Middle East Culture & Geography Test
- 1.
Which river do Syria, Israel, and Jordan share?
- A.
Euphrates
- B.
Jordan
- C.
Nile
- D.
Tigris
Correct Answer
B. JordanExplanation
The correct answer is Jordan because it is the river that Syria, Israel, and Jordan share. The Jordan River is a significant water source in the Middle East, flowing through all three countries. It serves as a vital resource for irrigation and drinking water, as well as having religious and historical importance. The river forms part of the border between Jordan and Israel, and also flows into the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How has the building of dams created problems for countries sharing rivers in Southwest Asia?
- A.
Dams are too expensive to be practical.
- B.
Dams limit the water available to countries further downstream.
- C.
Few countries have the technology needed to be able to build dams.
- D.
Countries in Southwest Asia are not allowed to build dams along shared rivers.
Correct Answer
B. Dams limit the water available to countries further downstream.Explanation
The building of dams has created problems for countries sharing rivers in Southwest Asia because dams limit the water available to countries further downstream. When a dam is built, it creates a reservoir that stores water, which reduces the flow of water downstream. This reduction in water flow can have negative impacts on countries that rely on the river for agriculture, drinking water, and other essential needs. It can lead to water scarcity, conflicts over water resources, and ecological imbalances in the downstream regions.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is one problem chemical fertilizers cause for farmers?
- A.
Chemical fertilizers make farm animals sick.
- B.
Chemicals have led to the build-up of salt levels in the soil.
- C.
Fertilizers are too expensive for anyone in Southwest Asia to use.
- D.
Few countries in Southwest Asia have factories to make fertilizers.
Correct Answer
B. Chemicals have led to the build-up of salt levels in the soil.Explanation
Chemical fertilizers contain salts which, when applied to the soil, can accumulate over time. This build-up of salt levels in the soil can lead to soil salinization, a process in which the soil becomes too salty for plants to grow effectively. This can cause significant problems for farmers as it reduces the fertility of the soil, affects crop yields, and can even lead to the death of plants.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How has the use of chemical fertilizers affected water supplies in many countries in Southwest Asia?
- A.
Use of chemical fertilizers means crops must be watered constantly.
- B.
Enormous amounts of water must be used to produce chemical fertilizers.
- C.
Water supplies have been contaminated by the chemicals through runoff from the fields.
- D.
Chemical fertilizers have had very little effect on local water supplies in Southwest Asia.
Correct Answer
C. Water supplies have been contaminated by the chemicals through runoff from the fields.Explanation
The use of chemical fertilizers has affected water supplies in many countries in Southwest Asia by contaminating them through runoff from the fields. When chemical fertilizers are applied to crops, they can be washed away by rain or irrigation and enter nearby water sources, such as rivers or groundwater. These chemicals can then contaminate the water, making it unsafe for human consumption or harmful to aquatic ecosystems. This contamination can have serious consequences for both human health and the environment.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why aren’t desalination and drip irrigation used more in Southwest Asia?
- A.
Most countries do not know about these technologies.
- B.
Drip irrigation is not very effective in a hot, dry climate.
- C.
Few countries in Southwest Asia have access to seawater.
- D.
These technologies are very expensive for the countries to use.
Correct Answer
D. These technologies are very expensive for the countries to use.Explanation
The correct answer is that these technologies are very expensive for the countries to use. Desalination and drip irrigation require significant investments in infrastructure and maintenance, which can be a financial burden for many countries in Southwest Asia. Additionally, the high cost of energy needed for desalination further adds to the expense. Therefore, the implementation of these technologies is limited due to financial constraints.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What are the two most valuable natural resources in Southwest Asia?
- A.
Water and cotton.
- B.
Phosphates and oil.
- C.
Oil and natural gas.
- D.
Sulfur and natural gas.
