From Camels to Cadillacs

  The Middle East is on the continents of Africa and Asia.  North Africa has five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt  The reason the two areas are studied together is that they have common characteristics.  The majority of the people speak Arabic. Hebrew is spoken in Israel. North Africa and Southwest Asia

  The region is the birthplace of the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam  The Climate in this region is mostly hot and dry with a desert climate Middle East

  Birthplace of modern civilization which began in Egypt and Mesopotamia.  Other civilizations such as Hebrew, Persia, and Phoenicia were all here. Rich History

  Nationalism, which means the right of people to have their own independent nation.  The ongoing struggle between the Jews (Israelis) and the Muslims (Palestinians) over the land of Palestine. Modern Struggles

  Gaining independence through revolution-three countries have gained freedom and democracy:  Egypt  Libya  Tunisia Many other countries are having protests which may lead to their independence. Arab Spring

 How did they do it?

  The Haves and have-nots: although much of the Middle East is rich in oil, most of the region is very poor.  Some of the people are called nomads, or people who wander from place to place.

  Red Sea  Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (Mesopotamia)  Nile River in Egypt-world’s longest  Mediterranean Sea  Persian Gulf  Arabian Peninsula  The Dead Sea, in which there is no life, is the world’s lowest point.  Sahara desert is the world’s largest desert Physical Features