'Star Wars': On Location

Over nearly 40 years, Star Wars has turned some of Earth's most varied and exotic locations—including Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates—into its galactic universe. Some of these spots may surprise you.

This article is excerpted from a Newsweek Special Edition, Star Wars—The Legacy that Lead to The Force Awakens.

■ Tunisia ■
For more than three decades and five films, Tunisia was transformed into the desert planet Tatooine, home of rogue criminals, legalized slavery, moisture farmers and Anakin and Luke Skywalker. The set locations were scattered throughout the African nation, which also served as a site for Obi-Wan Kenobi's 19-year hideout and the first rumblings of the Galactic Civil War.

■ Italy ■
The scenic banks of Lake Como and a once-royal palace in Naples stood in for premier locations on the planet Naboo. The former saw the marriage of Anakin and Padmé, while the latter was the home of the planet's monarch. A contrast to the lush greenery of Naboo, the fiery planet of Mustafar was established near Mount Etna, an active volcano in Sicily. The lava pits and rivers served as the backdrop for the infamous duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.

■ Norway ■
Serving as the Rebel Alliance's Echo Base, Hoth was built upon the snowy banks of Hardangerjøkulen, Norway. During the Battle of Hoth, vicious AT-AT walkers confronted the Alliance's ground troops. Though key Rebel leaders evaded capture, the battle was a major loss for the Alliance.

■ Switzerland ■
Grindelwald, Switzerland, was transformed into the influential world of Alderaan in Episode II. The home of Rebel heroes such as Princess Leia and Bail Organa, Alderaan was a prime target for the Empire. Once the Death Star was operational, Grand Moff Tarkin targeted the beautiful world, obliterating it swiftly, leaving only a lifeless asteroid field behind.

■ California ■
Scenes involving the secluded planet of Endor were filmed in California's Redwood National Park. Home of the Ewoks, Endor is the gravesite of Darth Vader—and, less literally, the Empire itself. It's here where the Rebel Alliance won it's most critical victory. Parts of Death Valley National Park and the Yuma Desert were also utilized for areas of Tatooine.

■ England ■
The woods of Watford, England, were utilized for the forests of Naboo, where the indigenous Gungans believed the forest to be sacred. While a majority of spacefarers would consider the amphibious creatures as primitives, the species created an advanced technology for themselves.

■ China and Thailand ■
Guilin, China, and Phuket, Thailand, were made into Kashyyyk, the forest-filled planet of Wookies. One of the final battles of the Clone Wars was fought here under the leadership of Yoda. Wookies and clones fought the droid army until the Emperor issued Order 66, instructing all clones to annihilate the Jedi. Yoda survived with the help of Chewbacca and Tarfful, utilizing a hidden shuttle to evacuate the planet.

■ United Arab Emirates ■
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, was used as a stand-in for Tatooine-like conditions following political unrest in Tunisia. The deserts will be featured in Episode VII in December 2015.

■ Guatemala ■
The Rebel base on Yavin 4 was filmed in the forests of Tikal, Guatemala. It was here where Princess Leia fled after her escape from the Empire, and where the Rebellion initiated the attack that destroyed the first Death Star, known thereafter as the Battle of Yavin.

■ Ireland ■
The larger of two Skellig Islands off the western coast of Ireland are rumored to have been turned into the place where Luke Skywalker, now a recluse, has been holed up in Episode VII.

■ Spain ■
The city of Theed was filmed in Seville, Spain. Known as the capital of Naboo, Theed was home to the Royal Palace and House of Learning. Gifted Naboo youth would attend the prestigious institution to pursue a higher education.

This article is excerpted from a Newsweek Special Edition, Star Wars—The Legacy that Lead to The Force Awakens, by Issue Editor Tim Baker.