1. Chapter 20 North Africa

2. Physical Features Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt Stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea; Mediterranean Sea is off the northern coast; Sahara desert is to the south

3. The Nile World’s longest river Flows northward through the eastern Sahara Empties into the Mediterranean Sea Blue Nile and White Nile merge to form the Nile Water from Nile irrigates farmlands and forms a large river delta where it empties into the Mediterranean Sea Flooding of the Nile has left silt (finely ground soil good for growing crops) in surrounding fields Aswan High Dam was built to control flooding Trapped water formed Lake Nasser in southern Egypt Dam traps silt and now farmers must use fertilizers to enrich their fields

4. The Sinai Peninsula and Suez Canal Sinai Peninsula East of the Nile Barren, rocky mountains, and desert cover the peninsula Suez Canal was built by the French in 1860s It is a strategic waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea

5. The Sahara Covers most of North Africa Largest desert in the world Few people live here Some settlements near oasis Windswept gravel plains and sand dunes cover much of desert

6. Mountains Some sand dunes reach 1,000 feet Mountains Ahagger Mountains located in central Sahara Highest peak is 9,842 feet Atlas Mountains located on northwestern side of Sahara Rise to 13,671 feet

7. Climate& Resources 3 climate types: Desert Climate covers most of region; temperatures from mild to very hot (136 degrees F); low humidity causes temperatures to drop rapidly after sunset Mediterranean Climate (A climate characterized by moist, mild winters and hot, dry summers): Northern coast west of Egypt Steppe Climate (found in the middle of continents and in the lee of high mountains. The mountains block moist air from oceans or tropical climates from reaching the steppe) Between the Mediterranean climate and the Sahara Resources: Oil and gas most important Iron ore and minerals to make fertilizers coal

8. Section 2 History & Culture

9. history Nile River home to world’s oldest civilizations 3200 B.C. Egyptian kingdom was formed along northern Nile They also built pyramids, other monuments, and writing system Later invaded by Greeks and Arabs

10. The Ancient Egyptians Built pyramids as tombs for pharaohs Workers cut large blocks of stone far away and rolled them on logs to the Nile, moved on barges, and carved at building site

11. Egyptian Writing Developed hieroglyphics Pictures and symbols stood for ideas or words Carved into temples and monuments Record words and achievements of pharaohs

12. Greek and Arab Civilizations Open to invaders due to long Mediterranean coastline Greeks and Romans Alexander the Great: founded city of Alexandria, Egypt Became important seaport and trading center Arab armies Invaded; brought Arabic language & Islam Cities became centers of learning, trade, and craft making

13. European Control 1800s European countries began taking over region 1912 controlled all of North Africa 1922 Egypt gained limited independence British kept military bases & control of the Suez Canal until 1956 Region a major battle ground during WWII 1950s Libya, Morocco, & Tunisia each gained independence; Algeria in 1962 after bitter war with France Modern North Africa After gaining independence, countries have tried to build stronger ties with Arab countries

14. CultureLanguage & Religion Common aspects of culture Language, religion, foods, holidays, customs, & art and literature People and Language Egyptians, Berbers, & Bedouins (nomadic herders who travel throughout deserts of Egypt and Southwest Asia) make up nearly all of Egypt’s population Arab & Berber ancestry Berbers: an ethnic group who are native to North Africa and speak Berber language French, Italian, & English still spoken in some areas Religion Most are Muslims Pray 5 times a day 6% of Egyptians are Christians

15. Food & Festivals Grains, vegetables, fruits, & nuts are common Couscous: made from wheat and looks like small pellets of pasta; steamed over boiling water or soup; served with vegetables or meat, butter, & olive oil Fuul is a popular dish in Egypt Made from fava beans mashed with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, & lemons

16. Holidays Birthday of the prophet of Islam, Muhammad Marked with lights, parades, and special sweets of honey, nuts, & sugar During holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink during the day

17. Art & Literature North Africa is know for its architecture, wood carving, & other crafts Women weave textiles (carpets with geometric designs and bright colors) Important writers and artists in this region Egyptian poetry and other writings date back thousands of years Naguib Mahfouz: 1st Arab writer to win Noble Prize in literature Also has growing movie industry Popular music based on singing and poetry is enjoyed by North Africans

18. Section 3 North Africa Today

19. Egypt Most populous of North Africa’s countries Gov’t face challenges Most Egyptians are poor farmers Limited resources & few jobs Gov’t and Society Republic gov’t Influenced by Islamic law Constitution; elected officials; power shared between president & prime minister Debate over role of Islam in country Some believe laws should be based on Islam law, some fear this would cause fewer personal freedoms; some violence has resulted Little clean water and disease are common in larger cities

20. Resources & Economy Few resources Farmland limited to Nile River valley & delta Fertilizer must be used in soil (expensive) Over watering has brought salt to the surface of the soil, which is bad for growing crops Have caused increase in importing of foods Had to import much of its food recently Suez Canal is another sources of income; ships pay a toll to pass through it Economy dependent on: Agriculture, petroleum exports, and tourism

21. Other Countries of North Africa Western Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, & Morocco called Maghreb Arabic for west Mostly covered by Sahara Cities & farmland along the coast

22. Government & Economy Conflict over role of Islam in society Oil, mining, and tourism Oil most important Money from oil pays for schools, health care, other social programs, & military equipment Large deposits of natural gas, iron ore, & lead as well Agriculture is important Wheat, other grains, olives, fruits, & nuts Desert climate & poor soil limit farming Food is generally imported

23. The Countries Today Share similar challenges Violence: under dictator ships Trying to strengthen trading relationships w/ U.S. & Europe

24. Algeria Violence between gov’t & Islamic groups killed thousands in1990s Today Trying to recover from violence & strengthen economy w/ exports

25. Tunisia More rights granted to women recently Close economic relationships w/ Europe

26. Morocco Only North African country w/ little oil Important producer and exporter of fertilizer