The Maghreb is a region in Northwest Africa, whose name means "west" or "place where the sun sets" in Arabic.

The Maghreb is generally defined as the region of North Africa north of the Sahara Desert and west of the Nile, corresponding to the Atlas Mountains. It lies along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The modern definition of the Maghreb typically includes:

• Morocco
• Algeria
• Tunisia
• Libya
• Mauritania (sometimes included)
• Western Sahara (a disputed territory)

Historically, the term "Maghreb" has had varying applications. It has referred to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains, and at times included Muslim-ruled areas in Spain, Portugal, Sicily, and Malta.

• Atlas Mountains: Define the northern border of the region, providing plateaus with significant rainfall. The Atlas Mountains influence the climate and agriculture of the Maghreb, with fertile mountain valleys supporting the growth of fruits and vegetables. The tallest peak is Jbel Toubkal in Morocco, reaching 4,167 meters.
• Sahara Desert: Covers a large portion of the Maghreb, particularly in the south. The size of the desert zone varies, impacting growth and development.
• Coastal Plains: The northern coastal region benefits from a moderate climate, supporting agricultural production.

The Maghreb has a population of approximately 100 million people. The ethnic composition is primarily Arab and Berber, with some communities of West African, European, and Jewish origin. Centuries of Arabization have shifted the demographic scope in favor of Arabs.

The primary languages are Arabic and Berber languages. French is also widely spoken due to the region's colonial history.

The majority of the population is Muslim, primarily of the Sunni Maliki school. Historically, there were also significant Jewish communities (Maghrebim) in the region.

The region has been inhabited since at least 10,000 BC. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trade relations, followed by Roman control over much of the area north of the Atlas Mountains.

In the 7th century, Arab invasions brought Islam to the Maghreb. Islamic Berber kingdoms and Arab dynasties shaped the region. The Almohad Caliphate briefly unified the Maghreb in the Middle Ages.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, European powers colonized parts of the Maghreb, with France, Spain, and Italy gaining control.

Following World War II, a wave of nationalism led to independence for the Maghreb countries.

The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) was formed in 1989 to promote economic and political unity among Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. The AMU aimed to create a common market with free movement of goods, services, and people.

The AMU has faced challenges including political disagreements, particularly between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara. Border closures and a lack of political stability have also hindered progress.

The AMU is largely dormant, with no high-level meetings since 2008. However, the vision of regional integration persists, with potential economic benefits if the obstacles can be overcome.

The Berber people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Maghreb, with a distinct language and culture. Berber identity and language remain significant, particularly in Morocco and Algeria.

Arab culture and language have significantly shaped the Maghreb since the Islamic conquests.

The Maghreb has long been a crossroads, with connections to Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Europe through trade, migration, and cultural exchange.

The region has experienced political instability, including conflicts and social unrest.

The dispute over Western Sahara remains a major source of tension, particularly between Algeria and Morocco.

Economic integration has been slow, and the region faces challenges such as high unemployment and reliance on commodity exports.