geography of southwest asia and northern africa
DESCRIPTION
Geography of Southwest Asia and Northern Africa. World Studies. Where in the world?. Northern Africa and Southwest Asia. Why is North Africa considered part of this region? Historically, the region has more similarities with Arabic countries than Central or South African. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
World Studies
Geography of Southwest Asia and Northern Africa
Where in the world?
Northern Africa and Southwest Asia
•Why is North Africa considered part of this region?
• Historically, the region has more similarities with Arabic countries than Central or South African.
The term “Middle East” was based on the location of Europe (Eurocentric)
The Middle East was in between Europe and the Far East (China, Japan)
Southwest Asia puts Asia at the center and not Europe.
Why not the Middle East?
Why not the Middle East?Europe
Far East
Middle East
Crossroads of the World
This region connects 3 continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Many major bodies of water also surround the region.Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, Black Sea ,
Mediterranean Sea.All are very important in trade and travel.
Because of this, Southwest Asia has always been a major focal point for trade. Migrating people spread ideas and inventions
throughout the region.
Crossroads of the World
Major Region #1: Northern TierModern day Turkey
and IranMountains and
plateausAnatolian Plateau
(Turkey): Fertile soil, adequate precipitation allows for large population
Iranian Plateau (Iran): Dry, small population
Major Region #2: Arabian PeninsulaSaudi Arabia, Yemen,
Oman, Qatar, U.A.E.Covered in desert (Rub
Al- Khali)Large land areaSmall populationScarce drinking waterOasis- fertile land area
with water that supports lots of desert life
Surrounded by important bodies of water.
Large amounts of oil lay beneath the surface= $$$
Major Region #3: Fertile CrescentIraq, Syria, Lebanon,
Israel.Tigris and Euphrates
rivers create rich soils that sustain large populations
Home of the earliest civilizations
Major Region #4: Nile River ValleyEgyptPeople live along the
Nile due to abundance of fresh water and fertile soil.
The rest of Egypt is desert and sparsely inhabited.
Close to the Suez Canal
SinaiPen.
Med. Sea
Red Sea
Major Region #5: The MaghrebNorthern Africa, inc.
Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco.
Sahara desert, Atlas mts.
Major cities on the Mediterranean coast.
Most of the population lives near the coast where there is more rain.