Nowhere on Earth does the gap between rich and poor nations seem as wide as at the place where Africa and Europe come closest together: the Strait of Gibraltar. Two of the nations of northern Africa, Morocco and Tunisia, are working toward closing this gap, each in its own very individual way. This can only be in Europe's interest, as it would enhance peace and stability in the region. Even the poorest of the Maghreb countries, Mauritania, is beginning to show some economic progress. But as everywhere, the road to prosperity is long and hard.