What is SWANA?

SWANA seeks to pull together the rich and incredible history, art, and culture of a region that has historically had labels (such as "Middle East") applied that frame other parts of the world in relation to Europe, with control and colonization in mind at the time of their inception. The abbreviation stands for Southwest Asia and North Africa, referring to the western portion of the Asian continent and the northern portion of the African continent, along with the seas and trade routes that have connected them for thousands of years.

A region, not a single people

It is important to note that no single definition of the SWANA region exists, and boundaries vary depending on context and source. Unlike the term "Middle East," which carries political and colonial baggage, SWANA emphasizes the region's own geographic framing and its diversity. There is no single SWANA identity. People connected to the region speak different languages, practice different faiths, and carry different histories. Some communities have lived in the same places for thousands of years, while others are now spread across the world through migration and displacement. Two people from the region might share a language but not a religion, or a homeland and not much else. SWANA is a geographic term rather than a description of one people, and that plurality reflects a complex and vibrant cultural landscape that resists simple categorization.

Where the term came from

SWANA was coined by activists seeking to decolonize terms in the 1990s. In recent years, the acronym gained traction and popularity through university spaces promoting advocacy for marginalized groups. Today, use and visibility has spread further through social media.

Variations of SWANA are also in use, including MENA (Middle East and North Africa), SSWANA (South and Southwest Asia and North Africa), and MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia). All these terms refer to the same general geographic region, but the framing differs. "Middle East" is the most widely known, yet it reflects a Eurocentric perspective. By contrast, SWANA is a decolonized term that emphasizes the region on its own geographic terms rather than its relation to Europe.

Why the Center exists

The SWANA Student Resource Center was established to serve the unique needs of Southwest Asian and North African students while also engaging the entire campus community. It provides a space where SWANA students can see themselves represented and supported, while also fostering education, awareness, and dialogue about SWANA identities and experiences. At its core, the Center acts as a hub for building community and connection across the broader student body.

Come see for yourself

The SWANA region is rich with history and tradition. We hope this introduction to the diverse cultures of SWANA inspires you to visit the SWANA Student Resource Center at Sac State and explore the region more deeply.