I disagree about Africa being a 'shithole'. Yes, certain countries in central africa could perhaps be classified as such. However, countries such as Botswana, Guinea-Conakry, and some other countries on both the African west coast and the African east cost, and shouldn't be classified as such. Especially since the countries do alright in nearly every aspect of life.
When we talk about North America, we actually mean the US, not Canada nor Mexico.
As for the Ottoman Empire (ruled by the turks), this empire only covered certain parts of Africa, and by that I mean North Africa.