The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times, and throughout its history the Middle East has been a major center of world affairs. The Middle East is also the origin of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

The Middle East is a historical and political region of Afro-Eurasia with no clear boundaries. The term "Middle East" was popularized around 1900 in Britain a generalization for regions in Southwest Asia and parts of North Africa.

North Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent and by the UN definition includes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia.