1. The Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan

2. Physical Geography This area is often called the Persian Gulf, named for the water it surrounds. It is also called the Middle East. This area is often called the Persian Gulf, named for the water it surrounds. It is also called the Middle East. The Arabian Peninsula consists of several countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen The Arabian Peninsula consists of several countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen

3. Physical Geography Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan are located north and east of the Arabian Peninsula Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan are located north and east of the Arabian Peninsula Most of this region has a desert or steppe climate. Temperatures in the desert can reach 129 degrees in the summer—and dip below freezing in the winter nights. Most of this region has a desert or steppe climate. Temperatures in the desert can reach 129 degrees in the summer—and dip below freezing in the winter nights.

4. Resources Water is an important resource because it is scarce. Water is an important resource because it is scarce. Oil/Petroleum is the region’s most important resource. Most of the countries here rely heavily on oil for their economies. Oil/Petroleum is the region’s most important resource. Most of the countries here rely heavily on oil for their economies.

5. Religion Islam was founded by a merchant named Muhammad. He was from the Arabian town of Mecca (now in Saudi Arabia). Islam was founded by a merchant named Muhammad. He was from the Arabian town of Mecca (now in Saudi Arabia). Around AD 610 he had a vision that he had been named a prophet by Allah, or God. Around AD 610 he had a vision that he had been named a prophet by Allah, or God.

6. Religion The religion of Islam spread quickly to North Africa, much of Asia, and parts of Europe. The religion of Islam spread quickly to North Africa, much of Asia, and parts of Europe. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.

7. Religion Muslims follow a set of rules to guide their behavior. These rules are outlined by the Five Pillars of Islam (more on this later). Muslims follow a set of rules to guide their behavior. These rules are outlined by the Five Pillars of Islam (more on this later).

8. Religion There are two main branches of Islam. Followers of the largest branch are called Sunni. Followers of the second-largest branch are called Shia. There are two main branches of Islam. Followers of the largest branch are called Sunni. Followers of the second-largest branch are called Shia. Early in Islam’s history, these two groups disagreed over leadership in the Islamic world. This dispute still causes problems today. Early in Islam’s history, these two groups disagreed over leadership in the Islamic world. This dispute still causes problems today.