How do migration patterns impact human population in North Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East?

The people of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have long played an integral, if sometimes volatile, role in the history of human civilization. MENA is one of the cradles of civilization and of urban culture. Three of the world’s major religions originated in the region — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Universities existed in MENA long before they did in Europe. In modern times, MENA’s politics, religion, and economics have been inextricably tied in ways that affect the globe. The region’s vast petroleum supply — two-thirds of the world’s known oil reserves — is a major reason for the world’s interest. But the influence of MENA extends beyond its rich oil fields. It occupies a strategically important geographic position between Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has often been caught in a tug-of-war of land and influence that affects the entire world.

Today, MENA’s rapid population growth exacerbates the challenges that this region faces as it enters the third millennium. For hundreds of years, the population of MENA fluctuated around 30 million, reaching 60 million early in the 20th century. Only in the second half of 20th century did population growth in the region gain momentum. The total population increased from around 100 million in 1950 to around 380 million in 2000 — an addition of 280 million people in 50 years. During this period the population of the MENA region increased 3.7 times, more than any other major world region

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