North Africa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids North Africa
Countries	Sovereign states (6)  Algeria  Egypt  Libya  Mauritania  Morocco  Tunisia  Sudan Other territories (3)  Madeira ( Portugal) Plazas de soberanía ( Spain)  Canary Islands ( Spain) Unrecognized states (1)  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (de-facto government of parts of Western Sahara, claimant to the whole area)
Time zones	UTC+00:00 UTC+01:00 UTC+02:00

North Africa is the northern part of the continent of Africa. It is a very interesting region with a rich history and diverse landscapes. This area is mostly made up of deserts, but it also has coasts along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The countries usually considered part of North Africa are:

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Libya
• Mauritania
• Morocco
• Tunisia
• Western Sahara (a disputed territory)

Geography and Climate

Most of North Africa is covered by the Sahara Desert. This means it is very dry, and it does not rain much. The climate is hot and arid. However, along the coasts, especially near the Mediterranean Sea, the weather is milder. Here, you can find more green areas and even some mountains.

The Nile River is very important to North Africa. It flows through Egypt and provides water for farming. This river has supported life in the region for thousands of years.

People and Culture

The main groups of people in North Africa are Arabs and Moors. Moors are a mix of African and Arab people. Most people in North Africa follow the Islamic religion. This means they are Muslims.

Arabic is the most common language spoken here. However, other languages like Berber dialects are also spoken. The culture is rich with traditions, music, and delicious food. Many cities have old markets called souks. Here, you can find spices, crafts, and textiles.

History of North Africa

North Africa has a long and fascinating history. It has been home to many ancient civilizations.

Ancient Times

Ancient Egypt was one of the earliest and most powerful civilizations. It developed along the Nile River. Later, the Roman Empire also had a strong presence here. The Romans built many cities and roads. They even had an emperor, Septimius Severus, who was born in North Africa. He was from Leptis Magna in what is now Libya.

Islamic Era

Around the 7th century, Arab armies arrived in North Africa. They brought the Islamic religion and the Arabic language. This led to the building of many beautiful mosques, like the Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia. This mosque was founded in 670 AD and is one of the oldest and most important in the region.

Modern Era

In more recent times, parts of North Africa were ruled by the Ottoman Empire. This was shown on maps like the 1803 Cedid Atlas. Later, European countries took control of many areas. Today, the countries of North Africa are independent. They continue to develop while preserving their unique heritage.

Images for kids

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  Population density of Africa (2000)

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  Market of Biskra in Algeria, 1899

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  The kasbah of Aït Benhaddou in Morocco

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  The first Roman emperor native to North Africa was Septimius Severus, born in Leptis Magna in present-day Libya.

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  The Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia, founded by Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi in 670, is one of the oldest and most important mosques in North Africa.

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  1803 Cedid Atlas, showing the Ottoman held regions of North Africa

See also

In Spanish: África del Norte para niños