Middle East: Key Countries and Capitals

• The Middle East is a geopolitically and culturally complex region spanning parts of Western Asia, North Africa, and Southeastern Europe
• It is a region of significant geographic diversity, encompassing deserts, mountains, and fertile river valleys
• It is considered the birthplace of several major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• The region has been at the crossroads of trade and cultural exchange for millennia
• The modern political landscape of the Middle East is a product of the Ottoman Empire's collapse, European colonialism, and the rise of nationalism

Key Countries and Capitals

• Bahrain
  • Capital: Manama
  • An island nation in the Persian Gulf
  • Known for its financial sector
• Cyprus
  • Capital: Nicosia
  • An island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean
  • Divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities
• Egypt
  • Capital: Cairo
  • A transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia
  • The most populous country in the Arab world
  • Home to the Suez Canal
• Iran
  • Capital: Tehran
  • A large country in Western Asia
  • Rich in oil and natural gas resources
  • Has a Shia Muslim majority
• Iraq
  • Capital: Baghdad
  • Located in Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
  • Has significant oil reserves
• Israel
  • Capital: Jerusalem (disputed; most countries maintain embassies in Tel Aviv)
  • A country in the Levant region
  • Has a complex political situation
• Jordan
  • Capital: Amman
  • A country with a rich history that borders Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait
  • Capital: Kuwait City
  • A small, oil-rich country located at the northern edge of the Persian Gulf
• Lebanon
  • Capital: Beirut
  • A country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean
  • Has a diverse religious and cultural makeup
• Oman
  • Capital: Muscat
  • Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula
  • Has a strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz
• Palestine
  • Capital: Ramallah (de facto); Jerusalem (claimed)
  • A disputed territory comprising the West Bank and Gaza Strip
  • Has limited recognition as a state
• Qatar
  • Capital: Doha
  • A small, wealthy country on the Qatar Peninsula
  • Is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Saudi Arabia
  • Capital: Riyadh
  • The largest country in the Arabian Peninsula
  • Home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina
  • Has the largest oil reserves in the world
• Syria
  • Capital: Damascus
  • A country in the Levant region
  • Has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011
• Turkey
  • Capital: Ankara
  • A transcontinental country located mainly in Western Asia, with a smaller portion in Southeastern Europe
  • Has a strategic location between Europe and Asia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Capital: Abu Dhabi
  • A federation of seven emirates
  • Known for its modern cities and infrastructure
• Yemen
  • Capital: Sana'a
  • Located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula
  • Has been experiencing a civil war

Key Geographical Features

• Deserts
  • The Arabian Desert covers much of the Arabian Peninsula
  • The Sahara Desert extends into North Africa
  • These deserts have extreme temperatures and limited rainfall
• Mountains
  • The Zagros Mountains run along the western edge of Iran
  • The Taurus Mountains are located in southern Turkey
  • The Caucasus Mountains form the northern boundary of the region
• Rivers
  • The Nile River is the longest river in the world and flows through Egypt
  • The Tigris and Euphrates rivers define Mesopotamia
• Water Bodies
  • The Persian Gulf is a major waterway for oil transport
  • The Red Sea separates Africa from Asia
  • The Mediterranean Sea borders the region to the west

Strategic Importance

• The Middle East is a vital region due to its large reserves of oil and natural gas
• Several key shipping lanes, such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz, pass through the region
• The region has been the site of numerous conflicts and political instability
• Many global powers have strategic interests in the Middle East