Where Is Qatar on the World Map? Location, Borders and Geography Explained

Where Is Iraq Located? (Complete Geographic Guide)

Where Is Iraq Located?

Iraq is situated in Western Asia at the center of the Middle East. The country lies between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and shares 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. Iraq also has a short coastline along the northern Persian Gulf. Because of its location, Iraq has historically served as an important crossroads linking the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean world.

Geographic Location of Iraq

Iraq spans an area of about 438,317 square kilometers, making it one of the larger nations in the Middle East. Its landscape ranges from the fertile plains of central Iraq to vast desert areas in the west and mountainous terrain in the northeast along the borders with Turkey and Iran. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are the country’s most significant geographic features, shaping the historic region of Mesopotamia, widely known as the “cradle of civilization.”

What Are the Main Regions of Iraq?

Iraq is administratively divided into 18 provinces (governorates). Some of the most important regions include:

• Baghdad Governorate – The capital region and the political, economic, and cultural center of Iraq.
• Basra Governorate – Located in southern Iraq near the Persian Gulf and known for its oil production and port facilities.
• Nineveh Governorate – A northern region whose largest city is Mosul, historically an important cultural and trade center.
• Anbar Governorate – The largest province in Iraq, located in the western desert region.
• Erbil Governorate – Part of the Kurdistan Region and one of the major economic centers in northern Iraq.

What Are the 5 Largest Cities in Iraq?

The five largest cities in Iraq by population are:

1. Baghdad – The capital and largest city of Iraq, serving as the country’s political and economic center.
2. Basra – Iraq’s main port city located in the south near the Persian Gulf.
3. Mosul – A historic northern city located along the Tigris River.
4. Erbil – The capital of the Kurdistan Region and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
5. Kirkuk – An important city known for its oil resources and diverse population.

Why Iraq’s Location Is Important

Iraq occupies a strategically significant location in the Middle East because of its central position and abundant energy resources. Situated between major regional powers, the country serves as an important link between the Persian Gulf and the eastern Mediterranean. As one of the world’s leading oil producers, Iraq plays a crucial role in global energy supply, and its proximity to major trade routes and energy corridors gives it considerable influence in regional politics and international energy markets.

Feel free to explore these pages as well:

• Iraq Map
• Iraq
• Karbala Map
• Amarah Map
• Baqubah Map
• Ramadi Map
• Mosul Map
• Kirkuk Map
• Tikrit Map
• Basra Map
• Najaf Map
• Sulaymaniyah Map
• Arbil Map
• Baghdad Map