The Middle East

The Middle East is a large region where the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe come close together. It includes countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt. The Middle East is home to some of the oldest civilizations in human history. Three major world religions started in this region.

Land and People

Hundreds of millions of people live in the Middle East. The region has vast deserts, fertile river valleys, and coastlines along several seas. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers helped create some of the first civilizations. Oil was discovered in the region in the early 1900s.

Culture and Fun Facts

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all began in the Middle East. Arabic is the most widely spoken language in the region. Middle Eastern food like hummus, falafel, and kebabs are enjoyed around the world. The region has beautiful mosques, ancient ruins, and modern cities.

Fun Facts

• Three of the world's major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all started in the Middle East.
• The Middle East has about half of the world's known oil reserves.
• Writing was invented in the Middle East over 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia.

Did You Know?

Writing was first invented in the Middle East about 5,000 years ago. Ancient people in Mesopotamia pressed wedge-shaped marks into clay tablets to keep records and tell stories.