What is the terrain and geography like in Iraq?
mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding.
Average temperatures range from higher than 48oC (120oF) in July and August to below freezing in January. Most of the rainfall occurs from December through April and averages between 10 and 18 centimeters (4-7 in.) annually. The mountainous region of northern Iraq receives appreciably more precipitation than the central or southern desert region.
mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding.
Average temperatures range from higher than 48oC (120oF) in July and August to below freezing in January. Most of the rainfall occurs from December through April and averages between 10 and 18 centimeters (4-7 in.) annually. The mountainous region of northern Iraq receives appreciably more precipitation than the central or southern desert region.
Geographic Location | Middle East |
Total Area |
169,234 Square Miles 438,317 Square Kilometers |
Land Area |
168,867 Square Miles 437,367 Square Kilometers |
Water Area |
367 Square Miles 950 Square Kilometers |
Land Boundaries |
2,268 Miles 3,650 Kilometers |
Irrigated Land |
13,610 Square Miles 35,250 Square Kilometers |
Border Countries | Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km |
Coastline |
36 Miles 58 Kilometers |
Geographic Coordinates | 33 00 N, 44 00 E |
Terrain | mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey |
Highest Point | 3,611 Meters |
Highest Point Location | unamed peak 3,611 m; note - this peak is not Gundah Zhur 3,607 m or Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m |
Lowest Point Location | Persian Gulf 0 m |
Natural Resources | petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur |