Morocco: A Unique Intersection of North and West Africa

Morocco is often thought to straddle the boundaries between North Africa and West Africa. This is a misconception with historical and geographical roots. In fact, Morocco is primarily considered a part of North Africa, but its Atlantic coast and cultural influences blur these lines. This article explores why Morocco is viewed as both regions.

The Geography of Africa

Africa is traditionally divided into several regions, most notably by the African Union:

North Africa: This region includes countries like Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara. West Africa: This region includes countries like Burkina Faso, C?te d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Morocco is in North Africa because it lies to the north of the Sahara Desert, part of the Mediterranean Basin, and shares cultural and economic ties with other Mediterranean countries.

The Misconception

The key misunderstanding arises from the fact that the Atlantic Ocean both separates and connects Morocco to West African countries. Historically, the Atlantic Coast of Morocco was a critical trade route, influencing both North and West African cultures. The Atlantic Coast is more than 2,000 kilometers long, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the border with Mauritania.

Historical and Cultural Influences

Morocco's Atlantic Coast has played a significant role in the region's history. It is a blend of indigenous Berber culture and Arab and European influences. The coast is marked by:

Historic Villages: Numerous ancient settlements along the coast. Endless Beaches: Picturesque sandy landscapes where visitors can relax and enjoy the sun. Enthusiastic Surfing: Experienced surfers from around the world visit to catch the Atlantic waves.

Key locations along the Atlantic Coast include:

Sidi Ifni Mirleft Souss-Massa National Park Agadir Taghazout Essaouira Safi Oualidia El Jadida Casablanca Rabat Asilah Tangier

Notably, Sidi Ifni in the south and Tangier at the Mediterranean mouth feature rich medinas and modern cities, showcasing the blend of historical and contemporary influences.

The Kanuri People

The Kanuri people, also known as the Kanouri, Kanowri, Yerwa, or Baribari, are an ethnic group largely living in the lands of the former Kanem-Bornu Empires in countries like Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. They are part of a broader dialect continuum spoken in these regions and in small minorities in southern Libya, and by diaspora communities in Sudan.

The Kanuri language, /knuri/, has approximately 140,000 speakers today (2021) in various parts of West Africa and beyond, making it an interesting linguistic and cultural marker in the region.

The Complexity of Naming

The question of how many countries there are in Africa is not straightforward. Morocco faces a unique challenge. The Western Sahara conflict involves a disputed territory where Morocco claims sovereignty, and the Western Sahara movement seeks self-governance. Depending on the context, this can lead to different counts of African countries — either 54 or 55.

Conclusion

Morocco's position at the intersection of North and West Africa is a fascinating phenomenon influenced by its geography, history, and culture. Its Atlantic coast, rich in history and natural beauty, is a key factor in this composite view. Understanding these nuances can deepen our appreciation of Africa's diverse landscapes and complex political geography.