Describe how the deserts and rivers of Southwest Asia have affected the population in

terms of where people live, the type of work they do, and how they travel.

SS7G7

Euphrates river system-runs through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Kuwait

Tigris river system- runs through Turkey, Iraq, and Kuwait

Jordan river system- forms part of the border for Syria, Jordan, and the West Bank and Israel

The above river systems are very important to people in the Middle East because they are sources of water for drinking and irrigation, and also routes of transportation.

Why are major cities found near the above rivers? Water=Life=Cities=Jobs

Southwest Asia has two large desert areas:

Syrian Desert- shared by Syria and IraqRub al-Khali or “empty Quarter”- in

southern Saudi ArabiaBoth deserts have served as large barriers

to invasion throughout history. Bedouins- people who have adapted to live

in the deserts of Southwest Asia by living in tent camps, herding sheep and camel, and trading goods or animals to survive.

Most countries in Southwest Asia have a very hot and dry climate.

In the Middle East water sources such as the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea are blocked by mountain ranges, which makes the interior of Southwest Asia very desert like.

Three continents Africa, Asia, and Europe surround Southwest Asia (Middle East)

The region has always played a major role in trading around the world

People trade by caravans and ships The Suez Canal is an important trade

route located in Egypt that allows for ships to move from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea or Indian Ocean

1. Many of the largest cities in Southwest Asia are located on or near

a. Desertsb. Major riversc. Large grasslandsd. Mountain ranges

2. The Bedouins are Southwest Asians who have traditionally lived in and around

a. Oil fieldsb. Urban areasc. Major desertsd. Large river systems

3. People living in the deserts in Southwest Asia have usually made their living by

a. Farmingb. Mining or hired laborc. Working in the oil industryd. Trading animals and handmade goods

4. Which describes the climate of much of Southwest Asia?

a. Hot and dryb. Windy and coldc. Tropical and rainyd. Moderate and cool

5. Because mountains block winds coming from the oceans, much of the interior of Southwest Asia is

a. Desertb. Grasslandsc. Inland lakesd. Rich farming areas

6. Which do Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Kuwait share?

a. Tigris riverb. Jordan riverc. Euphrates riverd. Afghanistan river