The author deals with the Maghreb countries in the narrower sense, including Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The aim of the research is to determine whether apart from geographical proximity as well as historical and cultural characteristics, these countries also share common characteristics with regard to economic management and their place in international economic relations. For this purpose, the author analyses the main economic indicators of these countries, their flagship sectors of production and external exchange. The author also characterises the geographical structure of this exchange and the attractiveness of the Maghreb countries as economic partners. Finally, the author diagnoses the situation and the possibility of economic integration of the Maghreb.