Introduction
Iraq, a country in Western Asia, is located in the heart of the Middle East. With an area of 437,072 square kilometers, it is the 58th largest country in the world. Iraq shares its borders with Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. In this article, we will explore the geographical location of Iraq on the world map.
Geographical Location
Iraq is located between latitudes 29° and 38° N and longitudes 39° and 49° E. It lies in the Tigris-Euphrates river system, which is often referred to as the Cradle of Civilization. The country has a coastline of 58 km along the Persian Gulf. The capital city, Baghdad, is located in the central part of Iraq.
The Shape of Iraq
Iraq has a roughly rectangular shape, with a length of about 950 km from north to south and a width ranging from 550 to 950 km from east to west. The country’s topography is dominated by the Mesopotamian plain, which is formed by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The plain is surrounded by the Zagros Mountains to the northeast and the Syrian Desert to the west.
Climate
Iraq has a hot and arid climate, with temperatures ranging from 45°C in summer to 5°C in winter. The country is prone to dust storms, especially in the summer months. The northern part of Iraq is mountainous and has a cooler climate.
Natural Resources
Iraq is rich in oil, with the fifth-largest oil reserves in the world. The country also has significant reserves of natural gas, sulfur, gypsum, and phosphate. However, due to decades of war and instability, Iraq has not been able to fully exploit its natural resources.
Historical Significance
Iraq has a rich history and cultural heritage, with ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The country is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ancient city of Babylon, the ziggurat of Ur, and the ancient city of Hatra.
Political Situation
Iraq has been through a turbulent political history in recent decades, including the Gulf War in 1991, the Iraq War in 2003, and the rise of ISIS in 2014. The country is currently a federal parliamentary republic, with a president, prime minister, and a unicameral legislature.
Economy
Iraq’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for over 90% of the country’s revenue. The country has faced many challenges in diversifying its economy and reducing its dependence on oil, including corruption, bureaucracy, and security concerns.
Tourism
Iraq has enormous potential for tourism, with its rich history and cultural heritage. However, the country’s security situation has made it difficult for tourists to visit. The Iraqi government has taken steps to improve security and promote tourism, but much work remains to be done.
Conclusion
Iraq’s geographical location on the world map has played a significant role in its history and development. The country’s rich cultural heritage, natural resources, and potential for tourism make it a fascinating destination for travelers. Despite its challenges, Iraq remains an important player in the Middle East and the world.
Q&A
Q: What countries does Iraq share its borders with?
A: Iraq shares its borders with Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. Q: What is the climate like in Iraq?
A: Iraq has a hot and arid climate, with temperatures ranging from 45°C in summer to 5°C in winter. Q: What is Iraq’s economy heavily dependent on?
A: Iraq’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for over 90% of the country’s revenue.