1. ISLAMIC REALM The Religion of Islam dominates the Middle East and North Africa Nearly ALL countries in this region practice Islam as their official religion Israel is the only exception with Judaism as its official religion The Religion of Islam dominates the Middle East and North Africa Nearly ALL countries in this region practice Islam as their official religion Israel is the only exception with Judaism as its official religion

2. POPULATION DISTRIBUTION Majority of population lives around water resources (not in the dry arid regions). - The Nile - Mediterranean Sea - Euphrates and Tigris Basin - Lower mountain slopes of Iran, south of the Caspian Sea Majority of population lives around water resources (not in the dry arid regions). - The Nile - Mediterranean Sea - Euphrates and Tigris Basin - Lower mountain slopes of Iran, south of the Caspian Sea

3. THE MIDDLE EAST “Middle” of the Eastern realm- between the Far East (China) and the Near East (Turkey) Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon. Center of conflict between Christians, Jews, and Muslims Sunni – Shia conflict (within Iraq and throughout the region). “Middle” of the Eastern realm- between the Far East (China) and the Near East (Turkey) Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon. Center of conflict between Christians, Jews, and Muslims Sunni – Shia conflict (within Iraq and throughout the region).

4. Fertile Crescent An area located in a crescent-shaped region between the Persian Gulf in the south and Israel in the west. Center of Ancient Human Civilization - Mesopotamian Civilization developed along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. An area located in a crescent-shaped region between the Persian Gulf in the south and Israel in the west. Center of Ancient Human Civilization - Mesopotamian Civilization developed along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

5. Arabian Peninsula Major Oil Producing Region One of the World’s Richest Regions National Boundaries Created by Europeans After World War I - Created Along Tribal Lines Islam Originated Here Major Oil Producing Region One of the World’s Richest Regions National Boundaries Created by Europeans After World War I - Created Along Tribal Lines Islam Originated Here

6. North Africa Located Between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea Very Dry Region Long Rich Cultural History - Egyptian Civilization developed along the Nile River Located Between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea Very Dry Region Long Rich Cultural History - Egyptian Civilization developed along the Nile River