North Africa

North Africa is a region comprising the northernmost countries of the African continent, typically including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. The region is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Sahara Desert to the south and the Red Sea to the east. North Africa is home to about 250-million people and serves as a strategic bridge between Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The dominant language across much of the region is Arabic, and Islam is the predominant religion, reflecting centuries of cultural and historical ties to the Arab world. Economically, the region is characterised by significant oil and gas reserves, particularly in Libya and Algeria, alongside tourism, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Egypt, with the Suez Canal, holds particular strategic importance for global maritime trade. Water scarcity is a defining challenge across North Africa, driven by arid climates, limited freshwater resources and growing populations, making desalination and water infrastructure critical priorities. The region has experienced considerable political and economic transformation in recent decades, including the Arab Spring uprisings that began in 2010. North Africa's proximity to Europe has made it a focal point for migration, trade and energy partnerships. Major cities include Cairo, Casablanca, Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, which serve as economic and political hubs for their respective countries.