World Geography / Unit 9: Southwest, South and Central Asia
9.3 Southwest Asia (the Middle East)
Notes
- Countries and capitals: Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Iran (Tehran), Iraq (Baghdad), Turkey (Ankara), Jordan (Amman), Syria (Damascus), Lebanon (Beirut), Kuwait (Kuwait City), United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha), Oman (Muscat).
- Judaism, Christianity and Islam all began in this region. Islam began in Arabia (Mecca and Medina). Arabic is widely spoken, but Iranians speak Persian (Farsi) and Turks speak Turkish, so not all people of the region are Arabs.
- The Persian Gulf area holds a very large share of the world's oil. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, vital oil shipping route.
- Water is scarce, so many countries use desalination (removing salt from seawater).
- Several territorial and political disputes exist, and some places have disputed status.
Practice
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
Riyadh is in the center of the peninsula.
Which statement about Iran is correct?
Iran's capital is Tehran and its main language is Persian (Farsi).
Why do many Persian Gulf countries use desalination?
Desalination turns seawater into fresh water in dry places.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 9 test.