on a small boat

Masquerade dancers rest during the Egungun ceremony

An African man with a headlamp at night

A teenage young African boy sits in a empty windowsill

African fishermen stand atop boats at sunrise

2 young African girls stand with trays on their heads

A small white monkey in the grass

3 African men pose in a field

An African man rides a horse on a empty beach

A elderly African woman sits outside her house

Brightcast Impact Score (BIS)

This article showcases positive images of West African culture and people, promoting understanding and appreciation. While not a solution to a problem, it highlights the beauty and diversity of a region often stereotyped. The emotional impact is high due to the inspiring nature of the photography.

Hope15/40

Emotional uplift and inspirational potential

Reach16/30

Audience impact and shareability

Verification15/30

Source credibility and content accuracy

Moderate
46/100

Local or limited impact

Start a ripple of hope

Share it and watch how far your hope travels · View analytics →

Spread hope
You
friendstheir friendsand beyond...

Wall of Hope

0/20

Be the first to share how this story made you feel

How does this make you feel?

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Connected Progress

A Shanghai Art Show Unearths Hidden Revolutionary Histories and Unsung Heroes
arts

A Shanghai Art Show Unearths Hidden Revolutionary Histories and Unsung Heroes

Exhibitions showcase global cultures and histories, from West Africa to revolutionary Shanghai.

Her dad's dementia inspired a clever guide helping families in Kenya cope
health

Her dad's dementia inspired a clever guide helping families in Kenya cope

Insights into daily life and challenges faced by communities across the African continent.

Animals Are Helping This South African Reserve Lock Away Carbon Underground
environment

Animals Are Helping This South African Reserve Lock Away Carbon Underground

Wildlife and environmental conservation efforts span across both West and Southern Africa.

See the Stunning 171-Year-Old Sketch That Helped Put Yosemite on the Map
arts

See the Stunning 171-Year-Old Sketch That Helped Put Yosemite on the Map

Iconic landscapes, from West Africa to Yosemite, captured through photography and art.

Sources: Smithsonian Magazine

More stories that restore faith in humanity