It is worth noting that in southern portions of these countries, the Berber population does not self-identify with any Arabic identity, and clearly Berber individuals often face discrimination as a result (Mesdoua, 2011). Power distance is a cultural artifact that reflects the degree to which individuals in society are equal (Hofstede, 2012). North African countries tend to be hierarchical in nature, such that people feel they have a place in society and that roles can be defined by one's position in society. North African culture is generally a collectivist society, as opposed to an individualistic one. Some traits associated with collectivist societies are loyalty and helps to determine relationships in the society, as individual actions are perceived to have an impact on the groups (families, companies) with which one is associated.

A fifth element of North African culture that is worth being discussed because of its contribution to the modern context is the Arab Spring. Knowing that these are hierarchical collectivist societies highlights just how important the Arab Spring is to the evolution of North African culture. The Arab Spring raises significant questions, in light of the popularity of newly-elected democratic governments in places like Tunisia, Libya and Morocco.

That the Arab Spring was shared across the region (excepting Algeria and Mauritania) makes it a shared cultural artifact, but it also creates a rift between the nations that have progressed politically...

Elements of culture discussed here such as power distance and individualism are shifted with rebellion and democracy, and this opens up differences in culture between the different North African nations based on participation in these events. Additionally, the Arab Spring has raised the issue of the Berber/Arab dual identity in the region, and a fault line might be emerging between those who see their identity as influenced by both and those who only identify as one group or the other.
Works Cited:

Hofstede, G. (2012). Morocco. Geert-Hofstede.com Retrieved February 14, 2012 from http://geert-hofstede.com/morocco.html

Jenkins, O. (2004). Major types of Islam. Orville Jenkins. Retrieved February 14, 2012 from http://orvillejenkins.com/outlineintro/types.html

Mesdoua, I. (2011). Will the Arab Spring make the Arab Maghreb Union bloom? Think Africa Press. Retrieved February 14, 2012 from http://thinkafricapress.com/morocco/arab-spring-arab-maghreb-union-bloom

NASP. (2012). Defining culture. National Association of School Psychologists. Retrieved February 14, 2012 from http://www.nasponline.org/resources/culturalcompetence/definingculture.aspx

No author. (2012). North Africa. Encyclopedia Britannica . Retrieved February 14, 2012 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/418538/North-Africa