1. II. Resources & Religion

2. A. Black Gold
Around 50% of the world’s oil is located in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia – World’s largest oil-producing country
Place where the United States gets the majority of its oil

4. Saudi Oil

5. B. Taking Control of Oil
United States and European countries created oil companies in the Middle East
OPEC – Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
Member countries: Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Venezuela
Controls the price and amount of oil produced

8. C. New Products
Primary Product – Raw material that will someday run out
Most of these countries export primary products
Secondary Products – Goods manufactured from primary products

9. D. Religion in the Region
Islam is the dominate religion of the region
Over one billion people practice Islam today
Around 1/6th of the world’s population

10. E. Five Pillars of Islam
1) There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is a great prophet
2) Pray five times a day facing Mecca
3) Give money to the poor
4) Fast during the month of Ramadan
5) Make a trip to Mecca once in your lifetime if you can afford it

13. F. Traditional Culture
Many Middle East people are adopting western ways of life
Examples
1) Fast-food
2) Television
3) Music

15. Window Shopping in Iran

16. Many fear that this lose of tradition is coming at a heavy price
Women in these countries have restricted rights
In Saudi Arabia women are not allowed to gather with men or drive cars
Men are allowed to have up to four wives