Geography:

Geography: Dominated by World’s Largest Desert: the Sahara

Geography: Water Access Drives Population Settlement

Geography:

Ironically, North Africa is also home to the World’s Longest River: The Nile

Geography:

95% of Egyptians live within 12 miles of the Nile

Geography:

Most agriculture requires irrigation

Algeria – Adapting to Desert

Resource - Oil

Libya & Algeria are part of the 12-member Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Libya - Leader had been Muammar Qaddafi since 1969 -Used to support terrorism (some acts against the USA)---we launched a small attack against them in 1986 -Revolution and death of Qaddafi in 2011.

Tunisia Tunisia doesn’t have much oil---relies on

agriculture -- doesn’t have the amount of desert the others have; primarily a Mediterranean climate (as does coastal Algeria)

Morocco – A Diverse People Mix of Arab, European and African cultures

Only African country to have coasts on the Atlantic and Mediterranean; primarily a Mediterranean climate

North African Culture Most countries were former colonies of European

countries…Spain, France and Italy - Close economic ties still exist, especially over oil.

What cultural influences might exist?

- Remember immigration into Europe—what would make that easier?

Language…at least as a second…

North African Culture

For example: this Algerian song mixes French and Arabic

North African Culture HOWEVER:

Predominate Language: Arabic

Predominate Religion: Islam

More in common with Southwest Asia than Sub-Saharan Africa due to diffusion of Arab/Islamic culture

North African Culture

Also affected by similar geographic issues of Southwest Asia

Similar Climate: Arid/Desert

Similar Resource Issues: Oil export

Water scarcity

Issues: Islamic Fundamentalism and anti government movements

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/world/middle-east-protests/

Algeria: Recent attack on an internationally operated gas facility by an al-Qaeda type group…future relations unsure. Libya: Attack on US embassy 2012…future relations unsure due to al-Qaeda type unrest.

Egypt: Fundamentalist aligned government took power after revolution two years ago. Very anti-Israel. Future relations unsure.

Issues: Clean, Available Water!