The region on North Africa is very different from the rest of the continent because of the Sahara Desert. It is the largest desert in the world and the climate is hot and dry in this region. North Africa includes the countries of: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Eritrea, Chad, Niger, Mali, and a few others.
These people and culture traits in these countries are very different from the United States. Most people speak Arabic, but many will also learn English. People in this region practice the religon of Islam (Muslim) or Christianity. The Islamic religion is much more popular though. Women often do not have as many rights in these countries as they would in the United States.
North Africa has had a lot of conflict lately. Somalia, Sudan, and Ethiopia have all recently experienced civil war. A civil war is when groups from that country fight each other for control. These wars have led to famine (lack of food) and mass murder. Libya was ruled by a dictator named Muammar Kadaffi until a military rebellion made him step down. The United States helped with this rebellion because he had sponsored terrorist groups in the past.
Egypt was the site of one of the greatest civilizations in ancient history and has many sites people like to visit. Egypt has been a pretty stable country. The Suez Canal, that links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, has helped Egypt financially. In the spring of 2011, Egypt's president was forced to leave after the people demanded a free democracy. Conditions are still tense in Egypt.
Since the governments in this area are influenced or run by a small group or one person, they do not offer many rights for the people. Women have also been treated unfairly in some countries. As a result of this, the United States is not very good "friends" or allies with some of the countries located here.
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