The term "Middle East" is widely used to describe a region that spans parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. It is a geopolitically significant area, home to diverse cultures, rich histories, and vast natural resources, especially oil. The countries generally included in the Middle East are:

Western Asia: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

North Africa: Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Tunisia.

Other regions sometimes included: Cyprus, depending on the context, may also be considered part of the Middle East.

The region plays a critical role in global politics, economy, and religion, housing the birthplace of major world religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

The term “Middle East” was coined in the late 19th century by the British historian and geographer Alfred Thayer Mahan. He used it to describe the region between Europe and East Asia, essentially serving as a middle ground on the global trade routes. Originally, the term was meant to reflect a strategic location in relation to the British Empire's interests in India and the Far East.

While "Middle East" has become widely accepted in the global lexicon, its precise definition has evolved. Over time, it began to encompass the diverse political and cultural regions of Western Asia and parts of North Africa. Despite its European origins, the term continues to be relevant today, though it is sometimes critiqued for its Eurocentric perspective.

In conclusion, the Middle East is a historically rich and geopolitically strategic region. Understanding the origins and geographical scope of this term is essential to grasping the region’s profound global influence and its complex cultural and political dynamics.