Describe the similarities between North African and Middle Eastern culture, and explain why the two cultures are similar.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: People in North Africa have common characteristics with those in the Middle East, including a shared religion, ancestry, and history. People speak Arabic, just as they do in the Middle East and more than 90% practice Islam. Many people are of Arab descent. This ocurred because in the 600s, Muslim armies invaded and conquered North Africa. Traders soon followed, and these people introduced Arabic and Islam to the region. Many Middle Easterners settled in the region, and over time, many people trace their ancestry to Arab peoples. Many others are of mixed Arab-Berber descent.