By: Tayler Gifford

History- Saudi Arabia has a very notable history, it began in the seventh century when the prophet Muhammad proclaimed the message of Islam from the centers of Makah and Al Madinah. Government- Saudi Arabia’s kingdom is divided into 13 regions called governor, or emir, who answers directly to the king. Economy- Saudi Arabia has a strong but undiversified economy, with the largest oil supply in the world. Culture- All Saudi Arabia citizens are Muslims; 90% of them, including the royal family, belong to the Sunni branch of Islam.

History- The present-day Iran, known anciently as Persia, was ruled in the 6 th century BC by such powerful emperors as Darius and Cyrus the Great. Government- Iran is a theocratic republic, elected by people to a four-year term, the president is head of government. Economy- Iran’s oil accounts for 80% of all export earnings, closely tying the economy to fluctuations in the price of oil. Culture- Iran is the world’s most populous Shia Muslim country.

History- the holy land, from which the present state of Israel emerged, claims a long history of rule by different powers. Government- Israel does not have a written constitution. The president performs ceremonial duties, but the prime minister is head of government. Economy- Israel’s economy is well developed and modern despite a paucity of natural resources. Culture- about 16%of the population is Muslim and nearly 2 percent is Druze.

History- Modern turkey is the most recent in a series of important states and empire that have inhabited the Anatolian peninsula since the beginning of history. Government- Turkey is a constitutional republic with a multiparty parliament, the president is head of state; the prime minister is head of government. Economy- Agriculture is the traditional backbone of the economy, once providing the bulk of all exports, today, it employs a large percentage of the labor force but accounts for a much smaller percentage of the gross domestic product. Culture- Although 99 percent of Turkey's population is Sunni Muslim, the government makes it clear that Turkey is a secular state with freedom of religion.