Identities and Politics in the Middle East and North Africa

By Ruhama Bekele

Click on each blue dot of the map to learn a brief overview of the history, identity, and politics of the countries and subregions of the SWANA region. If you also click on the ‘MapHub’ icon, this map will expand to a full window.

This map presents a detailed representation of the diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural identities that shape the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Spanning North Africa, the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of West Asia, the MENA region is home to a vast array of communities, each with its own history, language, and customs. The map highlights major ethnic groups such as Arabs, Jews, Kurds, Imazighen, Persians, and Turks. These communities have played a pivotal role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region while maintaining their distinct identities.

In addition to the varied ethnic groups, the map emphasizes the religious diversity across the region. While Islam is the dominant religion, significant Christian communities exist, particularly in Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, and Syria, alongside smaller groups like the Druze, Yazidis, and Jews. The Sunni and Shia branches of Islam further add to the region’s complexity, with Iran and Iraq being predominantly Shia, while Sunni Islam is more widespread across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This religious pluralism has historically been both a source of cultural enrichment and political tension.

Furthermore, the map illustrates how these identities intersect and influence regional geopolitics. Ethnic and religious affiliations often shape political allegiances, fuel conflicts, and impact governance. For instance, Kurdish populations in Turkey, Iraq, and Syria seek greater autonomy, while sectarian divides between Sunni and Shia Muslims have fueled conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. This intricate web of identities, loyalties, and rivalries is central to understanding the region's current challenges.