Atlas Mountains

North Africa · mountains · geography · Berber culture

Incredibly long range. The Atlas Mountains stretch about 2,500 kilometers (1,600 miles) across three countries: Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. That's roughly the distance from New York to Los Angeles.

Peak called Toubkal. The highest mountain in the range is Toubkal in central Morocco, reaching 4,167 meters (13,671 feet) above sea level. It's one of the tallest mountains in North Africa.

Desert separator. The Atlas Mountains act like a giant natural wall between the hot Sahara Desert to the south and the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean to the north. This creates very different climates on each side.

Berber home. The Atlas Mountains have been home to Berber peoples for thousands of years. The Berbers have developed their own unique culture, languages, and ways of living in these mountains.

Part of three nations. This mountain range is so big that it crosses through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, making it an important natural feature for all three North African countries.