Modern Middle Eastern Nations

1. Brief Overview Modern Middle Eastern Nations

2. Geography-Mountainous, Hindu Kush most important. Climate-Arid to semi arid, cold winters and hot summers Environmental Issues-limited fresh water, overgrazing, deforestation and desertification, air and water pollution. Ethnic groups-Pashtun 42%, Talik 27% Languages: Persian, Dari, Pashto Culture-Influenced by the Arab-Muslim conquest - largely influenced by Islam. Multicultural and multilingual. Religion- 80% Sunni Muslim, 19% Shi'a Muslim, 1% other Afghanistan

3. Government : Islamic Republic, Hamid Karzai President, Abdul Khalili VP, Economic system-Command, decided by each province. Extremely poor, instability continues to undermine the countries attempts to improve economic growth. Literacy-28.1%, male 43.1%, female 12.6% Conflicts- has long troubled history, survived countless invaders including the Soviet Union. Once controlled by the Taliban, an extreme group of fundamentalist Muslims, lost power in 2001 when the United States bombed this country in reaction to 911. Parts of Afghanistan were bombed to destroy al-Qaida training bases in the country . Afghanistan

4. Geography-located in the Persian Gulf, it consists of 33 tiny islands/archipelago. Climate-arid, mild, pleasant winters, very hot, humid summers. Ecological Issues-desertification, drought, oil spills causing terrible problems with coastlines coral reefs (oil refineries & tankers off shore) lack of freshwater..dust storms Ethnic groups: Bahraini 62%, Non-Bahraini 37% Languages: Arabic, English, Farsi & Urdu Culture: Religion is important to the culture, men wear traditional Muslim dress, women wear the abaya (full length black dress), marriages are arranged, Bahrain

5. Religion: Muslim 81.2%, Christian 9% & 9% other Government :Constitutional Monarchy. Prime minister and king continue to rule. Economic system-Oil discovered in 1932. Country is known for its free medical and hospital care and low cost housing for its citizens. Tourism is one of Bahrain’s main industries. Market economy Literacy-85.5% age 15 and over, male 88.6%, female 83.6% Conflicts-Conflicts between Shia (dominate) and Sunni Muslims over political issues in the parliament. Bahrain

6. Geography: 96% of the land is desert. Without the Nile river flowing between the western and eastern deserts, it would be almost impossible to live there. Climate: desert, hot dry summers with moderate winters Ecological Issues: desertification, oil pollution effecting coral reefs, beaches and marine habitats, limited fresh water, rapid growth overstraining the Nile and natural resources. Ethnic groups: Egyptian 99% remaining other Languages: Arabic, English and French. Egypt : “Gift of the Nile”

7. Religion: Muslim nation 90% Sunni, Coptic 9% Government: Egypt is a republic whose government is headed by a president. The president is elected by the legislature, although approval depends on a direct vote by the people. President selects a cabinet to head the various departments. Economic system: mixed economy, moving towards a market economy Literacy: 15 and over-71.4%, men 83% & women 59.4% Conflicts: land disputes with the Sudan, Gaza Strip and Sinai border. Egypt

8. Geography-one of the largest countries in the Middle East, until 1935 it was known as Persia Climate-mostly arid or semi-arid, subtropical along the Caspian coast. Environmental issues: air pollution/vehicle/refinery, deforestation, overgrazing, desertification, lack of potable water, water pollution, loss of wetlands and soil degradation. Ethnic groups-Persians 51%, Azeri 24%, Kurds 7% Culture: influenced by the Islamic faith. Iran Known as Persia until 1935

9. Religion: 98% Muslim 89% Shia & 9% Sunni Government :Theocratic Republic since 1979 Economic system-Command government/state controls most economic activity…little private sector ownership…moderate growth due to very high inflation, widespread corruption and unemployment. Literacy: 77% 15 and over can read and write, 83.5% male, 70.4 % women Conflicts-war with Iraq 1980-1988….issues with failure to halt enrichment of uranium…also provided support to the Taliban and other terrorist organizations. Iran

10. Geography: broad plains, reedy marshes, large flooded areas, mountains along borders. Climate: mostly desert, mild to cool winters with dry, hot cloudless summers, mountainous regions experience snow and cold winters, some flooding in spring Environmental Issues: government controls water, diversion of streams and wetlands destroys habitats, threats to wildlife, not enough potable water, water and air pollution, soil erosion , desertification. Ethnic groups: Arab 80%, 20 % Kurds Languages: Arabic, Kurdish, Turkoman Culture: Iraqi society is composed of sizable and distinct social groups whose differences and divisions have been only slowly and fitfully challenged by the emergence of a strong, centralized political regime and state apparatus Iraq-Formerly the ottoman empire, occupied by Great Britain during WWI

11. Religion: Muslim 97% Shia 65% and Sunni 35% Government type: Parliamentary democracy with president and prime minister. Literacy: 74.1% 15 and older can read, 84.1 male and 64.2 % women Economic system: Dominated by oil, mixed economy, corruption, inflation and issues related to the war. Aid is being given from a variety of countries Conflicts: War with Iran, invasion of Kuwait, issues with Kurds Iraq

