Final answer:
The economies of North Africa and Southwest Asia are profoundly influenced by their geographical features, particularly the presence of oil, natural gas, and mineral reserves, as well as the agricultural potential of regions like the Maghreb.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographical features of North Africa and Southwest Asia have a significant impact on the economies of the various nations within these regions. The presence of oil and natural gas reserves, along with important minerals, is a fundamental economic influence. Countries in these regions that have such reserves have built their economies around the extraction and export of these resources, particularly oil, which has been the dominant economic activity in terms of global relations.
In addition to fossil fuels, regions like the Maghreb, with the Atlas Mountains and a moderate type C climate, foster agricultural production. Crops such as grapes, dates, oranges, olives, and others are significant for both domestic consumption and export. However, it is the export of oil that has overtaken food products in generating national wealth for many countries in North Africa and Southwest Asia.