The document discusses various geographic, historical, cultural, and economic influences on North Africa. It notes the influence of the Nile River on early civilizations, the spread of Islam across North Africa beginning in the 7th century, and how the region's economy later came to depend on oil exports to Europe. Culturally, it highlights the importance of souks (markets), music, and changing gender roles. The largest overall influence on North African culture and society has been Islam, which spread widely after the 7th century and remains a major religious influence today.

1. LIFE ON THE SAHARA… NORTH AFRICA

2. Political Geography Use the map on page 405 to help you in identifying the correct country and capital -Khartoum, Sudan -N’Djamena, Chad -Cairo, Egypt -Tripoli, Libya -Tunis, Tunisia -Algiers, Algeria -Rabat, Morocco

3. Physical Geography Use the map on page 403 to help you in identifying the following physical features -the Nile River -Ahaggar Mountains -the Blue Nile River -Atlas Mountains -the White Nile River -the Gulf of Sidra -the Nubian Desert -the Mediterranean Sea -the Libyan Desert -the Red Sea -Lake Chad -the Tropic of Cancer -the Tibesti Mountains -the Suez Canal -the Strait of Gibraltar -Lake Nasser

4. Colonialism in North Africa Which colonial influences are prevalent in North Africa and where in North Africa? -France, Italy, Britain, Spanish -How are relations with the past colonial powers today?

5. Influence of Nile River floods roughly same time of year, providing people with water and rich soil Civilizations since 3300 BCE (before common era) Egyptian dynasty – 2,600 years, 30 dynasties, led by Pharaohs – god-kings, theocracy Advanced with farming, building cities, writing, medicinal practices

6. Influence of Islam North Africa lies close to Southwest Asia and across the Mediterranean Sea from Europe Easily invaded, occupied Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, Ottoman Empire Islam remains major cultural and religious influence Islam spreads to N. Africa around 634 ACE (after common era) Often, it spread by force From there, spread west

7. Influence of Oil Began as agricultural economy Today, based around oil Libya and Algeria supply EU with much of its oil and gas Has caused problems, as well: labor force to meet demands, lack of education to support infrastructure?

8. Cultural Influences SOUKS Marketplaces Storytellers, musicians, fortunetellers Located in Medina – old section Marrakesh, Morocco (model Medina Souks) Bargaining, bartering, clothes, spics, foods RAI Music style – 1920s in Algeria before independence Protest music Today, used as form of rebellion against Islamic foundamentalists

9. Gender Roles Households centered around males Eat-pray separately Changing today, however – women in professional jobs; increased penalties for spousal abuse; no more preteen arranged marriages in Tunisia

10. What’s up next? Political map test on Monday December 7, 2009 Physical map test on Wednesday December 9, 2009 On Monday we will take a closer look at North African issues of today Also, answer the following question on loose-leaf paper in a paragraph – discuss what is the single biggest cultural influence in North Africa? Is it the oil supplies, the climate, Islam, or the Nile river? Discuss. Also, like your paper assessment on West Africa, you will have a similar project for North Africa – due also on Wednesday December 9, 2009