Chapter Outline

Use this outline to increase your understanding of the important characteristics of North Africa and Southwest Asia.

1. In the Middle -- This region is located at a globally significant junction of landmasses and cultures. Two way interactions between this region and surrounding regions have had great impact.
2. Religions and Languages
1. Religions -- This is the Islamic heartland although other religions developed in the region before Islam.
2. Languages -- Arabic is the principal language.
3. Arab and Islamic Political Movements -- With varying degrees of success, several organizations have attempted to unify Arab and Islamic countries.
3. World Issue: Islamic Fundamentalism -- This movement varies in strength and questions Muslim involvement with the Western world and in the world economy.
4. Natural Environment
1. Dry Climates and Desert Vegetation -- Overall dryness means places that do have water are especially important.
2. Clashing Plates -- Tectonic plates have formed the varied topography.
3. Major River Valleys -- The Tigris-Euphrates and Nile river systems supply much needed water.
4. Oil Resources -- In spite of price fluctuations, huge reserves of the world's most used energy source permit a continuous flow of revenue to some, but not all countries of this region.
5. Environmental Problems -- Oil related pollution and salinization are concerns.
5. North Africa -- Possessing European connections, these countries are part of the Muslim world.
1. Countries -- Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia make up this region.
2. People -- Although decreasing in some areas, population growth remains rapid and is becoming more urban. French influence was important.
3. Economic Development -- Several problems like large amounts of international debt hinder further economic growth. Manufacturing and tertiary activities are increasing.
6. Nile Valley -- Water flowing in the Nile River has been crucial for life since ancient times.
1. Countries -- Egypt and Sudan have similarities and contrasts.
2. People -- Rapid population growth puts pressure on the limited arable land. Egyptian civilization is now Muslim and Arab.
3. Economic Development -- In contrast to Egypt, Sudan is isolated from the world economy. Significant income coming from Egyptians and Sudanese working in the Persian Gulf area has declined.
7. Arab Southwest Asia -- Islam and oil production dominate this area.
1. Countries -- Oil and water resources vary from country to country.
2. People -- The population is located where water is available, urbanizing rapidly, and growing quickly. Mesopotamia was an early civilization.
3. Economic Development -- Oil exports provide funds for development projects, but not every country has oil and eventually the oil will run out. In response, countries attempt to diversify their economies.
8. Living in Syria -- Socialism under the Baath party, ending ties with the Soviet Union, and deciding how much to become part of the world economy are changing Syria.
9. Israel, Gaza, and West Bank -- Conflict between Israel and its neighbors has been recurring since 1948. Israel is a relatively successful homeland for five million Jews.
1. People -- Migration of Jews from Russia and elsewhere fuels population growth in Israel. Israel is a special place for most of its people, but has increasing internal tensions. Gaza and West Bank contain many Palestinians.
2. Economic Development -- Israel's economy is similar to a European economy being diversified in manufacturing and services.
10. Turkey and Iran -- These countries differ from the rest of North Africa and Southwest Asia in several ways.
1. Countries -- Turkey and Iran continue to be political and economic rivals.
2. People -- Both countries are populous and contain considerable ethnic diversity. The Byzantine Empire in Turkey and the Persian Empire in Iran were historically significant.
3. Economic Development -- Iran uses oil and Turkey uses water resources to support their respective economies. Manufacturing and services are more diversified in Turkey than in Iran.
11. Landscapes in North Africa and Southwest Asia -- Urbanization has been rapid with many new town areas growing around old sections. Oil has paid for much of the economic development that has caused urban growth.
12. Future Prospects -- Prospects for this subregion depend on factors like the level of involvement in the world economic system. The Gulf War of 1991 reflects the divisions that persist within this region.