North Africa generate about one-third of Africa’s total GDP and it is often referred to as an economically prosperous area of Africa.
It’s a group of countries occupying the northern region of Africa which stretch from the Red Sea to the East, the Suez Canal, and the Atlantic shores of Morocco to the West.
North African countries share a common ethnic, cultural and linguistic identity, they are predominantly Islam. Their primary language is Arabic.
North Africa has three main geographical features; the Atlas Mountain in the West, the Sahara desert in the South, the Nile River and Delta in the East.
Besides these 8, territories like Western Sahara, Pelagie Islands, Canary Islands, and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which are partially recognized states are also considered to be a part of North Africa.
Table of Contents
North African countries
1. Algeria
Algeria is the Largest Country in Africa with 80 % of the land mass covered by the Sahara Dessert. Algeria gained Independence from France in 1962. Algeria is home to 7 of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2. Egypt
Egypt has the largest Arabic population in the World. According to history, toothpaste, paper, pens, locks and keys were invented in Ancient days Egypt.
3. Libya
Libya is the 17th largest nation in the world and the home to the largest proven oil reserves in Africa.
4. Mauritania
Mauritania gained independence from France in 1960. The capital of Mauritania is Nouakchott. And the country is one of the last African country to abolish slavery
5. Morocco
Morocco has the largest wind farm in Africa and its the largest producer and exporter of sardines in the world.
6. Sudan
Sudan is a country in North Africa with a total area of 1,861,484 square km. Its capital is Khartoum and the official language is English and Arabic.
7. South Sudan
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It’s capital is Juba and it has over 20 ethnic groups
8. Tunisia
Tunisia is the smallest country in Northwestern Africa. And a popular location of some popular Hollywood movies;
Star Wars,Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jesus of Nazareth
List of North African countries and their capitals
| Countries | Capital | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Algiers | Algerian dinar |
| Egypt | Cairo | Egyptian pound |
| Libya | Tripoli | Libyan dinar |
| Mauritania | Nouakchott | Mauritanian ouguiya |
| Morocco | Rabat | Moroccan dirham |
| Sudan | Khartoum | Sudanese pound |
| South Sudan | Juba | South Sudanese pound |
| Tunisia | Tunis | Tunisian dinar |
| West Sahara | Laayoune | Moroccan dirham, |
Cover Photo credits: Wikipedia