Chapter 8 The Eastern Mediterranean Section 4

Damascus – capital and believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world Part of Ottoman Empire in 1500s After WW1, controlled by France Became independent in the 1940s

led by dictator, Hafiz al-Assad Assad died in 2000, his son, Bashar, elected president Bashar’s goal is to improve the economy Socialist Textiles, food products and chemicals are important manufactured goods Small deposits of oil and natural gas Rich in iron ore, basalt, and phosphates

Population of more than 18 million 90% Arab, other 10% Kurds and Armenians 74% Sunni Muslim 16% Druze and Alawites, religion related to Islam 10% Christian Small Jewish communities in some cities

Small, mountainous country on the Mediterranean coast After WW1, controlled by France Gained independence in 1940s Muslim groups – Sunni, Shia, and Druze

1970s – 1990 fighting began between Lebanese groups Beirut – the capital city was badly damaged Industries include food processing, textiles, cement, chemicals, and jewelry making

Short history full of conflict Few resources Powerful neighbors

Created after WW1 under British control 1940s became fully independent Nomadic or semi-nomadic life ruled by King Hussein

Many are Bedouins Bedouins – Arabic-speaking nomads who mostly live in the deserts of Southwest Asia Produces phosphates, cement, and potash Tourism and banking are growing industries Economic aid from oil-rich Arab nations and United States Amman – capital and largest city