REGIONAL FOCUSLAND
Southwest Asia and North Africa (Middle East) covers about 5.5 million square miles. Some of the largest deserts and longest rivers exist in this part of the world. The region stretches from sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean on the west to the towering Hindu Kush Mountains on the east. North to south, the region extended from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sahara Desert. The Taurus Mountains run east and west through the southern portion of Turkey. The Zagros Mountains stretch between Iran and Iraq. The Elburz Mountains can be found in Iran while the Asir Mountains are found in Saudi Arabia. In North Africa, the Atlas Mountains make up the longest mountain range. The Sahara Desert covers most of Northern Africa because of the prevailing winds and mountains ranges in the region. Some bodies of water exist within the region. Fresh water is extremely rare within the region making water a valuable resource to its people. The Nile River running more than 4,000 long, flows North through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. It is the longest river in the world. Two other major rivers, the Tigris River and Euphrates River, flow through southeastern Turkey, Syria and Iraq into the Persian Gulf. CLIMATE/VEGETATION The many mountains of Southwest Asia and North Africa (Middle East) block the flow of rain clouds to the island side of the region. Only coastal areas enjoy regular and adequate rainfall. Because average rainfall is only 10 inches per year, growing crops is difficult. Irrigation is necessary making people cling to river sources like the Nile. Desert and Steppe climates cover much of the Middle East. Desert temperature easily reaches 100 degrees. In steppe areas however, enough rain falls for grasses to grow. This allows farmers to raise cattle. Closer to the Mediterranean Sea, the climate includes hot, dry summers and rainy winters especially along the coast. ECONOMY Economies differ from country to country in the Middle East. People living in oil rich areas tend to have a higher standard of living while people who live in farm based communities have a low standard of living. AGRICULTURE Most people in the Middle East are farmers or herders. Some fruits are grown in the river valleys and coastal areas. Livestock can be found in the grassland areas of the steppe type climates. INDUSTRY Oil and natural gas are the most abundant and important natural resources in the Middle East, especially in North Africa and countries bordering the Persian Gulf. Other minerals like iron ore, copper, zinc and phosphate can also be found in the region. Factories in the region produce textiles, fertilizers, medicines, plastics and paints. Service industries such as banking, insurance and tourism have also grown in recent years. TRANSPORTATION In the past, mountains and deserts made transportation costly in the region. Today roads and railroads link cities, oil fields and seaports. Waterways such as the Nile River, Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal help to move people and goods. |
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PEOPLE
For centuries the Middle East has served as the meeting place for the people of Asia, Africa and Europe. The region today has people from many different ethnic backgrounds. HISTORY The Middle East has a rich culture and history. Centuries ago the region’s farmers were the first to raise many of the grains, vegetables and animals still used as basic foods in much of the world. Some of the world’s oldest civilizations developed in a region known as the Fertile Crescent, between the Nile and Tigris-Euphrates river valleys. The religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam began in the Middle East. All of these reglions are monotheistic meaning they believe in one God. From the 600s to the 1500s, Islamic empires flourished in the Middle East and passed on much of their knowledge to other parts of the world. By the 1800s, Europeans ruled most of the region. After World War II, the people of the Middle East set up independent states. ETHNIC GROUPS Most of the people in the Middle East are Arabs. About 90 percent are Muslims who practice the religion of Islam. The Arab culture, especially the Arabic language, has had a lasting influence on the region. The ethnic groups of Iranians, Turks, Armenians and Kurds have also contributed to the region’s cultures. Many in each group are also Muslims. Most people in the country of Israel are Jewish. Israel was founded as a Jewish state in 1948. For many years, conflicts have taken place between Jews and Arabs. Today, peace efforts are often discussed between the leaders of Israel and Arab nations. POPULATION About 400 million people live in the Middle East. Because of deserts, most people live in rural areas along seacoasts or rivers, or near highlands. The environment in these areas makes it possible to grow crops and raise animals. For centuries the people of the Middle East lived in rural areas. Today many of them are moving to large cities such as Cairo, Tehran and Dubai. Increasing population has raised concerns about food and housing shortages as well as air and water pollution. Boehm, Richard G., David G. Armstrong, and Francis P. Hunkins. Geography: The World and Its People. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1998. Print. HELPFUL VIDEOS
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OPEC / Natural Resources
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How do these images help explain the Middle East's growing dependence on water?
Religions
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Ancient Civilizations
CLOZE - Ancient Egypt & The Nile | |
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ANALOGIES - Ancient Egypt | |
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RDG COMP - Hieroglyphics | |
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HIEROGLYPHICS - Ancient Egypt | |
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POWERPOINT - Mummification | |
File Size: | 1969 kb |
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WS - Pyramids | |
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WS - Gods & Goddesses | |
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RDG COMP - Mesopotamia | |
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Israel (Jew) - Palestine (Arab) Conflict
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Articles
article_-_yemen.pdf | |
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crowded_cairo_-_environmental_case_study.pdf | |
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ARTICLE - What Iran & Pakistan Want From The Afghans... Water | |
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Study Materials
STUDY TOOL - N. Africa & Middle East (Countries) | |
File Size: | 153 kb |
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STUDY TOOL - N. Africa & Middle East (Capitals) | |
File Size: | 152 kb |
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STUDY TOOL - N. Africa & Middle East (Landforms & Bodies of Water) | |
File Size: | 166 kb |
File Type: | pptx |