Intro to Asia: The Middle East Mr. Meester World History

Map Of Asia

Basic Geographic Facts Asia makes up the worlds largest continent. 17,212,000 square miles. 30% of all the land on Earth. (110 California’s could fit in Asia) It’s also has the world’s largest population; 3,879,000,000 people.

Highs & Lows The world’s highest & lowest landforms are both found in Asia. Mt. Everest is 29,035 ft. & is found on the border of China & Nepal. The Dead Sea is 1,349 ft. below sea level & is on the border of Israel & Jordan

Major Regions There are 3 major regions found in Asia. The Middle East, North Asia, & Southeast Asia.

The Middle East

The Middle East The majority of Middle Eastern terrain can be broken down in two types; Mountains & Desert. It borders two other continents, Africa & Europe. The major rivers are; the Tigris, Euphrates, Amu Darya & Indus. The Dead Sea & Caspian Sea are found in the Middle East.

Creation of the Middle East The modern Middle East was created following World Wars I and II. The Ottoman Empire was divided up to form the modern boundaries. (WWI) Palestine was given to the Jews after WWII to form Israel following the Holocaust. This has caused many conflicts

Peoples of the Middle East The Middle East is a very diverse area containing over 20 countries. Christianity, Judaism, & Islam all began in the Middle East. There is a number of ethnic groups; Arabs, Jews, Persians, Turks, & Pakistani to name a few. Historically this has led to conflict.

The People of the Middle East

Middle Eastern Economics The Middle East is best known for its production of oil. The vast majority of oil is found in only 5 nations: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, & Saudi Arabia Many nations have run out or contain very little oil. Agriculture, Industry, & Tourism are major parts of these struggling economies.