Geography of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula

Northern Africa’s geography is similar to that of the Arabian Peninsula. Both consist of mountains, deserts, oases and coastal plains.

The following countries are considered to be part North Africa: Western Sahara Morocco Algeria Tunisia Libya Egypt

Iraq Bahrain — technically an The following countries are considered to be part of the peninsula: island just off the coast of the Peninsula Kuwait Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Yemen

Arabian Peninsula is divided into 4 regions:

Deserts §thawb- loose-fitting, ankle-length gown worn by men. §ghutra- male headdress used to protect the head from the heat, flies, and dust. §tents- made of goat hair. §nomads- people who live in the desert. §camels- made it easier to travel and carry supplies in the desert. The desert climate is extreme. It can reach 120*F in the shade. It does not rain very much, only about 10” or less per year. The desert is not a very fertile region even though it is capable of growing shrubs. It has wells of salty water. Animals such as jackrabbits, goats, sheep, and camels graze here.

AN ARABIAN DESERT

A NOMAD WHO LIVES IN A TENT MADE OUT OF SHEEP SKIN

A CAMEL DRIVER RESTING AT HOME

Coastal Plains §Agriculture- Region is rich and varies of plants and animals. Most of the farmland is here. Cities and Ports. Trade and business for over many, many years with Asia and Africa. The flatland that runs along the coast of the Arabian Peninsula separates a plateau from the sea. People here grow crops of coffee, grains and fruits. Most of the trading cities are found in this region.

THE COASTAL PLAINS

Oases §Date palm- needs little water. It is eaten by nomads and the camels eat the seed. It is also used to make rope and the oil is extracted for many uses. §Oases- An oasis provides water and green pastures for the camels. It is a good resting spot for nomads. Oasis- singular form Oases- plural form An oasis is capable of growing vegetation. People who live in oasis settlements depend on wells and springs to access the underground water. Date palms, citrus fruits, apricots, peaches, pomegranates and figs, wheat and alfalfa grow here.

AN OASIS

NOMADS RESTING BY AN OASIS

Mountains §Terracing- allowed for efficient use of water during rain season. §Steep slopes- they preserve cultural traditions for hundreds of years because of isolation. The mountains run along the coast about 50 miles from the water. The wind carries a lot of moisture on to them helping mountaineers enjoy a mild climate. The W and the NW mountain region has such steep slopes that only wild goats survive living here.

ASIR MOUNTAINS

MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT IN YEMEN

ECONOMY POPULATION As of 2008, the estimated population of the Arabian Peninsula is 77, 983, 936. The majority of the people living in the peninsula lives in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. With the exception of Yemen, the countries in the Peninsula are among the wealthiest in the world. The peninsula contains the worlds largest reserves of oil. LANGUAGE RELIGION The official language is Arabic. The main religion is Islam