1. The Arabian Peninsula

3. People Most Arabs are Muslims and speak Arabic
Decedents of ancient Arab people

4. Density and Distribution
Most live in large cities in coastal regions and some in oases
Relatively low population density by country, but cities have very high densities
Bedouin still roam the Arabian desert or settle in oases
Oil discovery has modernized the countries

5. History and Government
Yemen
One of earliest civilizations
Some countries sign treaties with Great Britain for protection

6. Independence Kuwait independence mid 1900s United Arab Emirates
1971 formed from sheikhdoms
Saudi Arabia
Follows Shari’ah
Quran, Kuwait, and Qatar
Costitutional emirates ruled by emirs

7. Living Standards Varies through region
High standard from oil production
Labor shortages need foreign workers
Qatar
one of highest per-capita incomes in world

8. Religion Most Sunni and Shia Muslim Oman
Belief in making hajj to Makkah
Oman
Practice Ibadhism form of Islam

9. Education and Healthcare
Education and skills given high priority in oil rich nations High literacy rates Healthcare varies depending on country and religion.

10. Arts and Celebrations Mostly geometric patterns and floral designs
Calligraphy
Passages from Quran adorn walls and mosques
Makkah: _MQ