A map showing Southwest Asia - The term "Middle East" is more often used to refer to both Southwest Asia and some North African countries
Southwest Asia, or West Asia, is the southwestern part of Asia. The term Western Asia is commonly used in writings about the archaeology and late prehistory of the region.
Geographers that were annoyed with the ambiguity of the term "Middle East" tried to popularize the word "Southwest Asia", but with limited success. The term "West Asia" has however become the preferred term of use for the Middle East in countries such as India, possibly because of the perceived Eurocentrism of the term "Middle East". Still others deem that the Middle East should include North African countries or at least the part of Egypt in North Africa.
The countries and territories in Southwest Asia include:
Anatolia, Arabia, Levant, and Mesopotamia are subregions of Southwest Asia.
- For the history of countries in Southwest Asia, see History of the Middle East
Other subregions of Asia
Last updated: 10-10-2005 06:32:37
