MidEast

MidEast is a transcontinental region centered in Western Asia, with portions extending into Northeast Africa. Its geographic scope varies by context, but it typically includes countries such as Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Yemen. The area sits at crucial crossroads for Europe, Asia, and Africa, containing major deserts, coastlines, and sea lanes.

Historically, the region is the cradle of ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia and Egypt, and it has been the site of enduring empires, trade networks, and cultural exchange. In the modern era, the discovery and export of oil reshaped economies and geopolitics, contributing to the formation of modern states after the collapse of colonial systems. The Middle East has experienced protracted conflicts over borders, resources, and identity, including the Arab–Israeli conflict and various regional security crises, while also hosting periods of alliance-building and cooperation through organizations and international diplomacy.

Demographically, the Middle East is diverse in ethnicity, language, and religion. Arabic is widely spoken, alongside Persian (Farsi), Turkish, Hebrew, Kurdish, and many minority languages. Islam is the dominant religion, with Sunni and Shia communities; there are also Christian, Jewish, Druze, and other communities. Major urban centers include Istanbul, Tehran, Baghdad, Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, Jerusalem, Beirut, Amman, and Doha.

Economically, the region holds substantial energy resources—oil and natural gas—while also pursuing diversification in finance, tourism, manufacturing, and technology. Political systems range from constitutional monarchies to republics and autocracies, with regional bodies such as the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council shaping diplomacy and policy.