Arabian peninsula

Arabian Peninsula is a region located in Western Asia. It is the largest peninsula in the world, covering approximately 3,237,500 square kilometers. The Arabian Peninsula is bordered by the Red Sea to the west, the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman to the south, and the Persian Gulf to the east. The northern border is less defined, generally considered to be the Syrian Desert.

Geography

The Arabian Peninsula is primarily arid and desert, with the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) being the largest continuous sand desert in the world. Despite this, there are several important rivers and bodies of water, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea. The peninsula is also home to the Asir Mountains, which contain the highest point in Saudi Arabia, Jabal Sawda.

History

The Arabian Peninsula has a rich history, with human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era. It was the birthplace of Islam, with the prophet Muhammad born in Mecca in the 7th century. The peninsula has been ruled by several powerful empires, including the Ottoman Empire and the British Empire.

Countries

There are seven countries located on the Arabian Peninsula: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. These countries, with the exception of Yemen, form the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Economy

The economy of the Arabian Peninsula is heavily dependent on oil. The region contains the largest reserves of petroleum in the world, and the export of this resource has led to significant wealth for several of the peninsula's countries. In recent years, there has been a push towards diversification, with investments in sectors such as tourism and finance.

Culture

The Arabian Peninsula is known for its rich cultural heritage, with traditions such as Bedouin nomadism and Arabic poetry playing a significant role. The region is also famous for its Arabic cuisine, which includes dishes such as hummus, falafel, and shawarma.

See also

• History of the Middle East
• Geography of the Middle East
• Economy of the Middle East
• Culture of the Middle East