Minerals and Oil

The Middle East is relatively poor in most mineral resources, especially those used for industrialization.

Oil, however, is a major exception.

Beginning in the 1930's, several large oil fields were discovered in the Middle East. These fields were located mainly in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and several other small countries along the Persian Gulf. The Middle East holds approximately 60% of the world's known oil reserves.

There will plenty more to say about Middle East oil in later sections.

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