The book is a popular-science description of the most fascinating aspects of studying Africa: its nature and animal life, peoples and languages, religions and cultures, art and architecture. In a simple, accessible language, the authors—well-known Africanists—tell about the most intriguing mysteries of the Black Continent, about surprising customs of African peoples, and about lesser-known pages of their history. The book presents unique authorial material and, in terms of style and the scope of information, has no equals in contemporary Russian-language literature. It is intended for a broad educated readership, as well as for students, senior high school students, and everyone who is interested in learning about the world around us.