GEOGRAPHY

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THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East is a region, not a continent. It is mostly in Asia, but also includes a part of Africa (Egypt) and a small corner of Europe (Turkey). Most of its people are Muslim, although Christians, Jews, and other faiths also live there.

IMPORTANT INFO

Most of the Middle East and North Africa is composed of desert where very little rain falls. The Middle East is home to most of the world’s oil production, which makes it an important place! The U.S. has fought two wars in Iraq in recent years, as well as one in Afghanistan.

It sure is hot out and dry out here! We shouldn’t have left Memphis.

Maybe, but all that oil money is worth it!

WHERE IS THE MIDDLE EAST?

• The Middle East is a region that includes North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia. This region is considered to be a cultural region, because people who live there share a culture: language, main religion, and customs.

• It is also a functional region. A functional region is defined by economic activity and business. Because the Middle East produces so much oil, it is a functional region.

Mediterranean Sea

Nile River

Tigris and Euphrates

Indian Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

Label your blank map of the Middle East here!

PLAY THE GAME! USE THIS PICTURE AS A GUIDEhttp://www.quia.com/servlets/quia.activities.common.ActivityEditor?

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MAP SKILLS QUESTIONS: ANSWER ON YOUR NOTES SHEET1: Based on the map below, what type of government exists in

Morocco?

2. What kind of government exists in Egypt?

MAP SKILLS QUESTIONS

3. If I was travelling from Turkey to Iraq, what direction would I travel?

4. If I was taking a plane to Iran from Egypt, what direction would I travel?

5. Which countries in the Middle East are experiencing significant political instability?

6. Which countries are experiencing relative political calm?

WATCH THE VIDEO ON LIFE IN THE SAHARA

Answer the questions on the worksheet provided!