Southwest Asia Reading Activity

Which river do Syria, Israel, and Jordan share?

• Nile

• Tigris

• Jordan

• Euphrates

Answer explanation

The Jordan River is the only river that flows through Syria, Israel, and Jordan, serving as a natural border between these countries. The other rivers listed do not share this geographical connection.

How has the building of dams created problems for countries sharing rivers in Southwest Asia?

• Dams are too expensive to build to be practical.

• Dams limit the water available to countries further downstream.

• Few countries have the technology needed to be able to build dams.

• Countries in Southwest Asia are not allowed to build dams along shared rivers.

Answer explanation

Dams limit the water flow to countries downstream, creating conflicts over water resources. This is a significant issue in Southwest Asia, where many nations share river systems.

What is one problem chemical fertilizers cause for farmers?

• Chemical fertilizers make farm animals sick.

• Chemicals have led to the build-up of salt levels in the soil.

• Fertilizers are too expensive for anyone in Southwest Asia to use.

• Few countries in Southwest Asia have factories to make fertilizers.

Answer explanation

Chemical fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which negatively affects soil health and crop yields. This build-up can make it difficult for plants to absorb water and nutrients.

How has the use of chemical fertilizers affected water supplies in many countries in Southwest Asia?

• Use of chemical fertilizers means crops must be watered constantly.

• Enormous amounts of water must be used to produce chemical fertilizers.

• Chemical fertilizers have had very little effect on local water supplies in Southwest Asia.

• Water supplies have been contaminated by the chemicals through runoff from the fields.

Answer explanation

Chemical fertilizers can contaminate water supplies through runoff, leading to pollution in local water sources. This is a significant issue in Southwest Asia, affecting both water quality and ecosystem health.

Why aren't desalination and drip irrigation used more in Southwest Asia?

• Most countries do not know about these technologies.

• Drip irrigation is not very effective in a hot, dry climate.

• Few countries in Southwest Asia have access to seawater.

• These technologies are very expensive for the countries to use.

Answer explanation

Desalination and drip irrigation are costly technologies. Many countries in Southwest Asia face financial constraints, making it difficult for them to implement these solutions despite their potential benefits.

What are the two most valuable natural resources in Southwest Asia?

• water and cotton

• phosphates and oil

• oil and natural gas

• sulfur and natural gas

Answer explanation

The most valuable natural resources in Southwest Asia are oil and natural gas, as this region holds some of the largest reserves in the world, making them crucial for energy production and economic growth.

How much of the world’s oil supply is found in Southwest Asia?

• 25 percent

• 40 percent

• 50 percent

• 75 percent

Answer explanation

Southwest Asia holds about 50 percent of the world's oil supply, making it a crucial region for global energy resources. This significant percentage highlights its importance in the oil market.

How has the discovery of oil in some Southwest Asian countries affected the economic development of this area?

• Those with oil need less water than the other countries around them.

• Having oil has made very little difference in the economy in this region.

• The discovery of oil has meant that no other industries have developed in the region.

• Those countries with oil reserves are much richer than those countries that have not found oil in their territory.

Answer explanation

The discovery of oil has significantly boosted the economies of Southwest Asian countries with reserves, making them wealthier compared to those without oil. This wealth often leads to increased investment and development in various sectors.

Which countries are the most oil-rich in the Southwestern Asian region?

• Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Israel

• Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Lebanon

• Jordan, Israel, Syria, Lebanon

• Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia

Answer explanation

The most oil-rich countries in Southwestern Asia are Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, known for their significant oil reserves and production capabilities, unlike the other options listed.

Why does the organization of OPEC play a powerful role in the world economy today?

• OPEC is a part of the United Nations.

• OPEC controls the oil in the world market.

• OPEC builds dams along rivers shared by several countries.

• OPEC membership includes many oil companies owned by firms in the United States.

Answer explanation

OPEC plays a powerful role in the world economy because it controls a significant portion of the world's oil supply, influencing prices and availability, which impacts global markets and economies.