Introduction – Atlantic Africa(s). Between Transition Area and Regional Coherence

Abstract

The Atlantic coast of the African continent, between the Strait of Gibraltar and the Cap Vert, and its hinterlands are a relevant workshop area to understand the dynamics underway within this part of the world. North West Africa is well-endowed with resources, including maritime, and is open to the world thanks to many ports. This area perfectly illustrates the different aspects of contemporary geographic dynamics: strong population pressure on the coast (activities and human settlements), pressure on resources, a necessary articulation of environmental and development issues, the importance of human mobility and migrations, competitions in a context of globalisation. It is a transition area by its environments and its people, but also a territory in search of a regional coherence.