Arab Arabs make up most of the population of Southwest Asia. However, many Arabs also live in Northern Africa Most Arabs practice Islam and speak Arabic. The majority of Muslims are Sunni Muslims. Some are Shia Muslims.

Kurdish Live in the Middle East The Kurds live in several countries throughout the region: Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and various other countries 1/5th of the population of Turkey is Kurdish. Most Kurds today are Muslims. Kurdish Muslims are usually less strict about certain Islamic practices. Kurds share many aspects of their culture with Iranians. Many Kurds have been persecuted and harmed though out history. SaddamHussein is responsible for killing thousands of Kurds. He wanted them out of his country. It was his own form of genocide.

Persian The Persian are an ethnic group that lived in Iran before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century. Persians make up more than half of Iran’s current population. They have their own language called Farsi. Most Persians in Iran today practice Shia Islam Persian women do not have a lot of rights, but they are increasing

Jewish Israel is home for Jews living in the Middle East Much of this migration happened during the 20th century, after the formation of Israel in 1948. Judaism began from Abraham and most Jews follow the religion strictly. Jews can be BOTH a religious and an ethnic group.

Literacy and Development Education is free in many countries in Southwest Asia. Many students are required to attend school through high school. However, fighting often keeps students from showing up at school. Many students also live so far from the schools that getting to school is difficult. The literacy rates for people over fifteen years of age are: 77% in Syria, 79% in Iran, 95% in Israel, and 79% in Saudi Arabia.