The Berbers are the original inhabitants of the Maghreb (a region in North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean). The group pre-dates the Arab population in North Africa, and are deeply tied into the natural surroundings of the region, including the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara. Today, they are often marginalized in their native countries, but are proud of their culture, language, and way of life, and are eager to show and explain it to interested travelers.