12. Geography: desert in the south, low coastal plains, central mountains, Jordan Rift Valley Climate: temperate, hot & dry in the southern and eastern areas. Environmental Issues: limited arable land, desertification, limited fresh water, air pollution, ground water pollution from pesticides, chemical and domestic waste. Ethnic groups: Jewish 76.4%, 23.6% non-Jewish Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English most commonly used foreign language Culture: Required military service, kibbutz living, Israel-formerly Palestine

13. Religion76.4 Jewish, 16% Muslim Government: Parliamentary democracy Economic system-market economy with diminishing government control. Despite limited natural resources, the country has developed agriculture, technology, diamonds. FAST growth in GDP. Literacy: 97.1% can read , 98.5 men, 95.9 women Conflicts-West Bank and Gaza Strip, some issues with the Golan Heights. Continue to have issues with countries in the region. Israel

14. Geography-Mostly desert plateau in the east, highland area in West, Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River. Climate-Mostly arid desert, rainy season in West, November to April. Environmental Issues: limited fresh water, deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, desertification Ethnic groups: Arab 98% Circassian 1%, Armenian 1% Culture: women are encouraged to run for office/20% rule, government healthcare, housing and improved education. Jordan-was Once TransJordan

15. Religion-92% Sunni Muslims, 6% Christian, 2% other Government: Constitutional Monarchy, king and prime minister Literacy: 89.9% Age 15 and over, male 95.1%, women 84.7% Economic system-mixed economy, issues with dependence on foreign oil, investments and creation of jobs. Conflicts- border disputes with Syria, 2 million Iraqis have fled to Jordan Jordan

16. Geography-Strategically located on the Persian Gulf Climate-dry deserts, intensely hot summers, short cool winters Ecological Issues-limited freshwater, desalination plants provide most of the water, pollution, desertification. Ethnic groups-Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asia 9%, Iranian 4% and 7% other Culture-Kuwaitis live with parents, follow traditional Muslim faith, extended families, Sharia or Islamic law influences life in Kuwait Kuwait

17. Religion-Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shiite 30%) 15% other Government-Constitutional Emirate-Prime Minister and Crown Prince also called the Emir (hereditary ). The Emir appoints the prime minister and deputy prime ministers. Literacy-93.3% over 15, 94.4% male, 91% female Languages-Arabic and English Economic system-small rich country, open economy, major export is oil, high population growth has lead to problems with resources, electricity Conflicts-continue to negotiate border disputes with Iran and Iraq Kuwait

18. Geography-narrow coastal plain, Bekaa Valley Climate-Mediterranean, mild to cool wet winters with hot dry summers, mountainous areas experience heavy snow Ecological Issues-deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, air pollution in Beirut, pollution of coastal waters from saw sewage and oil spills. Ethnic groups-95% Arab , 4% Armenian, 1% other Culture- Most people follow western ideas in the cities, rural areas may still follow Muslim/Lebanese traditions, many people live in concrete high rise apartments, electricity and water may only be available a few hours a day, hospitality is important and people enjoy visits from family and friends. Lebanon

19. Religion-Muslim 59.7%, Christian 39%, 17 other religious sects recognized. Government –Republic, Prime Minister, cabinet chosen by Prime Minister Literacy-87.4% over 15 can read, 93.1% male, 82.2% female Economic system-mixed economy with government and privately held businesses. County experiences great debt due to conflict and continuing war Conflicts-border conflicts with Syria and Israel Lebanon

20. Geography-Central plain desert, rugged mountains in the north and south. Located on Musandam Peninsula near the strait of Hormuz. Climate-dry desert, hot and humid along the coast, hot and dry in the interior, strong monsoons May-September in far south. Ecological Issues-rising soil salinity, beach pollution from oil spills, limited fresh water. Ethnic groups-Arab, Baluchi, South Asian, African Languages-Arabic, English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian Dialects. Oman

21. Religion-Muslim (Ibadhi) 75%, other 25% Government-Monarchy, head of state Sultan and Prime Minister-Sultan is both chief of state and head of government. Literacy Rates-81.4% over age 15, 86.8 % male, 73.5% female Economic system-mixed economy, part of the world trade organization, free trade agreement with US, dwindling oil reserves have forced the country to seek other options. Conflicts-some boundary issues with UAE Oman

22. Geography-flat Indus plain in the east, mountains in north and northwest, Balochistan plateau. Climate-mostly hot dry desert, temperate in NW, arctic in NW. Ecological Issues-water pollution from sewage, industrial waster, limited fresh water, deforestation, soil erosion and desertification. Ethnic 44.4%, Pashtun 15.4%, Sindi 14.1%, Sariaki 10.5%, Urdu 7.6%, Languages- Punjabi 48%, Pashtun 15.4% Culture-Islam is practiced by the majority of Pakistanis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Pakistan

23. Religion -97% Muslim Sunni 77%/Shiite 20%, other 3% Government-Federal republic with a president, elected by secret ballot through electoral college, prime minister is chosen by the National Assembly, bicameral parliament. Literacy-49.9% over age 15, 63% male, 36% female Economics-mixed economy, impoverished and underdeveloped country, internal disputes and low investments and costly problems with India. Conflicts-serious internalproblems, tensions with Kashmir, issues over water sharing on the Indus river, fights with Afghanistan over terrorist activities. Pakistan

