Geography & Natural Resources
What are the two most important natural resources in Southwest Asia and North Africa?
Petroleum (oil) and water.
What three major rivers are important to Southwest Asia and North Africa?
The Nile, Euphrates, and Tigris Rivers.
What are the three major religions in Southwest Asia and North Africa?
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
What is the definition of globalization?
The process of increased interconnectedness between countries through trade, culture, and technology.
What is interdependence?
When countries rely on each other for resources, goods, or services.
What desert covers much of North Africa?
The Sahara Desert
Why do most people in Egypt live near the Nile River?
The river provides water, fertile soil, and supports agriculture.
What is one religious practice shared by Jews, Christians, and Muslims?
Prayer
Why is crude oil important to the economies of Southwest Asia?
It is a major export that generates wealth and influences global markets.
Why do many countries rely on Southwest Asia for oil?
The region has some of the world's largest oil reserves.
What is the term for a fertile area in the desert where water is available?
Oasis
How does flooding help agriculture in the region?
Floods deposit nutrient-rich silt, making the soil fertile.
How does religion influence cultural traditions in the region?
Religious beliefs shape food, clothing, laws, and holidays
How has international business impacted cultural change in the Middle East?
It has introduced new languages, tourism, and economic opportunities.
How does water scarcity create interdependence in North Africa and Southwest Asia?
Countries must trade or use technology like desalination to access freshwater.
Why is water scarcity a major issue in Southwest Asia and North Africa?
The region has arid and semi-arid climates with low rainfall.
What impact do the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers have on population density in the Middle East?
They provide water for farming and settlement, leading to high population density.
How do images of religious sites, clothing, or worship reflect cultural traits?
They show how faith influences daily life, such as dress codes or prayer rituals.
What is one negative effect of relying on oil for economic development?
Oil price fluctuations can cause economic instability.
What is the relationship between oil-rich and oil-poor countries in the Middle East?
Oil-poor countries depend on trade, tourism, and aid from oil-rich nations.
How does the distribution of petroleum and water affect relationships between countries in the region?
Countries with oil rely on water-rich nations for resources, creating interdependence.
How can population density maps help us understand human settlement in Southwest Asia and North Africa?
They show that most people live near water sources like rivers and coasts.
What is a key difference between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?
Their beliefs about Jesus—Judaism does not recognize him as the Messiah, Christianity sees him as the Son of God, and Islam views him as a prophet.
What economic activity is increasing in the region as countries try to move away from oil dependence?
Tourism and technology industries.
How has globalization increased interdependence in Southwest Asia and North Africa?
It has connected economies through oil exports, trade agreements, and international investments.