Southwest Asia and North Africa World Region (SWANA)

What is the Arab League?

Organization of Arab countries that promotes political, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Why is Bab el Mandeb important?

Strategic shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Who are Bedouins?

Traditionally nomadic Arab peoples of desert regions.

Who are Berbers?

Indigenous peoples of North Africa, especially Morocco and Algeria.

What is brain drain?

Loss of educated/skilled workers who migrate elsewhere.

What is the Burj Khalifa?

World’s tallest building, located in Dubai, UAE.

Who are Coptic Christians?

Christian minority mainly found in Egypt.

What is a culture hearth?

Area where major cultural innovations originate; SWANA is a major culture hearth.

What is an exotic river?

River that flows through dry areas but originates in wetter regions (ex: Nile).

What is Farsi?

Primary language spoken in Iran.

What is the Fertile Crescent?

Historic agricultural region stretching from Egypt through Mesopotamia.

What is religious fundamentalism?

Strict movements that believes a literal interpretation of religious texts and must be directly followed.

What is fossil water?

Ancient underground water reserves with little recharge.

What is Gaza?

Palestinian territory along the Mediterranean coast.

What is the Hajj?

Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

What is hydro-politics?

Political conflicts over water resources.

What is Islam?

Major monotheistic religion common in Arabia.

Why is Jerusalem important?

Holy city for the Abrahamic religions.

What is the Jewish diaspora?

Dispersion of Jewish people outside their homeland.

What is the Levant?

Eastern Mediterranean region including Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan.

What is the Maghreb?

Northwestern Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, etc.).

Why is Mecca important?

Birthplace of Muhammad and holiest city in Islam.

Why is Medina important?

Second holiest city in Islam where Muhammad established early Muslim community.

What is Modern Standard Arabic?

Formal version of Arabic used in media/government.

Why are the Nile River and Delta important?

Support Egypt’s population and agriculture.

Why are oil reserves important in SWANA?

Major source of wealth and global influence.

What is OPEC?

Organization of petroleum-exporting countries that influences oil prices.

What is the Palestinian Authority?

Governing body for parts of Palestinian territories.

What is pastoral nomadism?

Moving livestock seasonally for grazing.

Why is the Persian Gulf important?

Major oil-producing region and shipping route.

What is physiological density?

Number of people per unit of arable land.

What is salinization?

Soil becoming too salty for farming.

What is Shiite Islam?

Branch of Islam believing leadership should descend from Muhammad’s family.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?

Critical oil shipping chokepoint.

Why is the Suez Canal important?

Connects Mediterranean Sea to Red Sea for global trade.

What is a theocratic state?

Government based on religious authority.

What is transhumance?

Seasonal movement of livestock between grazing areas.