While the exact number is debated, estimates range from 1,500 to 2,100 languages. This diversity is due to a number of factors, including:
* Long history: Africa is home to some of the oldest human civilizations, allowing for the development and diversification of languages over long periods.
* Diverse geography: Africa's varied landscapes, from deserts to rainforests, have supported the development of distinct cultures and languages.
* Limited historical contact: Unlike Europe or Asia, Africa has not experienced widespread conquest and cultural homogenization from a single dominant power. This has allowed many indigenous languages to survive.
It's important to note that this number doesn't include all dialects and variations within languages, which would increase the total even further.