1. Location of the Middle East
Southwest Asia is between 3 major continents: Europe, Africa, Asia
The location of the Middle East makes it perfect for trade!
For centuries trade through the Middle East has occurred. Ships loaded with goods went to Europe and Asia from the Middle East.
Today the Suez Canal in Egypt links the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

2. Resources available: The Impact of Rivers
Middle East Climate
Resources available: The Impact of Rivers
*The climate of a region impacts how and where people live as well
The Middle East is usually very hot and dry
Mountain ranges block moisture coming from the oceans and seas nearby; most of the interior is desert ( it can reach 140 degrees F in the desert!)
Coastal areas and river areas have enough water to support agriculture and large towns/cities.
3 major river systems
Euphrates River
runs through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Kuwait
Tigris River
runs through Turkey, Iraq, and Kuwait
Jordan River
part of the border of Syria, Jordan, and Israel

3. These major rivers provide:
Water for drinking
Water for irrigation
Water for transportation and trade
Boundaries between nations
Major cities are located on or near these rivers – centers of industry (jobs)
However, as we know, water is a SCARCE resource in the Middle East which makes it often times the source of conflict!
When multiple people NEED a resource and there is not enough to go around, it can cause major problems!

4. Physical Characteristics: Deserts in the Middle East
Southwest Asia has a lot of desert areas. Two of the deserts are the Syrian Desert and the Rub al-Khali
Syrian Desert between Syria & Iraq
Rub al-Khali or “Empty Quarter” in southern Saudi Arabia