As a regional studies expert with a focus on the Middle East, I often encounter questions about the number of countries in the region. The Middle East is a geographical and cultural region located primarily in Western Asia, with some parts extending into North Africa. It is a diverse area with a rich history and a complex geopolitical landscape.

When discussing the Middle East, it's important to clarify the scope of the region as it can vary depending on the context. For some, the Middle East includes countries that are part of the broader Arab World, which extends into North Africa. Others may limit the definition to countries that are strictly within the Middle Eastern part of Asia.

The Arab World is a collective term that includes Arab countries and territories. According to the Arab League, which is comprised of Arab countries, there are 22 member states. These include Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. However, not all of these countries are located in the Middle East. For instance, Morocco, Mauritania, and Somalia are considered part of North Africa.

To focus specifically on the Middle East, we typically refer to the region that includes countries in Western Asia and parts of North Africa that are adjacent to the Middle Eastern countries. The list of countries in the Middle East can vary slightly depending on the source, but a commonly accepted list includes:


1. Bahrain

2. Cyprus (Sometimes considered part of the Middle East, although geographically it is an island in the Eastern Mediterranean.)

3. Egypt (Often considered a bridge between the Middle East and North Africa.)

4. Iran

5. Iraq

6. Israel
7.
Jordan
8.
Kuwait
9.
Lebanon
10.
Oman
1
1. Qatar
1
2. Saudi Arabia
1
3. State of Palestine
1
4. Syria
1
5. Turkey (Sometimes included, as it straddles the border between Europe and Asia, with a significant portion of its territory in Western Asia.)
1
6. United Arab Emirates
17.
Yemen

This list comprises 17 countries, but it's worth noting that the inclusion of Cyprus and Turkey can be a matter of debate, as they are not exclusively considered Middle Eastern countries by all definitions.

It's also important to be aware of the political sensitivities and historical contexts that shape the Middle East. The region has been a crossroads of trade, culture, and empires for millennia, and it continues to be a center of global interest due to its strategic location, natural resources, and cultural significance.

In conclusion, the number of countries in the Middle East can range from 17 to 22, depending on whether one includes the broader Arab World or limits the scope to Western Asia and adjacent parts of North Africa. Understanding the nuances of this region requires a careful consideration of its historical, cultural, and geopolitical dimensions.

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The Arab World consists of 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.read more >>