Georgia's Exploring Our World: Africa, Southwest Asia, and Southern and Eastern Asia © 2012

Chapter 4: Physical Geography of Southwest Asia

Chapter Overviews

For centuries, the people of Southwest Asia have adapted to survive in this dry region. It extends from the Mediterranean coasts of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel to towering mountain ranges in Iran and Afghanistan. The region also includes the countries on the Arabian Peninsula. Several mountain ranges, along with low-lying plateaus, stretch across the area. Coastal plains support agriculture, but inland areas are quite dry. The region is surrounded by water, and waterways connect the seas. The Strait of Gibraltar links the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. A human-made waterway, the Suez Canal, connects the Mediterranean and the Red Seas, and the Strait of Hormuz allows access to the Persian Gulf. Humans built civilizations along the Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates Rivers.

Much of Southwest Asia is covered by deserts with a hot, dry climate. As a result, most people have settled in more temperate areas that receive higher levels of rainfall such as coastal plains. One of the most important challenges facing Southwest Asia is managing water resources. The lack of water in the region is a growing problem. The region is the world's leading producer of petroleum and natural gas. During the past century, the increasing global need for these resources has brought new wealth and changing lifestyles to the area. Coal and iron ore are also found in Southwest Asia.