Southwest Asia Geography and Culture

Look at the southern part of Southwest Asia on the maps. The southern interior is called the Rub' al-Khali, or "Empty Quarter" because it is

• a hot, arid, largely uninhabited desert.

• a largely uninhabited forested area.

• a mountainous, sparsely inhabited area.

• an uninhabited area where rivers meet.

According to the maps, which of the following BEST describes the major economic activities across most of the arid, or desert, areas of Southwest Asia?

• extensive production of oil, natural gas, and coal

• limited economic activity and nomadic herding

• limited economic activity and subsistence farming

• livestock raising and limited commercial farming

What factor allowed Baghdad, Iraq, to become one of the biggest cities in Southwest Asia?

• Iraq is a politically stable country.

• It is located near two major rivers.

• The climate of Iraq is good for farming.

• It is home to a large port on the Persian Gulf.

Which two rivers run through the heart of modern-day Iraq and have provided water to the region for thousands of years?

• the Congo and Zambezi Rivers

• the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

• the Nile and Jordan Rivers

• the Indus and Ganges Rivers

Which country is Saudi Arabia?

Southwest Asia is also known as

• The Middle East

• The Arab World

• both

• neither

Which country is Iraq?

What conclusion be drawn based on the information presented in the maps?

• Most of the people in Southwest Asia live near rivers, coastlines, or other water sources.

• The large, flat plains in the southern region of Southwest Asia can support large populations.

• The northern region of Southwest Asia is home only to nomads and small groups.

• The harsh climate in the northern region of Southwest Asia keeps people from settling there.

Which statement BEST describes where the most densely populated areas of Iraq are located?

• Most are located near the Suez Canal.

• Most are located near the Caspian Sea.

• Most are located near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

• Most are located near the Arabian and Red Seas.

Historically, how did the frequent flooding of the two rivers pictured on the map affect agriculture in the region?

• The rivers provided power sources for inventions like the waterwheel.

• It led to the development of irrigation systems to control the flow of water.

• It caused farmers to create new ways of preparing the soil for planting.

• Farmers began experimenting with terracing their farmlands.