Avengers: Age of Ultron is hitting this weekend, and with it a whole mess of plot points and secrets are spilling out onto the internet. With those tid bits comes a lot of questions over even the smallest details. Luckily, we’re here to help you.
Spoilers for Age of Ultron ahead.
A good chunk of Age of Ultron‘s second act takes place in a country called Wakanda, which just kinda shows up in the movie like it’s always been in the world. And, well, it has, but it hasn’t been mentioned (aside from a possible Easter egg in Iron Man 2) until now.
Where is Wakanda?
According to the comics, Wakanda is located in Northeastern Africa. Its exact placement on the map has varied depending on the source, it’s generally accepted as being north of Tanzania.
What’s so special about the country?
A lot, it would seem. It’s established in Age of Ultron that Wakanda is the world’s only source of vibranium (the metal in Captain America’s shield). As a result, a lot of powerful people in the Marvel world have attempted (and will attempt) to manipulate the country in order go gain as much vibranium as possible.
We know Howard Stark was able to obtain the last “legitimate” cache of vibranium out of the country, while Ulysses Klaue (who we met in Age of Ultron) managed to steal his own stockpile decades later, at the cost of a painful looking brand that reads “thief.”
What we don’t know yet is why Wakanda decided to close its borders to outsiders, although I’m sure that will be a big plot point in later films.
Do I know anyone from Wakanda in the MCU?
In the MCU? Not yet, but you will. The main character of the upcoming Black Panther film, T’Challa, will presumably assume the mantle of the film’s titular character in order to combat the antagonists trying to exploit his home.