Correct Answer
C. Oil and natural gas.Explanation
The correct answer is oil and natural gas. Southwest Asia is known for its abundant reserves of oil and natural gas, which are highly valuable natural resources. These resources play a crucial role in the region's economy, as they are major sources of revenue and employment. Oil and natural gas are used for various purposes, including energy production, transportation, and manufacturing, making them essential resources for both regional and global markets.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How much of the world’s oil supply is found in Southwest Asia?
- A.
25%
- B.
40%
- C.
50%
- D.
75%
Correct Answer
C. 50%Explanation
Approximately 50% of the world's oil supply is found in Southwest Asia. This region, also known as the Middle East, is home to major oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait. These countries have vast reserves of oil and play a significant role in global oil production and exports. Therefore, it is accurate to say that around half of the world's oil supply comes from Southwest Asia.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How has the discovery of oil in some Southwest Asian countries affected the economic development of this area?
- A.
Those with oil need less water than the other countries around them.
- B.
Having oil has made very little difference in the economy in this region.
- C.
The discovery of oil has meant that no other industries have developed in the region.
- D.
Those countries with oil reserves are much richer than those countries that have not found oil in their territory.
Correct Answer
D. Those countries with oil reserves are much richer than those countries that have not found oil in their territory.Explanation
The discovery of oil in some Southwest Asian countries has had a significant impact on the economic development of the region. Countries with oil reserves are much richer than those without, as oil exports generate substantial revenue. This wealth has allowed these countries to invest in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other sectors, leading to overall economic growth. Additionally, oil has attracted foreign investment and created job opportunities, further contributing to economic development in these countries.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which countries are the most oil-rich in the Southwestern Asian region?
- A.
Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel.
- B.
Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Lebanon.
- C.
Jordan, Israel, Syria, and Lebanon.
- D.
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Correct Answer
D. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.Explanation
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are the most oil-rich countries in the Southwestern Asian region. These countries have significant oil reserves and are major players in the global oil industry. Iran and Iraq have some of the largest oil reserves in the world, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are also major oil producers. These countries rely heavily on oil exports for their economies and have a significant impact on global oil prices and supply.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Why does the organization of OPEC play a powerful role in the world economy today?
- A.
OPEC controls the oil in the world market.
- B.
This organization is a part of the United Nations.
- C.
OPEC builds dams along rivers shared by several countries.
- D.
OPEC membership includes many oil companies owned by firms in the United States.
Correct Answer
A. OPEC controls the oil in the world market.Explanation
OPEC controls the oil in the world market, which gives them significant influence over global oil prices and production levels. As a result, they can impact the economies of both oil-producing and oil-consuming countries. By coordinating production levels among its member countries, OPEC can manipulate oil prices to maximize their profits and maintain their market share. This control allows OPEC to play a powerful role in the world economy today.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Many of the largest cities in Southwest Asia are located on or near?
- A.
Deserts.
- B.
Major Rivers.
- C.
Large grasslands.
- D.
Mountain ranges.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Deserts.
B. Major Rivers.Explanation
Many of the largest cities in Southwest Asia are located on or near deserts because deserts provide favorable conditions for human settlement, such as access to water sources and trade routes. Additionally, deserts often have flat terrain, making it easier to build infrastructure and develop urban areas. Major rivers also play a significant role in the location of cities as they provide water for drinking, agriculture, and transportation. Rivers are often centers of economic activity and cultural development, attracting settlements and leading to the growth of large cities.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The “Bedouins” are Southwest Asians who have traditionally lived in and around?
- A.
Oil fields.
- B.
Urban areas.
- C.
Major deserts.
- D.
Large river systems.
Correct Answer
C. Major deserts.Explanation
The correct answer is major deserts. Bedouins are a nomadic group of people who have traditionally lived in and around major deserts in Southwest Asia. They are known for their ability to adapt and survive in harsh desert environments, relying on their knowledge of the land and their herding and trading skills. This lifestyle has been a part of their culture for centuries, and they have developed a deep connection to the desert regions they inhabit.Rate this question:
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Aug 16, 2009Quiz Created by
Eddie.nemec
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