Southwest Asia’s

Oil Distribution

EQ: How has the uneven distribution

of oil affected the development of

Southwest Asia?

One of the most important resources in

Southwest Asia is:

OIL

A. It was discovered in Iran in 1908 and a lot more was found on the Arabian Peninsula and around the Persian Gulf in the 1930’s.

B. The Middle East became extremely important as well as increasingly wealthy, especially as they gradually took control of the oil production for foreign nations.

1. Think of one symbol that represents the result of Southwest Asia’s discovery of oil.

2. Draw that symbol next to the box labeled, “Oil Discovered!”

Oil and natural gas have brought much wealth to the Middle East!

What are natural resources?

Raw materials a country has that make life and production of goods possible.

1. Think of an example of a natural resource besides oil.

2. Write your example next to the circle labeled, “Natural Resource.”

What is a non-renewable resource?

A resource that takes so long to form that it can’t be replaced.

1. Think of an example of a non-renewable resource besides oil.

2. Write your example next to the circle labeled, “Non-Renewable Resource.”

What is a fossil fuel?

Created when plants and animals that lived centuries ago decayed underground.

1. Think of one symbol that would help you remember what the term fossil fuel means.

2. Draw your symbol next to the circle labeled, “Fossil Fuel.”

What are oil reserves?

Oil that has been discovered but remains unused in the ground.

1. Think of the physical features we have studied that are located in Southwest Asia.

2. Name the physical feature that is home to the world’s largest oil reserves known to man next to the circle labeled, “Oil Reserves.”

A. Southwest Asia has been transformed by oil.

B. This region has the world’s

largest known oil reserves.

C. Saudia Arabia and Iran have the largest deposits of oil in

Southwest Asia today!

Saudi Oil Fields & Refineries

Southwest Asia and Oil D. These industrial countries depend

on these fuels to meet their energy needs: 1. Transportation (gasoline and oil)

2. Electricity depends on oil to run power plants

3. Plastics

4. Medicines

A. Many Southwest Asian nations became

dependent on oil sales.

B. Many Middle Eastern countries have

control over the global economy!

1. Think of one symbol that represents the impact of oil in Southwest Asia.

2. Draw that symbol next to the first box labeled, “Impact of Oil.”

C. Oil money has been used to better

the lives of the people in Southwest

Asian nations with an abundance of oil.

EXAMPLES:

1. Roads have been paved and modern buildings have been built

2. Improved medical care has helped people to live longer.

3. Life expectancy has increased by 15 years over the last 30 years.

4. Infant mortality rate (number of babies that die in their first year) has fallen.

1. List two examples of how oil has improved the lives of people living in oil-rich nations in Southwest Asia

2. Write your two examples next to the second box labeled, “Impact of Oil.”

Downtown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Education in Bahrain

D. Those countries without oil have a much harder time improving living conditions for their populations.

* Israel * Jordan E. This difference in wealth Southwest Asia

has led to conflicts among the nations.

1. Why does the uneven distribution of oil in Southwest Asia lead to conflict?

2. Write your explanation next to the last box labeled, “Impact of Oil.”

Poor and

Rich

Iran is more developed than some other Southwest Asia countries. Why?

Afghanistan is not as developed. Why?

Persian Gulf Oil Exporters

The Price and Supply of Oil A. Oil-exporting countries work

to control the price of oil.

1. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum

Exporting Countries)

2. Established in 1960 to control the supply and

income of oil producing countries.

B. Some countries have grown very rich due to their oil production.

C. While others have struggled.

1. Saudi Arabia

2. Iraq

3. Iran

4. Kuwait

D. Wealth is not always distributed equally.

The Price and Supply of Oil

E. If OPEC lowers the amount of oil

they sell, the price of oil usually

increases.

F. If OPEC raises the amount of oil

they sell, the price decreases.

The Price and Supply of Oil

G. OPEC Countries

• Saudi Arabia

• Iran

• Iraq

• Kuwait

• United Arab Emirates

• Qatar

• Nigeria

• Libya

• Angola

• Algeria

• Ecuador

• Venezuela

The Price and Supply of Oil

Major Environmental

consequences

Drilling and refining oil is a large component of SW Asia’s economy!

One of the results from cracks in oil rigs, oil spills, and illegal dumping of oil waste reduces

the amount of freshwater available for drinking.

And we already know about that drama…