Maghreb

Maghreb is a geographic and cultural region in Northwest Africa that typically includes Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, with Libya commonly included as well; some definitions also encompass Mauritania and Western Sahara. The term Maghreb derives from Arabic al-Maghrib, meaning "the west" or "sunset." The region lies along the Mediterranean coast to the north and the Sahara Desert to the south, and features landscapes such as the Atlas Mountains and arid plains. Climate ranges from Mediterranean to arid.

Population is diverse and predominantly Muslim, with Arab and Berber (Amazigh) identities. Arabic dialects are widely spoken; Berber languages are recognized in some countries, and French remains common in administration and education due to colonial history. Major urban centers include Casablanca, Algiers, Tunis, Rabat, and Tripoli.

Historically, the Maghreb has roots in Berber kingdoms and the Carthaginian and Roman eras, followed by Islamic rule beginning in the 7th century. In the modern period, it experienced European colonization and subsequent independence movements, with most states gaining autonomy in the 1950s and 1960s. The Arab Maghreb Union, founded in 1989, aims at regional integration but has faced limited participation due to disputes over Western Sahara.

Economically, the Maghreb ranges from Algeria's oil and gas sector to Morocco's diversified economy and Tunisia's manufacturing and services. Libya has substantial oil wealth, while Mauritania and Western Sahara are less developed. The region remains important for European energy security, trade routes, migration, and cultural exchange in the Arab and African worlds.