What Is Considered the Middle East? Core Countries & Borderlines Explained

Okay, let's tackle this question that seems simple but gets surprisingly messy: What is considered the Middle East? You've probably heard the term on the news, in history class, or when planning that dream trip to Petra or Dubai. But pinning down exactly which countries belong can feel like trying to grab smoke. It's not like asking "what countries are in South America?" where the answer is pretty clear-cut. The Middle East? That's trickier. Governments, academics, and even travel companies often draw slightly different lines on the map.

I remember planning a trip a few years back, thinking I'd focus on the "Middle East." I quickly realized my guidebook included Egypt but left out Turkey, while my airline's regional map included Turkey but excluded Afghanistan. It was confusing! It made me realize how important it is to really understand what falls under this label, whether you're booking flights, studying geopolitics, or just trying to follow current events. So, let's cut through the noise and get a practical grip on what is considered the Middle East.

The Core Middle Eastern Countries (Almost Everyone Agrees On)

These places are the heart of the region. When people casually talk about the Middle East, these are the countries they're almost certainly including. Think Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Mesopotamia – the classic picture:

Country	Capital	Key Identifier	Why It's Core
Saudi Arabia	Riyadh	Birthplace of Islam, Home to Mecca & Medina	Geographic and religious center of the region
Iran	Tehran	Persian Empire legacy, Shi'a majority	Major regional power with deep historical roots
Iraq	Baghdad	Ancient Mesopotamia (Cradle of Civilization)	Historically central, Tigris & Euphrates rivers
Israel	Jerusalem (disputed)	Jewish state, Holy sites for Judaism, Christianity, Islam	Geographically Levantine, central to regional politics
Jordan	Amman	Petra, Dead Sea	Part of the Levant, key Arab state
Lebanon	Beirut	Diverse religious groups, Cedar trees	Levantine location, Arab cultural hub
Syria	Damascus	Ancient cities like Aleppo and Damascus	Core Levantine state, Arab identity
Yemen	Sana'a (disputed)	Ancient kingdoms, Coffee origin	Occupies southern Arabian Peninsula
Kuwait	Kuwait City	Major oil producer	Persian Gulf state, Arabian Peninsula
Oman	Muscat	Frankincense trade history, Diverse landscapes	Southeastern Arabian Peninsula
Qatar	Doha	World Cup 2022 host, Major LNG exporter	Persian Gulf peninsula
United Arab Emirates	Abu Dhabi	Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Major trade hub	Federation of Gulf states
Bahrain	Manama	Island nation, Financial center	Persian Gulf archipelago

Getting this list down is crucial. These countries share deep historical, cultural, and political connections. If you're wondering what is considered the Middle East without any debate, start here. These places are consistently included in definitions from sources like the UN, major news outlets like the BBC, and academic textbooks.

The Tricky Borderline Cases (Where Definitions Differ)

Now things get interesting. This is where people start arguing over coffee. Whether these places are "in" or "out" depends heavily on who is defining what is considered the Middle East and why.

North Africa Overlap (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco)

This is the biggest grey area. Here's the breakdown:

Egypt: Almost always included. Why? Sinai Peninsula physically connects it to Asia (the rest is in Africa), and its history, politics, and culture (especially language and religion) are deeply intertwined with the core Middle East. Cairo is a major Arab cultural and media center.
Libya: Frequently included, especially in geopolitical contexts (like OPEC) and broader cultural definitions. Its Arab identity is strong. Think "Arab world" rather than just "Middle East".
Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco (The Maghreb): Less commonly included in the strictest geographic "Middle East" definition. They are geographically in North Africa and have distinct Berber influences alongside Arab culture. However, in contexts discussing the "Arab world" or MENA (Middle East and North Africa), they are grouped together.

Honestly, I've seen maps from reputable sources that include all of these under "Middle East," and others that stop at Egypt or Libya. It's frustratingly inconsistent. My take? For cultural or political discussions, including them makes sense. For strict geography, maybe just Egypt.

The Anatolian Question (Turkey)

Turkey is a fascinating case. Geographically, only a small part (Eastern Thrace) is in Europe; the vast majority (Anatolia) is in Asia.

Arguments for Inclusion: Ottoman Empire history deeply shaped the modern Middle East. Culturally, especially in the southeast, there are strong links. Istanbul is a historic Islamic and trade center. Many regional organizations include Turkey.
Arguments Against Inclusion: Turkey sees itself as European (applies for EU membership), uses a Latin alphabet, and has a distinct secular political tradition different from most Arab states. Geographically, Anatolia is sometimes labeled "Asia Minor" separately.

If you're focusing on the modern Arab world or strictly the Arabian Peninsula/Levant, Turkey might be excluded. If you're looking at the broader historical Islamic sphere or geopolitics, it's almost always in. Personally, I include it – its history is too intertwined to leave out when discussing what is considered the Middle East.

The Caucasus Conundrum (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia)

These are almost always excluded from the "Middle East" category. They are located south of Russia and north of Iran/Turkey in the Caucasus Mountains.

Why Sometimes Mistaken: They were part of the Persian and Ottoman empires historically. Azerbaijan is majority Muslim and shares cultural ties with Iran.
Reality: Geographically distinct (Caucasus region), linguistically unique (not Semitic languages like Arabic or Hebrew, or Persian), and culturally more linked to Europe and Central Asia. They are generally classified as part of Europe or as their own distinct region.

The Central Asian Puzzle (Afghanistan, Pakistan)

Often debated, rarely included in the most common definitions.

Afghanistan: Sometimes included in "Greater Middle East" definitions used by some Western governments due to shared religion and regional instability links. Culturally and linguistically (Pashto, Dari), it has stronger ties to Central Asia and South Asia (India/Pakistan). Most geographers exclude it from the core Middle East.
Pakistan: Almost always excluded. While Muslim-majority and sharing historical Islamic empire connections via the Mughals, its geographic core is the Indus Valley (South Asia). Its primary cultural, linguistic (Urdu), and political ties are with India and the broader South Asian region (SAARC).

Seeing Afghanistan included in some "Middle East" lists drives me a bit nuts – it feels like stretching the definition too far based purely on contemporary politics rather than geography or deep cultural roots.

Why Does Defining "What is Considered the Middle East" Even Matter?

It's not just splitting hairs. The definition has real-world impacts:

Travel & Visas: Regional travel passes (like the Jordan Pass covering Petra) or visa rules often apply to specific country groupings. Knowing if Egypt is part of the "Middle East" for your airline's regional fare is crucial for budgeting.

Business & Trade: Companies target "Middle East" markets. Does that include Turkey? North Africa? Understanding regional trade blocs (like the GCC - Gulf Cooperation Council) requires knowing the membership.

News & Current Events: When a report says "instability in the Middle East," does it include Libya? Afghanistan? Knowing the scope helps interpret the news accurately.

Academic Study: University courses on the "Middle East" might focus narrowly on Arabic-speaking nations or broadly include Turkey and Iran. Knowing the professor's definition matters.

Cultural Understanding: Recognizing the diversity within the region (Arabs, Persians, Turks, Jews, Kurds, etc.) is impossible without knowing who's included.

How Different Organizations Define the Region

There's no single authority. Here's how key players see it:

Source	Core Countries Included	Borderline/Additional Countries Included	Focus/Reasoning
United Nations (UN Statistics Division)	Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen	Egypt, Libya, Turkey, Cyprus	Geographic & geopolitical grouping for data collection
CIA World Factbook	Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen	Egypt, Turkey	Standard geographic reference
World Bank (MENA Region)	Core Gulf & Levant states	ALL North Africa (Morocco to Egypt), Djibouti, Malta, sometimes Sudan	Economic development grouping (Middle East & North Africa)
Common Media Usage (e.g., BBC, CNN)	Core Gulf & Levant states + Egypt	Often Turkey, sometimes Libya. Rarely Maghreb/West Africa	Geopolitical reporting, often includes states involved in regional conflicts/issues
Travel Industry (e.g., Lonely Planet)	Core Gulf & Levant states + Egypt, Turkey	Often Iran, sometimes Cyprus	Regional travel guides, grouping destinations common on travel itineraries
U.S. State Department (Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs)	Core Gulf & Levant states	Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, sometimes Sudan	A blend of geography ("Near East") and political/diplomatic priorities

See the pattern? Core is mostly stable. The edges? All over the place. This table shows why asking what is considered the Middle East needs context – are you looking at an oil report, a history book, or a travel blog?

Traveler's Perspective: What You Need to Know

Planning a trip? Forget academic debates. Here’s what matters practically:

Flights & Airlines: Airlines sell "Middle East" fares covering core countries + usually Egypt and Turkey. Check the specific airline's route map.
Regional Passes: Passes like the Jordan Pass won't cover Egypt or UAE. Know the specific country grouping.
Cultural Nuances: While sharing Islam, Arab culture dominates in Egypt/Jordan/Syria/Iraq/Gulf. Iran is Persian. Turkey is Turkish. Israel is Jewish. Respect vastly different customs.
Visa Rules: Rules differ wildly. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have agreements (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Others require individual visas. Check each country's embassy site.
Safety & Security: Conditions vary enormously. Research each country individually (e.g., via your government's travel advisory site). Don't assume regional stability.

