Middle East

The Middle East is a region that encompasses parts of Western Asia and northeastern Africa. It is characterized by a diverse array of cultures, languages, and religions, and it is often defined geographically to include countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and sometimes Egypt and Turkey. The region has a rich historical significance, being the birthplace of several major world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Middle East is also known for its significant geopolitical importance due to its vast reserves of oil and natural gas, as well as its strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. The term can sometimes also refer to the sociopolitical dynamics, conflicts, and historical contexts that define the area.