The Middle East
The Middle East is a region that takes up most of western Asia and Egypt. Arabs, Turks, Persians, and Kurds are the four largest ethnic groups in this region. The Middle East is also the birthplace of three of today's most popular religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This region generally has a hot and arid climate. Many countries surrounding the Persian gulf have large amounts of crude oil, resulting in much greater wealth and standard of living in the region. Also, the Middle East, throughout its history, has remained a center of world affairs.