The countries of the Middle East include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Countries in North Africa include Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia.

These countries vary greatly, making the MENA region one of contradictions: democratic and authoritarian states border each other; deep roots of religion and peaceful teachings come up against ethnic and religious conflict; and oppression, a lack of opportunity, and violence live side-by-side with great wealth and natural resources.