Geography of North Africa
and the
Arabian Peninsula
Northern Africa’s geography is similar to
that of the Arabian Peninsula. Both
consist of mountains, deserts, oases and
coastal plains.
The following
countries are
considered to
be part
North Africa:
 Western Sahara
 Morocco
 Algeria
 Tunisia
 Libya
 Egypt
 Iraq
 Bahrain — technically an
The following
countries are
considered to be
part of the
peninsula:
island just off the coast of the
Peninsula
 Kuwait
 Oman
 Qatar
 Saudi Arabia
 United Arab Emirates
 Yemen
Arabian Peninsula is divided into 4 regions:
Deserts
thawb- loose-fitting,
ankle-length gown
worn by men.
ghutra- male
headdress used to
protect the head from
the heat, flies, and dust.
tents- made of goat
hair.
nomads- people who
live in the desert.
camels- made it
easier to travel and
carry supplies in the
desert.
The desert climate is extreme. It can reach 120*F in the
shade. It does not rain very much, only about 10” or less
per year. The desert is not a very fertile region even
though it is capable of growing shrubs. It has wells of
salty water. Animals such as jackrabbits, goats, sheep,
and camels graze here.
AN ARABIAN DESERT
A NOMAD WHO LIVES IN A TENT MADE
OUT OF SHEEP SKIN
A CAMEL DRIVER RESTING AT HOME
Coastal
Plains
Agriculture- Region
is rich and varies of
plants and animals.
Most of the farmland is
here.
Cities and PortsTrade and business for
over many, many years
with Asia and Africa.
The flatland that runs along the coast of the Arabian
Peninsula separates a plateau from the sea. People here
grow crops of coffee, grains and fruits. Most of the
trading cities are found in this region.
THE COASTAL PLAINS
Oases
Date palm- needs little
water. It is eaten by
nomads and the camels
eat the seed. It is also
used to make rope and
the oil is extracted for
many uses.
Oases- An oasis
provides water and green
pastures for the camels.
It is a good resting spot
for nomads.
Oasis- singular form
Oases- plural form
An oasis is capable of growing vegetation. People who live
in oasis settlements depend on wells and springs to access
the underground water. Date palms, citrus fruits,
apricots, peaches, pomegranates and figs, wheat and
alfalfa grow here.
AN OASIS
NOMADS RESTING BY AN OASIS
Mountains
Terracing- allowed
for efficient use of water
during rain season.
Steep slopes- they
preserve cultural
traditions for hundreds
of years because of
isolation.
The mountains run along the coast about 50 miles from
the water. The wind carries a lot of moisture on to them
helping mountaineers enjoy a mild climate. The W and
the NW mountain region has such steep slopes that only
wild goats survive living here.
ASIR MOUNTAINS
MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT IN YEMEN
ECONOMY
POPULATION
As of 2008, the
estimated population
of the Arabian
Peninsula is
77,983,936.
The majority of the
people living in the
peninsula lives in
Saudi Arabia and
Yemen.
With the exception of Yemen, the countries in the
Peninsula are among the wealthiest in the world.
The peninsula contains the worlds largest reserves
of oil.
LANGUAGE
RELIGION
The official
language is
Arabic.
The main
religion is Islam