Iraq shares borders with six countries and has only a small coastline [1]. In the north, it is bounded by Turkey. In the south by Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. In the East by Iran. In the West by Jordan and Syria. Continent wise it is situated in Southwest Asia and is part of the Fertile Crescent, which is an area of land from the Persian Gulf (also designated Arabian Gulf) to the Mediterranean Sea [2]. Its coastline along said gulf is only 19 miles (30 km), within which lies Iraq’s only access for maritime traffic, specifically the Shatt Al Arab. Its only port on the gulf, Umm Qasr, is small and located on shallow water and only small craft can dock there.
The geographic center of Iraq lies at approximately 33 degrees North latitude, and 44 degrees East longitude. The North – south extents of Iraq’s borders run from 37 degrees 21’ North in the Kurdistan region along its northern border with Turkey to 29 degrees 04’ North along its southern border with Saudi Arabia. Iraq’s east – west extent spans from 38 degrees 56’ in the Syrian Desert to 48 degrees 36’ in the vicinity of the Shatt al Arab [1].
The entire country is located within the + 3:00 GMT zone.
1. Malinowski JCE. Iraq: A Geography: United States Military Academy, West Point Department of Geography & Environmental Engineering, Building 600, West Point, New York 10996. Tel: 845-938-3128; Fax: 845-938-3339; Web site: http://www.dean.usma.edu/geo/gene.htm.; 2002:13-18.
2. Schaap, Eileen Ed.; Fresen, Sue Ed. World History--Part 1. Teacher's Guide [and Student Guide]. Parallel Alternative Strategies for Students (PASS): Florida State Dept. of Education; USA; 2000; Available at:http://www.leon.k12.fl.us/public/pass
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