Chapter 27, Section 2 By Brooke S.

Economic Goals and Growth After independence, a goal of Middle Eastern nations was to reduce European economic influence. For the foreigners owned many key industries and controlled the region's oil. A few Arab nations turned to socialism as a way of taking charge of their own destinies. Result was the governments took over large sections of their economies.

Economic Goals Part ’s- # of Middle Eastern nations nationalized foreign-owned companies in industries (banking, oil, and food processing.) Nationalization reduced reliance on the West to some degree. Governments had taken a leading role in promoting industrial growth. However some of the Governments believed that centralized control is necessary to achieve modernization. Government control of the economy has mixed results Which lead to some countries move away from strict government control toward a free market economy.

Population Challenge Middle East has a rapid population growth, that poses a challenge to modernization..Example Egypt’s population tripled since 1962 from 17 million to 58 million people Population explosion has put a strain on the region’s resources. Limited farmland & the scarcity of water makes the population growth a critical problem. Some governments have tried to limit the population growth.

Developing Agriculture Most people from the Middle East earn a living from farming. With a growing population, governments have to import more food. To help food production, governments pour resources into modernizing agriculture. In addition increase the output of cash crops that earn much needed income.

Agriculture Part 2 Governments have worked to increase the amount of farmland that can be cultivated (A.K.A improved irrigation system.) Many countries have constructed dams. (Aswan Dam-Egypt) Dams provide water for irrigation as well as hydroelectric power. Modern technology has allowed people to tap other water sources. One process is called desalination or converting sea water into fresh water for drinking. Farmers have used better seeds and fertilizers to increase crop yields. In 1950s countries have undertook land reform programs.

Role of Oil Middle East has 60% of the world’s oil reserves. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, etc. are rich in oil. Oil rich nations enjoy remarkable growth. By using the enormous profits from oil, they have done much to improve the Middle East (I.E. invested in building hospitals, raise the standard of living, and built new capitals.) Oil resources are unevenly distributed. Yet the Middle East has prosper because of oil.

Urban Growth Modernization & the population explosion have contributed to rapid growth of the Middle East. Many newcomers are landless farmers looking for work. Others are younger people from prosperous rural families who move to the cities seeking higher education and better jobs. In the cities/villages are overcrowded.

Urban Growth 2 Children adapt to city life more quickly than do their parents. A higher percentage of Middle Eastern children are more literate than their parents. Differences between the generations causes conflict. Dating is rare in the Middle East. Most families still arrange marriages. Today women and men have some say in choosing a spouse.

Women’s Lives Status of women varies from 1 country to another in the Middle East. It depends on each nation’s laws, government, and social traditions. In conservative nations, like Iran, law requires women to be veiled when they go outside their homes. In other Middle Eastern cities, such as Cairo, most women walk along the streets freely and remain unveiled. # of women are completing high school and earning university degrees is growing. Women are entering the work force as doctors, lawyers, journalists, and government officials. Still women are responsible for the housework and child care. Mixed feelings of Middle Eastern women’s independence varies.

Education Middle Eastern nations place a great emphasis on education. Most Middle Eastern countries, few people have technical training needed to run modern factories. Literacy rates are low and most children had little schooling. Since 1950s, Middle Eastern nations have made rapid progress toward expanding education. Some countries invest into building schools and training teachers.

Education 2 Other countries have not only raised literacy rates, yet doubled and tripled the # of high school graduates. Despite success, education is uneven. Literacy varies from one country to another, between urban/rural areas,& social classes. More boys attend schools vs. girls. Population growth causes problems in education. Each year the growing # of children out space the # of schools and teachers.

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