Common Questions Answered

Is Israel part of the Middle East?

Absolutely yes. Geographically, it's in the Levant. Historically and politically, it's central to the region. While its status is politically sensitive, geographically and culturally (given its location and Arab minority), it's undeniably part of what is considered the Middle East.

Is Turkey in the Middle East?

It depends who you ask. Geographically, most of it (Anatolia) is in Western Asia. Historically (Ottoman Empire), yes. Culturally and politically (especially its EU ambitions), it often leans towards Europe. For practical travel and many geopolitical analyses, it's included. For strict definitions focusing on Arab identity, it's less so. I generally include it.

Is Egypt considered part of the Middle East?

Overwhelmingly yes. Despite being in North Africa, its Sinai peninsula connects it to Asia. Its history (Pharaonic, Islamic Caliphates), politics, language (Arabic), and culture are deeply integrated with the core Arab Middle East. It's rarely excluded.

Is Afghanistan part of the Middle East?

Usually not. While Muslim-majority and sharing borders with Iran, it's generally classified as part of Central Asia or South Asia. Its languages (Pashto, Dari) and dominant ethnic groups link it more strongly to those regions. Some broader "Greater Middle East" definitions include it, confusingly. I wouldn't put it on a core list.

Where exactly is the Middle East located?

The core region bridges three continents: Southwest Asia, Northeast Africa (Egypt), and the southeastern fringe of Europe (Turkey's small European part). It's roughly bounded by the Mediterranean Sea (west), the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf (south/southeast), the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains (north/northeast), and the Iranian Plateau (east). It's the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Is the Middle East the same as the Arab world?

No, but there's huge overlap. The "Arab world" specifically refers to countries where Arabic is the official or dominant language. This includes all the core Middle Eastern Arab states (Egypt, Gulf, Levant) PLUS all of North Africa (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, etc.). However, the Middle East includes non-Arab countries like Israel (Hebrew), Iran (Persian/Farsi), and Turkey (Turkish). So all Arab Middle Eastern countries are in the Middle East, but not all Middle Eastern countries are Arab.

Why is it called the "Middle" East?

It's a Eurocentric term! From a Western European perspective centuries ago:

The "Near East" was the Ottoman Empire (roughly modern Turkey, Levant, Egypt).
The "Far East" was China, Japan, etc.
The "Middle East" was the area in between – Persia (Iran), Afghanistan, Central Asia.

Over time, especially in the early 20th century, "Middle East" absorbed the area previously called the "Near East," becoming the common term for the region we discuss today. The old "Near East" term is barely used now except in some academic contexts.

What's the difference between MENA and the Middle East?

MENA stands for Middle East and North Africa. It explicitly includes all the core Middle Eastern countries plus the North African countries stretching from Egypt to Morocco (and sometimes Sudan, Mauritania). It's a common term in economics and international relations when discussing the broader Arab world and Iran/Turkey. If you see MENA, it definitely includes Egypt and the Maghreb.

Key Characteristics of the Middle East Region

Beyond borders, what ties this diverse region together? Some common threads (with plenty of exceptions!):

Climate: Dominated by arid and semi-arid climates. Think vast deserts (Sahara, Arabian, Negev) and limited water resources.
Strategic Resources: Holds the world's largest proven oil and natural gas reserves (especially Gulf states, Iran, Iraq).
Religion: Islam is the dominant religion in all core countries (except Israel). Both major branches (Sunni and Shi'a) are present, with varying distributions (e.g., Iran is majority Shi'a; Saudi Arabia is majority Sunni). Significant religious minorities exist (Christians, Jews, Yazidis, Druze, etc.).
History: Cradle of major civilizations (Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Persia), birthplace of major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), and home to countless empires and trade routes (Silk Road, Spice Trade).
Modern Politics: Often characterized by complex geopolitics, regional conflicts, and significant external involvement (especially by global powers).

So, wrapping up this exploration of what is considered the Middle East? It's a fascinating, complex region without a single neat border. You've got the solid core everyone agrees on, surrounded by a fuzzy edge that shifts depending on whether you're a diplomat, an oil executive, or a backpacker. Knowing the core is essential. Understanding why the edges are fuzzy is even more important. Next time you see a headline or plan a trip, you'll know exactly what ground – and whose definitions – you're standing on.