The Arabian Peninsula,
Iraq, Iran, and
Afghanistan
Physical Geography

This area is often called the Persian Gulf,
named for the water it surrounds. It is
also called the Middle East.

The Arabian Peninsula consists of several
countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain,
Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and
Yemen
Physical Geography

Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan are located
north and east of the Arabian Peninsula

Most of this region has a desert or steppe
climate. Temperatures in the desert can
reach 129 degrees in the summer—and
dip below freezing in the winter nights.
Resources

Water is an important resource because it
is scarce.

Oil/Petroleum is the region’s most
important resource. Most of the countries
here rely heavily on oil for their
economies.
Religion

Islam was founded by a merchant named
Muhammad. He was from the Arabian
town of Mecca (now in Saudi Arabia).

Around AD 610 he had a vision that he
had been named a prophet by Allah, or
God.
Religion

The religion of Islam spread quickly to
North Africa, much of Asia, and parts of
Europe.

Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
Religion

Muslims follow a set of rules to guide their
behavior. These rules are outlined by the
Five Pillars of Islam (more on this later).
Religion

There are two main branches of Islam.
Followers of the largest branch are called
Sunni. Followers of the second-largest
branch are called Shia.

Early in Islam’s history, these two groups
disagreed over leadership in the Islamic
world. This dispute still causes problems
today.