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Terms/Main Ideas
World Geography: Southwest Asia Test
Review
Describe, Define and Use
in Context
Physical Geography
Regions
North Africa
Landlocked countries of SW
Asia
Benefit of sea access
Importance of the Persian Gulf
Nomad
What region has the most oil?
Dominate Physical
Characteristic of SW Asia
Major Natural Resources
Desalination
Irrigation
Population Distribution
Land Use
Southwest Asia and North Africa
More in common with Southwest Asia than with rest of Africa. Arab descent,
dominant religion is Islam, most people speak Arabic
Lack of sea access. Makes trade much harder. Puts countries like Afghanistan at a
trade disadvantage.
Access to Mediterranean & Red Seas gives Israel the ability to trade with Europe
And East Asia. Afghanistan is landlocked – makes trade much more difficult
Much of the world’s oil ships from here. Many pipelines end here
and then oil is loaded on tankers
People who raise livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) and are constantly on the move
With their animals in search of fresh grass & water for their animals
Southwest Asia has most oil resources in the world. It is the main
(primary) source of income in the Middle East
Southwest Asia has few rivers or lakes. Limits amount of fresh water
available to people & agriculture
Lots of oil. Little (not very much) fresh water
Taking salt out of sea water. This source of fresh water adds to region’s
small amount of river water
(Giant sprinkler system) Technology that allows people to grow food
In the desert. Makes the “desert bloom”
Physical geography is mostly dry, arid desert. Therefore, most people live near sources
of fresh water such as rivers. For example the Nile, Tigris, Euphrates
Temperate grasslands and desert scrub only really allows for the herding of livestock.
Religion
Islam
Muslim
Mecca
Muhammad
Qur’an
Judaism
Monotheism
Monotheistic (one God) religion. Began by Muhammad in Southwest
Asia. All countries in SW Asia, except Israel, are Islamic
What a follower of Islam is called. Most people in Central and Southwest
Asia are Muslims. Islam is at the center of their lives and lifestyles.
Holiest site in Islam. Muhammad’s birthplace. Located in Saudi Arabia.
This is where Muslims try to go on pilgrimage at least once in lifetime
Founder of Islam. From Mecca in modern day Saudi Arabia.
Died in 632. Also called the “Prophet”
Holy book of Islam. Laws in Islamic theocracies are based on the Qur’an.
Those are called Sharia law.
Oldest of three religions. Monotheistic. Began in Southwest Asia.
Israel is a Jewish state – supported by the US & other western nations.
The Western Wall in Jerusalem is holiest site. In conflict with Islam.
Belief in only one god
Jerusalem
Important Holy city to all three religions. Both Palestinians and Israelis feel
they have a claim to the city. Neither group wants to give up their claim
(or control) of the city.
Israel and Palestine
Israel’s culture
Palestinians’ culture
Palestinian Refugees
Nationalism
“Western” nations stance on
the conflict
Religious Dispute
Control of Jerusalem
Settlements
Israel believes the land was promised to them by God. Israel, because of their religion,
has a different culture than the countries around it.
Believe Israeli land belongs to them because they have lived there for a very
long time. They believe Israel stole the land.
Forced to flee (leave) Israel to live in Islamic countries because they
are persecuted (treated badly). Most refugees live in Jordan.
Desire of an ethnic group for independence and a country of their own
The U.S. and Britain support Israel’s right to exist. They give Israel military
Assistance and try to help Israel and its enemies come to peace agreements.
Israel – Jewish
Palestinians - Muslim
Both Israel and Palestinians want control of Jerusalem. They do not want to
Share with each other.
Areas in the West Bank occupied by Jewish settlers. On Palestinian land that was
Captured by the Israelis during war time.
Oil
OPEC
What does OPEC control?
Importance of oil
Region with the most oil
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
OPEC tries to control
world oil market & maximize prices (sell oil at the highest price possible)
Oil is the main source of income ($$) for the economy in Southwest Asia.
Southwest Asia has the largest oil reserves in the world
US involvement
Main Reason for US
involvement in SW Asia
Oil. The United States is dependent. We must buy oil from other countries. We need
This region to be stable and to produce oil. Our economic health depends on it.
the modern culture of western Europe and North America
Western Culture
Islamic Fundamentalism
9/11 Attacks
Afghanistan
Taliban
Extreme view of Islam. Only a few Muslims are in this category. Believe countries should
have laws based on the Qur’an and that women should be controlled by men. Taliban in
Afghanistan is an example. Many terrorists, like those in Al Qaeda, are Islamic
Fundamentalists
Terrorist attack on US. Planned and funded by Osama Bin Laden and his Islamic
Fundamentalist terrorists. US invaded Afghanistan after 9-11attack to try to get Osama
Less developed (poor), landlocked Islamic country in Southwest Asia. Most people
there are illiterate (can’t read). Was controlled by the Taliban. US fighting there.
Islamic fundamentalists. Controlled Afghanistan from 1996-2001. Imposed strict laws
based on the Qur’an (Sharia law). Men had to grow beards. Protected Osama bin
Laden after 9-11. Militants are still fighting against US/NATO in Afghanistan today
Osama Bin Laden & Al Qaeda
War on Terror
Gender Inequality
Bin Laden was in Afghanistan when he planned 9-11 attacks. He was the leader
Of Al Qaeda. Killed in Pakistan by US forces.
Still going on even though bin Laden is dead. Fight has spread worldwide.
Al Qaeda still exists and the U.S. is still a potential target of terrorist attacks.
The difference in rights and opportunities between men and women. Can be a very
large difference in some countries, like Afghanistan. Differences in education, ability
to travel freely, and in clothing restrictions. The behavior and rights of women are
Closely monitored in Islamic Fundamentalist countries, like Iran & Saudi Arabia.
Nationalism
Palestinians
Kurds
Live mainly in Israel. Different culture than Israelis. Want their own country and are
fighting the Israelis to get one.
Live mainly in northern Iraq and southern Turkey. Would like to take land from both
and make their own country. Supported by US against ISIS
Government
Theocracy
Monarchy
Dictatorship
Government led by religious leader. Iran is an Islamic theocracy
– led by the Ayatollah. Laws based on the Qur’an (Islamic Holy book)
Government controlled by a king. Saudi Arabia is one example.
Government in which the leader gains control through military and uses the military to
maintain control. Iraq under Saddam Hussein was an example.