NORTH
Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Egypt Western Sahara

North Africa reflects the influence of many invaders, both European and Arab, giving the region Islamic flavor and a common Arabic language.

Morocco and Tunisia exploit their culture and landscape for tourism, while Libya and Algeria aid their development through the use of oil and gas, despite political unrest. Egypt, with its Nile-watered agricultural land and industrial base, is the most populous nation.

The Atlas Mountains run from Morocco to Tunisia more than 1,200 miles (1,931 km).