24. Geography-mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel. Climate-arid, mild pleasant winters, very hot humid summers Ecological Issues-limited fresh water, increasing dependence on desalination facilities. Ethnic groups-Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10% other 14% Culture-government provided healthcare, housing and education (boys and girls separate), men dominate the business world, women take more traditional roles. Qatar

25. Religion-77% Muslim, Christian 8.5%, other 14% Government –Emirate, Heir apparent/Amir/monarch also holds positions as minister of defense and commander in chief of armed forces. Literacy-89% over 15 can read, 89.1% male, 88.6% female Language-Arabic, English Economicsystem-economic boom supported by expanding natural gas and oil production, substantial foreign trade, mixed economy Conflicts-no international disputes Qatar

26. Geography-mostly uninhabited sandy desert Climate-harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes. Ecological Issues-desertification, depletion of well water, lack of fresh water, lakes and bodies of water, coastal pollution from oil spills. Ethnic groups-Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% Languages-Arabic, English is spoken Culture-Islam is practiced by all Saudis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Saudi Arabia

27. Religion-100% Muslim Government –Monarchy, King and Prime Minister, Crown Prince is both chief head of state and head of government, council of ministers is appointed by monarch, no political parties Literacy-78.8% over 15, 84.7% male, 70.8% female Economic system-command economy based on oil production, country is interested diversifying economic holdings to address high unemployment. Conflicts-concrete security border along Yemen, Kuwait and Iran have maritime discussions about boundaries. Saudi Arabia

28. Geography-primarily semiarid and desert plateau, narrow coastal plains, mountains in the west. Climate-mostly desert, hot summers, mild rainy winters along the coast, cold weather with snow and sleet EcologicalIssues-deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, desertification, pollution from sewage and oil refining, lack of fresh water. Ethnic groups-Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians and others 9.7% Culture-Syrian society was traditionally extremely stratified. People from different classes generally do not socialize with one another, and people in the lower classes often adopt a humble attitude and an acceptance of their position. Syria

29. Religion-Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslims 16%, and 10% Jewish. Government –republic under authoritarian military dominated regime, head of state is the president, vice president and prime ministers also oversee portions of the government. Literacy-over age 15- 79.6%,male 86%, female 73.6% Languages-Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian, English and others Economic system-command economy, long running economic restraints by the government, declining budgets and high unemployment, issues with rapid population growth, declining oil production, lack of water. Conflicts-Golan Heights is Israeli occupied zone, issues with Lebanon and Syria borders, refugees from Iraq and Palestinians cause over crowding and further issues. Syria

30. Geography-high central plateau (Anatolia), narrow coastal plain, several mountain ranges Climate-temperate, hot dry summers with mild wet winters. Ecological Issues-water pollution from dumping of chemicals & detergents, air pollution in urban areas, deforestation, oil spills Ethnic groups-Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20% Culture-Because of the different historical factors defining the Turkish identity, the culture of Turkey combines clear efforts to be "modern" and Western, with a desire to maintain traditional religious and historical values. Turkey

31. Religion-Muslim 99.8% Sunni Government –republican parliamentary democracy, president/chief of state/prime minister. President elected for 7 year terms, appoints prime minister. Literacy-87.4% over age 15 can read, male 95.3%, female 79.6% Languages-Turkish, Kurdish, Dimli Economic system-market economy, modern industry and traditional agriculture, rapidly growing private sector, country is fighting high debt, and declines in exports Conflicts-maritime, air and territory disputes with Greece, Syria and Iraq, concern over Kurds in region Turkey

32. Geography-flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in east Climate-desert; cooler in eastern mountains Ecological Issues-lack of natural freshwater resources compensated by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills Ethnic groups-Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% Culture-The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe. Dress and behavior should be modest, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset. Women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs. It is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection. In general, the country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected. United Arab Emirates

33. Religion-Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), other (includes Christian, Hindu) 4% Government -federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates , president/vice president and prime ministers, seven emirate rulers work together to rule the region. Literacy-age 15 and over can read and write total population: 77.9% male: 76.1% female: 81.7% Languages-Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu Economic system-mixed economy based on oil and oil production, free trade agreements and offers foreign ownership of businesses with ZERO taxes to interest new trade/businesses. Conflicts-disputes over borders with Oman and Iran, United Arab Emirates

34. Geography-narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the desert interior of the Arabian Peninsula Climate-mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert in east Ecological Issues-limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Ethnic groups-predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans Languages-Arabic Culture-Most people are Sunni Muslim and are bound by the Sharia/Islamic law, women are supposed to have equal rights, but this is not always the case, women cover their heads, religious tolerance is practiced. Yemen

35. Religion-Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi'a), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu Government -Republic, President and Vice President and Prime Minister Literacy-definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 50.2% ,male: 70.5% female: 30% Economic system-mixed economy, one of the poorest countries in the world, increase in oil prices may help the county. Conflicts-Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities Yemen