Conf. univ. dr. Radu SĂGEATĂ^

Abstract. North Africa includes Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, as well as Libya and Egypt. It is important to note that the term ”North Africa”, particularly when used in North Africa and the Middle East, often refers only to the countries of the Maghreb and Libya. Egypt, due to its greater Middle Eastern associations, is often considered separately. The countries of North Africa share a common ethnic, cultural and linguistic identity that is unique to this region. Northwest Africa has been inhabited by Berbers since beginning of recorded history, while the eastern part of North Africa has been home to the ancient Egyptians. Following the Muslim conquest in the seventh century C.E., the region underwent a process of Arabization and Islamization that has defined its cultural landscape ever since.

Keywords: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Western Sahara, North Africa