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Introduction to the Middle East

North Africa and Southwest Asia

IntroductionThe Middle East is the area of the world where the continents of Asia,

Africa and Europe meet. In this region of Southwest Asia and North Africa,

you will find the world’s largest desert, the Sahara, and world’s longest river,

the Nile. This region is one of the world’s major suppliers of oil.

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I. RegionA. Land

1. Deserts2. Water3. Natural Resources

B. Climate II. Human/Environment Interaction

A. EconomyB. AgricultureC. Transportation and Communication

III. PlaceA. People

1. Arabs2. Jews

B. History and CultureC. Religion

1. Judaism2. Christianity3. Islam

D. Population

Region: The Land

The region of Southwest Asia and North Africa covers about 5.5 million square miles, about 10% of the earth’s total land area. Mountains: The Taurus Mountains are

in Turkey; the Zagros stretch between Iraq and Iran. In North Africa are the Atlas Mountains, Africa’s longest mountain range.

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Deserts: The Middle East is one of the driest regions in the world and deserts cover more than half the region. The Sahara, the largest desert in the world, covers most of North Africa. The Rubal Khali, or Empty Quarter, is made up of shifting sand dunes and covers the Arabian Peninsula.

Water Important bodies of water are the

Mediterranean Sea above North Africa, the Red Sea which separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf , the Arabian Sea, the Black Sea north of Turkey,

and the Caspian Sea north of Iran.Freshwater, however, is scarce. There are

underground rivers and springs. Irrigation is needed to grow crops.

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Natural Resources

Oil and natural gas are the most important natural resources. SW Asia and North Africa are also rich in

iron ore, copper, lead, manganese, zinc, and phosphate. Phosphate is used for making fertilizers.

Climate

Desert and steppe climates cover much of the area with hot days with possible temperatures of above 100°.

Steppe areas have enough rain for grasses to grow and to raise livestock.

The coastal plains have a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.

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Human/Environment Interaction:Economy

People that live in countries that have oil, manufacturing and trade generally enjoy a high standard of living.

People living in countries where the economies are based on farming have a low standard of living.

Agriculture

Most people in Southwest Asia and North Africa are farmers or herders.

Cereals, citrus fruits, grapes, and dates are grown in river valleys and coastal areas.

Cattle and sheep are also raised for food. Farmers in river valleys or irrigated areas grow

cotton, a major export.

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Transportation and Communication

Mountains and deserts have been barriers to transportation and trade.

Roads and railroads link cities, oil fields, and seaports.

Inland waterways like the Nile River and the Suez Canal also move people and goods.

Place:People

Southwest Asia and North Africa is known as a “crossroads” because it’s a meeting place for the peoples of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

The region has people of many different ethnic backgrounds.

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History and Culture

Some of the world’s oldest civilizations developed in the Middle East in the Nile and Tigris/Euphrates River valleys.

The ancient Egyptians built huge pyramids and temples that can still be seen today.

Religion Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all began in Southwest

Asia. These religions all share a belief in one God called

monotheism. 90% of the people in this area are Arabs and practice

Islam. Most people living in Israel are Jews. Israel was founded

as a Jewish nation in 1948. There are many conflicts between Jews and Arabs. The Holy book of the Jews is the Torah. For the Muslims,

it’s the Koran; for Christians it’s the Bible.

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Population

About 400 million people live in this region. Because of deserts, most people live in rural areas along

seacoasts, rivers, or near highlands. The environment in these areas allows people to raise

animals and to grow crops. Today many people are moving to large cities like Cairo,

Egypt and Tehran, Iran. These urban areas now have concerns about food and

housing shortages, as well as air and water pollution.