The region of the Middle East usually covers the territories from the eastern littoral of the Mediterranean Sea up to India in the East. In a broader sense, geographically, the region encompasses territories of the East Mediterranean and Central Asia but many Americans followed by other Western academicians, politicians, and journalists regard as a single region the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Oil discovery and production are probably the focal special features of MENA (but particularly of the Middle East) in contemporary history. In fact, some 65−70% of global petroleum reserves are located in the territory of the Middle East. The region of the Middle East and North Africa is an area where geography and history are important factors in the contemporary lives of the people.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 27, 2023 04:18 UTC