1. 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

2. 
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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

3. Southwest Asia has two large desert areas:
Syrian Desert- shared by Syria and Iraq
Rub al-Khali or “empty Quarter”- in southern Saudi
Arabia
Both 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.
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4. 
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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.

5. 
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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

6. 1. Many of the largest cities in Southwest Asia
are located on or near
a. Deserts
b. Major rivers
c. Large grasslands
d. Mountain ranges

7. 2. The Bedouins are Southwest Asians who have
traditionally lived in and around
a. Oil fields
b. Urban areas
c. Major deserts
d. Large river systems

8. 3. People living in the deserts in Southwest Asia
have usually made their living by
a. Farming
b. Mining or hired labor
c. Working in the oil industry
d. Trading animals and handmade goods

9. 4. Which describes the climate of much of
Southwest Asia?
a. Hot and dry
b. Windy and cold
c. Tropical and rainy
d. Moderate and cool

10. 5. Because mountains block winds coming from
the oceans, much of the interior of Southwest
Asia is
a. Desert
b. Grasslands
c. Inland lakes
d. Rich farming areas

11. 6. Which do Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Kuwait
share?
a. Tigris river
b. Jordan river
c. Euphrates river
d. Afghanistan river