Why is North Africa considered a region that is separated from the rest of the African continent?

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: People in North Africa have common characteristics, including a shared religion, ancestry, and history. This area is isolated from southern Africa by the Sahara. As a result, the culture of North Africa has more in common with the Middle East than with the rest of Africa. People speak Arabic and practice Islam, and many are of Arab descent. Countries in this region include: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and the territory of Western Sahara.