Describe what you think life is like in the Middle East.

LIFE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK People have adapted to climate and physical features. 2.8 million sq. miles: 66% desert Leaving the Nomadic lifestyle and settling around cities

WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK Saudi Arabia: 1% are nomadic herders Areas around rivers and streams are well populated Modern Iraq and Syria, fertile soil between Tigris and Euphrates (“Fertile Crescent”)

WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK “Fertile Crescent”: home of Mesopotamia One of the earliest centers of civilization Canals built for irrigation: home to many people

WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK Afghanistan: little farm land Most farming done in valleys with irrigation. 70% of population work on farms or raises livestock

WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK Deep-sea harbors Transportation Ship building and repair Turkey & Saudi Arabia

WHERE PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK Because of oil: most live in cities or oases

Transportation Iraq: # of people who own cars is growing (1 in 4) Afghanistan: less than 16 miles of railroad track; buses or trucks; bicycles; donkeys, horses, or camels Turkey: drive or take the bus; has extensive road network; 127 airports Iran: 55 cars for every 1,000 people; mass transit systems; railroad track