Arab world

Arab world refers to the 22 Arabic-speaking countries of the Arab League. These countries are primarily located in Western Asia, North Africa, and parts of the Horn of Africa. The Arab world has a combined population of around 422 million people, over a third of whom live in the six countries of Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia.

History

The history of the Arab world is intertwined with the history of the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabs first emerged in the mid-9th century BC as a distinct group, under the banner of the Qedarite kingdom. The Arab world expanded rapidly after the Islamic conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries, reaching from Spain in the west to India in the east.

Culture

Arab culture is a blend of local traditions and influences from various empires that have ruled the region. The Arabic language and Islam are two major influences on Arab culture. Arabic literature, music, dance, and visual arts are all important aspects of Arab culture.

Economy

The economy of the Arab world is diverse, with countries like United Arab Emirates and Qatar having high per capita incomes due to their oil wealth, while countries like Yemen and Comoros are among the world's poorest. The Arab world is also known for its historic trade routes, such as the Incense Route and the Silk Road.

Politics

The politics of the Arab world are varied, with systems ranging from absolute monarchies (as in Saudi Arabia and Oman) to republics (as in Egypt and Algeria). The Arab world has been the site of numerous conflicts, including the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Arab Spring uprisings.

See also

• Arab diaspora
• Arab League
• Arab nationalism
• Arab world and the United Nations