Climate Geography North Africa has a primarily desert

Climate & Geography North Africa has a primarily desert and semi -arid climate, which means there is little to no rainfall in the area. The climate doesn’t allow for very much vegetation. Soil in the area is poor. The best vegetation occurs around rainy coastal areas along valley floors of rivers.

Rainfall and Flooding When it rains the regions deltas, rivers, oases, and wadis are subject to seasonal flooding which deposits rich silt for farming.

Sahara Desert The northernmost region of the African continent is separated from the rest of Africa by the Sahara Desert. The Sahara Desert stretches over most of North Africa, it is the world’s largest dry desert.

The region’s MOST PRECIOUS resource. Even though this is a dry area, water plays a very large role. There are several large bodies of water which play a major role in world politics.

Nile River The Nile is the main source of water for Egypt. All of the population lives along the Nile River valley. It is the only river that runs south to north.

Atlas Mountains Northern Morocco & Algeria

Suez Canal It is a transportation corridor located in Egypt. It enhanced shipping routes in the region.

Aswan High Dam Positive Effects v Controls flooding v Recreation areas v Power Negative Effects v Land losing fertility v Lost homes when built

Governments Algeria – Parliamentary Republic Egypt – In transition Libya – In transition Morocco – Constitutional Monarchy Tunisia – Republic

Economy The area has a heavy reliance on primary economic activities such as oil drilling and agriculture.

The area is the home of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Many countries are still members. Large oil revenues major producers of world’s oil. Positive Effects v Jobs v Revenue v Position of power v v v Negative Effects Reliance on one industry Pollution Unequal distribution of wealth

Trade has been important to the region from the earliest time. v Today regional conflicts and political unrest have affected trade and tourism. v The area today has contemporary trade routes (sea lanes). v

City Center of Trade and Culture Cairo, Egypt – is a major center for trade and culture because of its location in the middle of North Africa and Southwest Asia.

Cultural Characteristics v v The area has experienced rapid urbanization, moving or changing from country to city. Most modernization has centered around urban areas, while the traditional lifestyle has continued in the rural, the country area or lifestyle, areas.

Population A large percent of the population is under the age 15 due to conflict, disease, and the hardships associated with the region. The population is generally unevenly distributed due to the environment and resources.

Languages In Northern Africa, language is an extremely important cultural feature that is often linked to religion.

Arabic Is the official language spoken in most countries in North Africa. It spread through the area because of the Islamic religion. There are dialect differences between the North African countries. ﺩﻳﺎﻧﺎ

Berber Is the language of the native people (Berbers) in the area before Arabic was spread through Islam. It is still spoken by some Moroccans, Algerians, and Libyans. Ramses II

Languages by Country Algeria - Arabic , French, Berber Egypt - Arabic , English, French (widely understood by educated classes) Libya - Arabic, Berber, Italian, English (widely understood in major cities) Morocco - Arabic , Berber, French (often used for business & government), Spanish, English Tunisia - Arabic , French (business)

Religion North Africa and S. W. Asia are the birthplace to 3 major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Religions by Country Algeria - Islam 99% Christianity and Judaism 1% Egypt Islam 90% Coptic 9% Christianity 1% Other 6% Libya Islam 97% Morocco - Islam 98% Christianity 1% Judaism and other 1% Tunisia - Islam 98% Christianity 1% Judaism and other 1%

Religious Conflict Since 1949, the region has been in conflict over the area known as the West Bank and Gaza. This area was once PALESTINE and is present day ISRAEL.

Standard of Living Great variation in the standard of living in the region. It ranges from the relatively high to the poverty stricken.

Bedouins/Nomadic Lifestyle Bedouins - desert dwellers in Arabic. Many cultures have been traditionally nomadic. Today, many nomads have settled, but there are still some in the region. NOMADS – people who follow a food source from place to place never settling down.

Cultural Landscape Mosques minarets (architectural feature) Bazaars – Souks (marketplaces) Oil rigs in Libya Walled cities in Morocco Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt

Art The art of the region reflects the diversity of the religions: Geometric tiles Calligraphy Prayer rug Mosaics Stained glass