Middle East

The Middle East is a region that encompasses parts of Western Asia and northeastern Africa. It generally includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Turkey, and the Gulf states. The term is often associated with cultural, religious, and historical significance, being the birthplace of major world religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Middle East is also known for its diverse ethnic groups, languages, and rich history, which has seen the rise and fall of various empires and civilizations. The region is geopolitically important due to its vast oil reserves, strategic waterways, and ongoing political conflicts.