Malachi April 26, 13 World Geography

Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia

Since oil is a natural resource in this region political, social and economic decisions should be monitored because they affects daily life in our region. The region stretches from Morocco to Kazakhstan and contains dry arid temperatures and is home to the worlds greatest deserts. On the other hand the Nile River replenishes North Africa annually. Also the Tigris and Euphrates flow southeast into Turkey, Syria and Iraq. This land is known as the Fertile Crescent because the soil is rich. Most of the Earths earliest agriculture schemes and techniques were practiced on this land. Along the coast inhabitants enjoy a Meddterran climate and some nomadic herders travel to and from to roam. Compared to other major regions water is scarce in this region. The Nile River Valley is an historical meeting point for ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Persians and Phoenicians. Not to mention the first humanoid skull was discovered in Africa by paleontologist. In addition to the culture of Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia religion was spread throughout the world from these cradles. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all have traces back to this land and mission trips continue to this day. In World War 1 many troops traveled the Medeterian Sea into Cecily to sneak attack the French. Today, Islam claims the greatest number of followers here. Yet Georgia and Armenia remain Christian strongholds, and Israel is the Jewish state. (National Geo) Those three religions are

monotheistic and have roots in Southwest Asia. Jews trace their ancestry to a herder named Abraham, who lived at least 3,500 years ago in what is now Iraq. According to Jewish scripture, God instructed Abraham to settle in that area that became known as Israel and promise to bless Abrahams descendants if they worshiped one God. Nearly 1000 years after the birth of Christ, Israel selected David as King. David made Jerusalem the capital, which was spilt into two factions Israel and Judah, which caused the Jews to leave their homeland and migrate to other regions. In the 1650s the first Jews arrived in the United States. Its is the Jews belief that God would send a Messiah to lead and unite the people. Jesus was a Jew born in Judah interpreted Jewish teachings and spread them daily. Jesus followers, known as Christians, believed that Jesus was both the Messiah and the Son of God. The Christian faith eventually became the official religion of the Roman Empire.(National Geo) More than 500 years after Jesus died, the prophet Muhammad was born on the Arabian Peninsula. According to Muslim tradition, Muhmmad received revelations from God and began to teach lessons to his followers. The heart of his teachings forms the basis of Islam, which revolves around belief in a single God who communicates through prophets. The Islamic prophets include Abraham and Jesus so the religion is consistent with its older counterparts. The region can be considered a melting pot with the mixture of ethnic diversity people from different backgrounds interact considerably. Many citizens continue customs and traditions from previous generations on the Internet.

The Mediterranean Sea separates Africa and Europe creating part of the Israeli-Jordanian border and it is a source of chemical products such as potash. The coastal plains are a brief escape from the desert plains. The highlands are home to Africas longest mountain range

stretching from Morocco to Algeria. Half of Moroccos population produces crops including barley, oats and wheat. Also fishing and raising livestock contribute to the economy. In addition the economy is expected to grow six percent annually as more rain falls in the region. Southwest Asia host two mountain ranges the Hejaz and the Asir near the Arabian Peninsula. This region is considered the most agriculturally productive because the large amount of rainfall. An amazing feat of nature is the constant appearing and disappearing of wadis. Steambeds often cause mud flows or large masses of soil creating danger to humans and animals. The tectonic plates of the region shifted and as a result built the Zagros Mountains of southern Iran and the Taurus Mountains of Turkey. The movement of the plates caused the Red Sea to spread. Minerals also generate revenue sulfate and phosphate are two leading exports. As is in the United States many countries in this region attempt to reduce their dependence on oil. Solar energy is an example of an alternative energy source. Also, information technology and tourism bolster the economy. To sum it up Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia contain 98% of the worlds oil but lack in clean water sources. The region is host to multiple religions and diverse cultures including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. At times earthquakes occur and have created mountain ranges in the regions. In addition mud slides may occur in areas due to lack of rain. The climate is arid and dry for the most part and some areas along the coast have a Mediterranean climate. These coast lines are major producers of agriculture including barley, wheat and oats. Minerals contribute to the economy as well.

Works Cited

http://geography.unt.edu/~sallee/1200/World%20Geography%20Lesson%207%20N%2 0Africa%20SW%20Asia.pdf

http://misdtx.schoolwires.com/cms/lib/TX21000394/Centricity/Domain/112/chap_17.p df