Atlas of the Middle East .

"Prepared by the Book Division"-- P. 96.

"An essential reference for better understanding of the world's most complex region" -- cover.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 94) and index.

Nations. Regional political map -- Map key -- Bahrain -- Cyprus -- Egypt -- Iran -- Iraq -- Israel -- Jordan -- Kuwait -- Lebanon -- Oman -- Qatar -- Saudi Arabia -- Syria -- Turkey -- United Arab emirates -- Yemen -- Occupied territories -- Selected cities -- Baghdad -- Beirut -- Cairo -- Damascus -- Jerusalem -- Tehran -- Regional themes. Physical map -- Climate -- Climatic zones -- climate types -- Mean Jan/July temperature -- Mean Jan/July precipitation -- Temperature and rainfall for selected cities -- Population -- Population density -- Population growth 1950-2000 -- Fertility -- Life expectancy -- Urban population -- Migrant population -- Population by age and gender -- Populations of major cities -- Religion -- Religion distribution -- Sacred places -- Top 10 national Jewish/Muslim populations -- Religious adherents -- Branches of Islam -- Adherents by political area -- Ethnic and linguistic groups -- Major ethnic groups -- Ethnic composition -- Foreign-born population -- Language groups -- Oil -- Energy resources -- Oil reserves -- Regional share of world oil reserves/crude oil production -- Leasing crude oil producers, 1970-2000 -- Middle East exports and global oil consumption -- Top oil producers/consumers worldwide -- Water -- Freshwater resources -- Renewable freshwater -- Freshwater withdrawals -- Renewable water supply and per capita use by sector -- Lack of access to improved drinking water -- Severe water stress -- Freshwater withdrawals worldwide -- Desalination capacity worldwide -- Development indicators -- GDP per capita -- Imports and exports -- Foreign aid -- Literacy rates -- School enrollment ratios -- Infant mortality -- Access to sanitation services -- History. World heritage sites ; ancient Egypt -- Modern historical maps ; defense spending -- Time line -- Appendix -- Other flags -- Geographic equivalents -- Abbreviations -- Conversions-- Place-name index.

Publisher's description: While tensions continue to rise in Iraq and surrounding countries, there is a heightened curiosity worldwide for definitive, balanced, and timely information about the Middle East. This concise and distinctive volume provides a fascinating, in-depth look at the driving forces that have led to acts of violence, religious fervor, and costly wars in this hostile territory and lends valuable insight into the present situation. National Geographic Atlas of the Middle East contains newly researched and updated maps illustrating the diverse issues of the region today. Boundary and territorial disputes, the uneven distribution of natural resources, and booming population pressures are detailed in stunning visual explanations. Other regional thematic maps elaborate on questions surrounding religion, ethnic and linguistic groups, oil, water, agriculture, industry, trade, international corporations, and military forces. The complex history of the Middle East is explored through maps devoted to topics that include the rise and falls of empires, civilizations, major conflicts, holy sites, and various other significant events that have shaped the region. Geographically, politically, thematically, and chronologically organized, National Geographic Atlas of the Middle East is an accessible reference to a turbulent area prominent in headlines, hearts, and minds.