MIDDLE EAST
Middle East Country information
Description
The Middle East (or West Asia) sits where Africa, Asia and Europe meet. The countries of the Middle East are all part of Asia, but for clarity reasons we geographically show them here as a separate landmass.
Opinions vary as to what countries make up the modern definition of the Middle East. Historically, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been long associated with the Middle East, but in recent years, some sources now consider them to be more closely aligned with Europe based on their modern economic and political trends. We have moved in that direction, and the same applies for the island country of Cyprus, as it does for Georgia, the former Russian republic.
The African country of Egypt is still thought (by some) to be in the Middle East, as well as the northern African countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.
We attempt here to show the modern definition, but in world of geography, there are often many answers or (personal or political opinions) to what appears to be a simple question.
MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES
• Algeria
• Bahrain
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Morocco
• Oman
• Palestine
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• UAE
• Yemen
Country Basic Data Religions & ethnic groups Flag Links
Algeria
Map of Algeria
Capital Algiers Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%;
Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%
Foreign Affairs
Finances
Energy
Industry
Statistics
Bank
Currency Algerian Dinar
Area (km2) 2,380,000
Languages Arabic, French, Berber
Bahrain
Map of Bahrain
Capital Manama Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%
Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%
Foreign Affairs
Finance
Commerce
Information
Research
Currency Bahraini dinar
Area (km2) 620
Languages Arabic
Egypt
Map of Egypt
History of Egypt
Capital Cairo Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90-94%, Coptic Christian and other 6-10%.
Eastern Hamitic (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%
Foreign Affairs
Economy
Statistics
Energy Planning
Central Bank
Government Site
Currency Egyptian pound
Area (km2) 1,001,450
Languages Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes
Iraq
Map of Iraq
History of Iraq
Capital Baghdad Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%.
Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5%
Foreign Affairs
Information
Currency Iraqi Dinar
Area (km2) 437,072
Languages Arabic, Kurdish, Assyrian, Armenian
Iran
Map of Iran
History of Iran
Capital Teheran Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 10%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 1%.
Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%.
Foreign Affairs
Agriculture
Energy
Mines and Metals
Statistics
Currency Iranian Rial
Area (km2) 1,648,000
Languages Persian & dialects 58%, Turkic & dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%
Israel
Map of Israel
History of Israel and Palestine
Capital Jerusalem2 Jewish 80.1%, Muslim 14.6% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2.1%, other 3.2% (1996 est.)
Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign language
Foreign Affairs
Prime Minister
Bank
Education
Currency New Israeli Shekel
Area (km2) 20,770
Languages Official: Hebrew, English, Arabic; Russian, French
Jordan
Map of Jordan
Capital Amman Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6%, other 2% (several small Shi'a Muslim and Druze populations) (2000 est.)
Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%
Finance
Planning
Industry and Trade
Energy
Tourism
Statistics
Bank of Jordan
Currency Jordanian Dinar
Area (km2) 92,300
Languages Arabic (official), English
Kuwait
Map of Kuwait
Capital Kuwait Muslim 85% (Sunni 45%, Shi'a 40%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%.
Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%
Foreign Affairs
Finance
Planning
Information
Bank of Kuwait
Currency Kuwaiti Dinar
Area (km2) 17,820
Languages Arabic (official), English
Lebanon
Map of Lebanon
Capital Beirut Muslim 70% (including Shi'a, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 30% Jewish <1%.
Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%
Finance
Economy
Agriculture
Tourism
Président
Statistics
Banque du Liban
Currency Lebanese Pound
Area (km2) 10,400
Languages Arabic (official), French, English, Armenian
Libya
Map of Libya
Capital Tripoli Sunni Muslim 97%.
Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, Tunisians.
Currency Libyan dinar
Area (km2) 1,759,540
Languages Arabic, Italian, English
Morocco
Map of Morocco
Capital Rabat Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
Foreign Affairs
Planning
Industry
Economy
Investments
Statistics
Currency Moroccan Dirham
Area (km2) 446,550
Languages Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French
Oman
Map of Oman
Capital Muscat Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu
Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African.
Economy
Commerce
Information
Bank of Oman
Currency Omani Rial
Area (km2) 212,460
Languages Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects
Palestine1
Map of Palestine
History of Israel & Palestine
Capital NA Muslim 87% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 7% (settlers), Christian and other 6%.
Palestinian Arab and other 93%, Jewish 7%
Planning
Industry
Information
Labor
Tourism
Statistics (PCBS)
Currency New Israeli Shekel; Jordanian Dinar
Area (km2) 5,898
Languages Arabic, English
Qatar
Map of Qatar
Capital Doha Muslim 95%
Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%
Foreign Affairs
Municipal Affairs and Agriculture
Planning Council
Qatar Central Bank
Currency Qatari Rial
Area (km2) 11,437
Languages Arabic (official), English
Saudi Arabia
Map of Saudi Arabia
History of Arabia
Capital Riyadh Muslim 100%.
Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%
Foreign Affairs
Agriculture and Water
Information
Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency
Currency Saudi Riyal
Area (km2) 1,960,582
Languages Arabic (official), English
Sudan
Map of Sudan
Capital Khartoum Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), animist 25%, Christian 5% (mostly in south and Khartoum).
African 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%
Foreign Affairs
Currency Sudanese Dinar
Area (km2) 2,505,810
Languages Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English
Syria
Map of Syria
Capital Damascus Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, & other Muslim 16%, Christian 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo).
Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%
Economy
Industry
Information
Tourism
Currency Syrian Pound
Area (km2) 185,180
Languages Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English
Tunisia
Map of Tunisia
Capital Tunis Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
Government Statistics
Bank
Tourism
Currency Tunisian dinar
Area (km2) 163,610
Languages Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)
Turkey
Map of Turkey
Capital Ankara Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (Christian and Jews).
Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20%
Foreign Affairs
Finance
Industry and Trade
Planning
Statistics
Mineral Research
Currency Turkish Lira
Area (km2) 769,630
Languages Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek
UAE
Map of UAE
Capital Abu Dhabi Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%;
Emirati 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, others 8% (1982). less than 20% are citizens.
Commerce
Finance
Planning
Statistics
Government
Bank
Currency Emirati dirham
Area (km2) 78,000
Languages Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Yemen
Map of Yemen
Capital Sana Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi'a), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu;
Predominantly Arab. also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans
Resources
Supply and Trade
Information
Central Bank of Yemen
Currency Yemeni Riyal
Area (km2) 527,970
Languages Arabic
A Brief Description
The founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Abd al-Aziz, captured Riyadh at the turn of the 20th century, and began his efforts to unify the many factions on the Arabian Peninsula. It took many decades but he enjoyed a large measure of success.
One of his many sons, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, rules the country today, and in fact, irrevocable Saudi law dictates that the throne of Saudi Arabia must remain in the hands of the sons and grandsons of the founder.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East, is 95% desert, including the Rub' Al Khali, the biggest mass of sand on the planet.
In 1937 (near Riyadh) large oil reserves were discovered, and today, the country is the world's largest producer and exporter of oil.
Saudi Arabia (to its credit) still uses much of the profits from that industry to improve the infrastructure of the country and the lives of its people.
As an example; with an overall lack of rain and fresh water, it successfully (and very expensively) constructed the world's largest desalination plant on the shores of the Persian Gulf.
It's a strictly Muslim land and home to both Medina and Mecca, Islam's holiest cities, and each year an estimated two-million Muslims take part in the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars, or duties, of the Islamic faith, requiring all able-bodied Muslims to make the journey to Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed, at least once in their lifetime.
For additional info on this most fascinating land, click
Facts and Figures
Name Saudi Arabia
(long form) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Population 26,417,600
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Riyadh (3.2 million)
Currency Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic
Flag here
National Day September 23
Religions Muslim (100%)
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
24º 39' N, 46º 46' E
Relative Location Saudi Arabia, located directly on the Tropic of Cancer, is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, and the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.
Land Statistics
Coastline 1,640 miles (2,640 km)
Land Areas
(land) 756,985 sq miles (1,960,582 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 756,985 sq miles (1,960,582 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Saudi Arabia is for the most part an uninhabited desert land, which includes the Rub' Al Khali Desert, the biggest mass of sand on the planet, and the An-Nafud Desert - where sand dunes often exceed 100 ft. in height.
The land (desert) rises into hills and mountains in the west and southwest, along the edges of the Red Sea. Mountain ranges include the Hejaz in the northwest, and the Azir in the southwest.
There are no perennial lakes or rivers.
Highest Point Jabal Sawda' - 10,279 ft. (3,133 m)
Lowest Point Persian Gulf - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 13 provinces, including: Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern Province), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran and Tabuk.
Facts and Figures
Name Afghanistan
(long form) Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Population 29,929,000
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Kãbul (2.9 million)
Currency Afghani (AFA)
Currency Converter here
Languages Afghan Persian (official), Pashtu (official), Turkic languages and local dialects
Flag here
National Day August 19
Religions Sunni Muslim (80%), Shi'a Muslim (19%)
The meaning of "stan" here!
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
34º 31' N, 69º 11' E
Relative Location Afghanistan is landlocked, and situated in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. It's bordered by the countries of China, Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Land Statistics
Coastline 0 (landlocked)
Land Areas
(land) 250,001 sq miles (647,500 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 250,001 sq miles (647,500 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms About the size of the U.S. State of Texas, most of Afghanistan is a rugged, inhospitable mountainous landscape.
More than 50% of the total land area lies above 6,500 ft. (2,000 m). It all culminates in the high peaks of the Hindu Kush, where extensions of the Pamir Mountains, Karakorum Mountains and the Himalayas all come together.
In the north a fertile plain fronts the Anu Dar'ya River. In the south, below the mountains, rolling desert and scattered salt flats cover the land.
Afghanistan is drained by numerous rivers; significant ones include the Amu Dar'ya, Hari, Helmand, and the Kabul - directly east of the capital city, flowing down into the Indus River in Pakistan.
Highest Point Mt. Nowshak - 24,446 ft. (7,485 m)
Lowest Point Amu Darya - 846 ft. (258 m)
Land Divisions 34 provinces, including: Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Daykundi, Farah,
Facts and Figures
Name Bahrain
(long form) Kingdom of Bahrain
Population 688,300
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Manama (147,074)
Currency Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Flag here
National Day December 16
Religions Muslim (Shi'a and Sunni) (82%), Christian, others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
26º 13' N, 50º 34' E
Relative Location Bahrain is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. This island country is located in the Persian Gulf, directly east of Saudi Arabia.
Land Statistics
Coastline 100 miles (161 km)
Land Areas
(land) 257 sq miles (665 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 257 sq miles (665 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Bahrain is comprised of 1 large and 32 smaller islands.
Almost all of Bahrain's main island is a low-lying rocky, sandy plain. Coastal salt marshes are common, central and south. There are no significant rivers or lakes.
Highest Point Jabal ad Dukham - 400 ft. (122 m)
Lowest Point Persian Gulf - 0 ft. (0 m)
Land Divisions 12 municipalities, including: Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar and Sitrah.
Facts and Figures
Name Iran
(long form) Islamic Republic of Iran
Population 68,017,900
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Tehran (8.2 mil) metro (11.7 mil)
Currency Iranian Rial (IRR)
Currency Converter here
Languages Persian (58%), Turkic (26%), others
Flag here
National Day February 11
Religions Shi'a Muslim (89%), Sunni Muslim (9%)
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
35º 40' N, 51º 26' E
Relative Location Iran is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, and by the countries of Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Land Statistics
Coastline 1,516 miles (2,440 km) - does not include Caspian Sea shoreline
Land Areas
(land) 631,663 sq miles (1,636,000sq km)
(water) 4,633 sq miles (12,000 sq km)
(TOTAL) 636,296 sq miles (1,648,000 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Iran is a very rugged country of plateaus and mountains, dominated by the Elburz Mountains in the north, and the Zagros Mountains along its western borders.
The central and eastern portion is covered by the Plateau of Iran.The Dasht-e Kavir is a sandstone and salty desert plateau, that in the heat of summer is one of the hottest places on the planet.
The most significant river is the Karun, in the southwestern corner of the country. Lake Urmia (in the far-northwest) is the country's largest body of water.
Highest Point Mt. Damavand - 18,934 ft. (5,771m)
Lowest Point Caspian Sea - (-28 m)
Land Divisions 30 provinces, including: Ardabil, Azarbayjan-e Gharbi, Azarbayjan-e Sharqi, Bushehr, Chahar Mahall va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars, Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khorasan-e Janubi, Khorasan-e Razavi, Khorasan-e Shemali, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh va Buyer Ahmad, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd and Zanjan.
Facts and Figures
Name Iraq
(long form) Republic of Iraq
Population 26,074,900
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Baghdad (6.1 million)
Currency New Iraqi Dinar (NID)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic, Kurdish, others
Flag here
National Day none
Religions Shi'a Muslim (64%), Sunni Muslim (32%)
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
33º 21' N, 44º 25' E
Relative Location Iraq is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by the Persian Gulf, and by the countries of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Iran.
Land Statistics
Coastline 36 miles (58 km)
Land Areas
(land) 166,859 sq miles ( 432,162 sq km)
(water) 1,895 sq miles (4,910 sq km)
(TOTAL) 168,754 sq miles (437,072sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Most of Iraq is a series of broad, sandy plains. In the far-west, the Syrian Desert blankets the land, and in the far-southeast near the Persian Gulf, the land is low, marshy, and often flooded.
It's mountainous in the far-north, as the Zagros Mountains front its borders with Iran and Turkey. The country's highest point is located there.
Two of the most significant rivers is all of Asia, the Euphrates and Tigris, drain the land.
Highest Point unamed peak - 11,847 ft. (3,611m)
Lowest Point Persian Gulf - 0 ft. (0 m)
Land Divisions 18 governorates, including: Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, At Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, and Wasit.
Facts and Figures
Name Israel
(long form) State of Israel
Population 6,276,900
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Jerusalem (712,000)
Currency New Israeli Shekel (ILS)
Currency Converter here
Languages Hebrew (official) Arabic and English (widely spoken)
Flag here
National Day May 12
Religions Jewish (75%), Muslim (15%), others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
31º 46' N, 35º 14' E
Relative Location Israel is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of western Asia. The country is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, and by the countries of Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria.
Land Statistics
Coastline 170 miles (273 km)
Land Areas
(land) 7,849 sq miles (20,330 sq km)
(water) 170 sq miles (440 sq km)
(TOTAL) 8,019 sq miles (20,770 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms The country of Israel has four distinct geographical areas:
A fertile (and mostly flat) coastal plain fronts the Mediterranean Sea coastline; rolling hills dissect the country, including the central Samarian hills and the mountains and hills of Galilee in the north; the Great Rift Valley runs south to the Gulf of Aqaba along its southern border with Jordan, and the Negev Desert (part of the Sinai Desert) dominates the southern landscape.
The Dead Sea is the lowest point (below sea level) on the planet. The River Jordon is the most significant river, and it forms the natural border between Israel and Jordan.
Highest Point Mt. Meron - 3,963 ft. (1,208m)
Lowest Point Dead Sea - (-1,349 ft.) (- 411 m) below sea level
Land Divisions 6 districts, including: Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern and Tel Aviv.
Facts and Figures
Name Jordan
(long form) Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Population 5,759,700
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Amman (1.3 mil ) metro (2.8 mil)
Currency Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic (official), English
Flag here
National Day May 25
Religions Sunni Muslim (92%), Christian (6%)
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
31º 57' N, 35º 56' E
Relative Location Jordan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. Positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia, the country is bordered by Israel, Syria (Golan Heights), Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Land Statistics
Coastline 16 miles (26 km)
Land Areas
(land) 35,510 sq miles (91,971 sq km)
(water) 127 sq miles (329 sq km)
(TOTAL) 35,637 sq miles (92,300sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Jordan is generally a flat desert plateau, east and west, as the western edges of the Syrian and Ard As Sawwan deserts stretch across the land.
In the west, the Great Rift Valley (high hills and mountains) separates the East and West Banks of the Jordan River.
Significant bordering bodies of water include the Dead Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Sea of Galilee.
Highest Point Jabal Ram - 5,689 ft. (1,734 m)
Lowest Point Dead Sea - (-1,349 ft.) (-411 m) below sea level
Land Divisions 12 governorates, including: Ajlun, Al 'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an and Madaba.
Facts and Figures
Name Kuwait
(long form) State of Kuwait
Population 2,335,600
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Kuwait City (169,000)
Currency Kuwaiti Dinar (KD)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic (official), English
Flag here
National Day February 25
Religions Muslim (85%), Christian, others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
29º 20' N, 48º 00' E
Relative Location Kuwait is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and the Persian Gulf.
Land Statistics
Coastline 310 miles (499 km)
Land Areas
(land) 6,880 sq miles (17,820sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 6,880 sq miles (17,820 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Most of Kuwait is an entirely flat and dry barren desert of sandy plains. The land (desert) begins to rise slightly in the southwest, along the border with Saudi Arabia.
There are no perennial lakes or rivers.
Highest Point Unnamed hill - 1,003 ft. (306 m)
Lowest Point Persian Gulf - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 5 governorates, including: Al Ahmadi, Al Farwaniyah, Al 'Asimah, Al Jahra' and Hawalli
Facts and Figures
Name Kyrgyzstan
(long form) Kyrgyz Republic
Population 5,146,300
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Bishkek (824,000)
Currency Som
Currency Converter here
Languages Kyrgyz (official), Russian (official)
Flag here
National Day August 31
Religions Muslim (75%), Russian Orthodox (20%)
The meaning of "stan" here!
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
42º 53' N, 74º 46' E
Relative Location Kyrgyzstan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China.
Land Statistics
Coastline 0 (landlocked)
Land Areas
(land) 73,861 sq miles (191,300 sq km)
(water) 2,780 sq miles (7,200 sq km)
(TOTAL) 76,641 sq miles (198,500 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Land Area 198,500 sq km (76,641 sq miles)
Landforms Over 90% of Kyrgyzstan is dominated by massive, rugged mountain ranges, including the Alai, Kirghiz and Tien Shan, and their associated valleys and basins. Large areas of those mountain regions are covered by glaciers.
A few flat areas (lower valleys) are found in the north and far southwest, but almost 35% of the land is higher than 9,842 ft. (3,000 m) above sea level.
Dozens and dozens of rivers flow from the upper reaches of the mountains; the most significant ones include the Al-Say, Chu, Kara Daryya and Naryn. Issyk-Kul is the world's second largest alpine lake.
Highest Point Jengish Chokusu - 24,406 ft.
(7,439 m)
Lowest Point Kara Daryya - (433 ft.) (132 m)
Land Divisions 7 provinces and 1 city; provinces include: Batken Oblasty, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Aba
Facts and Figures
Name Lebanon
(long form) Lebanese Rupublic
Population 3,826,000
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Beirut (1.2 million)
Currency Lebanese Pound (LBP)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic (official), French, English, others
Flag here
National Day November 22
Religions Muslim (60%), Christian, others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
33º 52' N, 35º 30' E
Relative Location Lebanon is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia, and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, and the countries of Syria and Israel.
Land Statistics
Coastline 140 miles (225 km)
Land Areas
(land) 3,950 sq miles (10,230 sq km)
(water) 65 sq miles (170 sq km)
(TOTAL) 4,015 sq miles (10,400 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Lebanon is a mostly mountainous country, east and west, separated by the fertile Bekaa Valley. A narrow coastal strip of land fronts the Mediterranean
The Lebanon Mountains are central and west, while the Anti-Lebanon Mountains stretch across its eastern border with Syria.
Over a dozen minor rivers flow from the mountains, with the Litani the most significant, as it irrigates the heart of the fertile Bekaa Valley.
Highest Point Qurnat as Sawda' -10,128 ft.
(3,087 m)
Lowest Point Mediterranean Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 6 governorates, including: Beyrouth, Beqaa, Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban and Nabatiye
Facts and Figures
Name Oman
(long form) Sultanate of Oman
Population 3,001,600
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Muscat (242,000)
Currency Omani Rial (OMR)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic (official), English, others
Flag here
National Day November 18
Religions Ibadhi Muslim (75%), Sunni & Shi'a Muslim, Hindu
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
23º 37' N, 58º 38' E
Relative Location Oman, located on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates and by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Land Statistics
Coastline 1,299 miles (2,092 km)
Land Areas
(land) 82,031 sq miles (212,460 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 82,031 sq miles (212,460 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms First note that much of Oman's borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. are not clearly defined by all parties concerned.
The northernmost part of Oman, the Musandam Peninsula, is separated from the rest of the country by a strip of land belonging to the United Arab Emirates. That peninsula is mostly low hills and mountains.
In the north, a narrow and fertile coastal plain fronts the Gulf of Oman; from there the land rises into the rugged Hajar Mountains.
Central and southeast, a few scrubby-hills and low-mountains dot the central desert landscape and coastal areas. In the west, the pebbly, desert-like land slopes gently into the sands of the Rub' Al Khali Desert.
There are no perennial rivers or lakes of note.
Highest Point Jabal Akhdar - 9,776 ft. (2,980 m)
Lowest Point Arabian Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 5 regions including: Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah and Az Zahirah, and 3 Facts and Figures
Name Pakistan
(long form) Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Population 162,419,900
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Islamabad (965,000)
Currency Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
Currency Converter here
Languages Punjabi (48%), Sindhi (12%), Siraiki (10%), Pashtu (8%), Urdu (8%), others
Flag here
National Day March 23
Religions Sunni Muslim (77%), Shi'a Muslim (20%)
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
33º 40' N, 73º 08' E
Relative Location Pakistan, part of the Indian Subcontinent, and positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia, is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. The country is bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, China, India and the Arabian Sea.
Land Statistics
Coastline 650 miles (1,046 km)
Land Areas
(land) 300,665 sq miles (778,720 sq km)
(water) 9,738 sq miles (25,220 sq km)
(TOTAL) 310,403 sq miles (803,940 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms The heartland of Pakistan, the Punjab Plain, is disected by the Indus River and fronts its border with India; southwest, the arid and dry Baluchistan Plateau extends to its border with Iran.
The country's most dramatic landscape is north, as the western edges of the Himalayas, including the (Hindu Kush,) is home to some of the tallest peaks in the world.
The highest point in the country of Pakistan, K2, or (Mount Godwin-Austen), is the second tallest mountain on the planet. Photo here.
The mountainous areas of the west-central, along the border with Afghanistan, include the Ras Koh, Safed Koh and Toba Kakar ranges
The Indus River and its numerous tributaries (one of the world's most significant waterways) drain the entire country.
Highest Point K2 - 28,250 ft. (8.611 m)
Lowest Point Arabian Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 4 provinces, including Balochistan, North-West Frontier Province, Punjab and Sindh. It also
Facts and Figures
Name Qatar
(long form) State of Qatar
Population 863,100
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Doha (721,000)
Currency Qatari Rial (QAR)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic (official), English commonly used
Flag here
National Day September 3
Religions Muslim (95%)
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
25º 15' N, 51º 36' E
Relative Location Qatar is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. This country (peninsula) extends north from the Saudi Arabian landmass into the Persian Gulf, and is directly bordered only by Saudi Arabia.
Land Statistics
Coastline 350 miles (563 km)
Land Areas
(land) 4,416 sq miles (11,437 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 4,416 sq miles (11,437 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Most of Qatar is a flat and rocky, sandy plain. Low hills punctuate the landscape, west and central, with massive sand dunes in the southeast.
A few salt pans (shining white in the desert sun) line the western coastal areas, and within Qatar there are no perennial rivers or lakes.
The Hawar islands serve as a loading terminal for oil from the western oil fields.
Highest Point Qurayn Abu al Bawl - 338 ft (103 m)
Lowest Point Persian Gulf - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 10 municipalities, including: Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id and Umm Salal
Facts and Figures
Name Syria
(long form) Syrian Arab Republic
Population 18,448,800
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Damascus (2.1 million)
Currency Syrian Pound (SYP)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic (official), Kurdish, many others
Flag here
National Day August 9
Religions Sunni Muslim (74%), other Muslim sects (16%), Christian (10%), others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
33º 30' N, 36º 19' E
Relative Location Syria is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, and by the countries of Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon.
Land Statistics
Coastline 120 miles (193 km)
Land Areas
(land) 71,062 sq miles (184,050 sq km)
(water) 436 sq miles (1,130 sq km)
(TOTAL) 71,498 sq miles (185,180 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms In general terms Syria is a flat desert plateau, dissected by mountains. A narrow coastal plain fronts the Mediterranean Sea.
In the west-central and north the Anti-Lebanon and Bishri mountains dominate the landscape. The highest point, Mt Hermon, stands in the far southwest.
Significant bodies of water include Lake al-Assad (a man-made reservoir,) created by a dam on the Euphrates River.
The Euphrates and its longest tributary, the Khabur (both rising in the mountains of Turkey) are the major rivers. Dozens of much smaller rivers flow down into the central valleys.
Highest Point Mt. Hermon - 9,232 ft. (2,814 m)
Lowest Point Mediterranean Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 14 provinces, including: Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq and Tartus
Facts and Figures
Name Tajikistan
(long form) Republic of Tajikistan
Population 7,163,506
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Dushanbe (605,000)
Currency Somoni
Currency Converter here
Languages Tajik (official), Russian
Flag here
National Day September 9
Religions Sunni Muslim (85%), Shi'a Muslim (5%), others
The meaning of "stan" here!
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
38º 38' N, 68º 51' E
Relative Location Tajikistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Afghanistan.
Land Statistics
Coastline 0 (landlocked)
Land Areas
(land) 55,097 sq miles (142,700 sq km)
(water) 154 sq miles (400 sq km)
(TOTAL) 55,251 sq miles (143,100 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Tajikistan is almost all mountains (93%), and dominated by the Alay Range in the north and the Pamir Mountains to the southeast. In fact, more than half of the country is higher than 3,000 m, (9,842 ft.) in elevation.
The numerous mountain chains are etched with deep valleys formed by a dense maze of cold-water rivers. The eastern mountains contain many glaciers and lakes. The Fedchenko Glacier (surrounding the country's highest peaks) covers 700 square kilometers, and is the largest non-polar glacier in the world
The lowest elevations are in the northwest, southwest and in the Fergana Valley, which dominates Tajikistan’s far northern section.
The country's extensive mountain system spawns many rivers, with the most significant being the Syr Darya, Amu Darya (called the Panj in central Tajikistan), Vakhsh (called the Surkhob in northern Tajikistan), Panj, Pamir and Bartang.
Highest Point Qullai Ismoili Somoni - 24,589 ft. (7,495 m)
Lowest Point Syr Darya River - (984 ft.) (300 m)
Facts and Figures
Name Turkey
(long form) Republic of Turkey
Population 69,660,559
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Ankara (3.6 million)
Currency new Turkish Lira (YTL)
Currency Converter here
Languages Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic, others
Flag here
National Day October 29
Religions Muslim (99%) mostly Sunni, others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
39º 55' N, 32º 50' E
Relative Location Turkey is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's mostly positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia; additionally, the far northwestern portion is part of the European continent. The country is bordered by Greece, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq and Syria, and the Black Sea, Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Land Statistics
Coastline 4,474 miles (7,200 km)
Land Areas
(land) 297,591 sq miles (770,760 sq km)
(water) 3792 sq miles (9,820 sq km)
(TOTAL) 301,383 sq miles (780,580 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms The European side of Turkey is mostly a series of rolling hills, while across the Bosphorus Strait into central Turkey, the land rise into an elevated central plateau (Anatolian), surrounded by (and mixed with) high, rugged mountains, including the Taurus, Koroglu and Pontic ranges.
Many peaks in Turkey exceed 10,000 feet, and the tallest, most rugged ones, including Mt. Ararat, are found in the Eastern Taurus Mountains.
Along the Black Sea and Mediterranean coastlines the land is lower and quite fertile. The Tigras, Kizilirmak, Sakarya and Euphrates are the most significant rivers, and Lake Van is the largest lake.
Note: As a geological point-of-interest, the country is positioned on one of the planet's major fault lines, and earthquakes are rather common.
Highest Point Mt. Ararat at 16,948 ft. (5,166m)
Lowest Point Mediterranean - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 81 provinces, including: Adana, Adiyaman, Afyonkarahisar, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa,
Facts and Figures
Name Turkmenistan
(long form) none
Population 4,952,081
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Ashgabat (732,000)
Currency Turkmen Manat (TMM)
Currency Converter here
Languages Turkmen (85%), Uzbek (5%), others
Flag here
National Day October 27
Religions Muslim (89%), Eastern Orthodox (9%), others
The meaning of "stan" here!
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
37º 58' N, 58º 24' E
Relative Location Turkmenistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran, as well as the Caspian Sea.
Land Statistics
Coastline 0 (landlocked) Note the Caspian Sea is actually a lake and provides no access to any major body of water - thus the country is landlocked.
Land Areas
(land) 188,456 sq miles (488,100 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 188,456 sq miles (488,100 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Most of Turkmenistan is dominated by the flat Garagum (or Kara Kum) Desert (north to south), a sandy, scrubby, arid expanse of land, with very little agricultural potential.
The Kopetdag Mountain Range covers its south-central border with Iran, where earthquakes are quite common. The Pamir Mountain Range extends across it's far eastern border - where its highest point is located.
Along the Caspian Sea and the shorelines of Sarykamish Lake, land elevations below sea level stretch inland for many miles.
The country's most significant river is the Amu Darya, which flows across and along its border with Uzbekistan.
Highest Point Gora Ayribaba - 10,298 ft. (3,139 m)
Lowest Point Sarykamish Lake's low points vary throughout the year - to recorded lows near (-110 m) below sea level.
Facts and Figures
Official Name United Arab Emirates
Population 2,563,200
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Abu Dhabi (528,000)
Currency Emirati Dirham (AED)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic (official), English, others
Flag here
National Day December 2
Religions Muslim (96%), others
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
24º 27' N, 54º 23' E
Relative Location The United Arab Emirates is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. It's bordered by the Persian Gulf, and the countries of Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Land Statistics
Coastline 819 miles (1,318 km)
Land Areas
(land) 32,000 sq miles (82,880 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 32,000 sq miles (82,880 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Most of the United Arab Emirates is a desert wasteland, with large, rolling sand dunes, as the outer reaches of the Rub' Al Khali Desert stretch into the country.
The coastal areas fronting the Persian Gulf are flat. The Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape in the northeast, and the country's highest point is located there, and there are no significant rivers or lakes of note.
Numerous small island and inlets are situated offshore in the Persian Gulf.
Highest Point Jabal Yibir - 5,666 ft. (1,727 m)
Lowest Point Persian Gulf - 0 ft. (0 m)
Land Divisions 7 emirates, including: Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy (Dubai), Ra's al Khaymah and Umm al Qaywayn.
Facts and Figures
Name Uzbekistan
(long form) Republic of Uzbekistan
Population 26,851,195
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Tashkent (2.2 million)
Currency Uzbekistani Soum (UZS)
Currency Converter here
Languages Uzbek (74%), Russian (14%), others
Flag here
National Day September 1
Religions Muslim, mostly Sunnis (88%), Eastern Orthodox (9%), others
The meaning of "stan" here!
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
41º 16' N, 69º 13' E
Relative Location Uzbekistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.
Land Statistics
Coastline 0 (landlocked)
Land Areas
(land) 164,248 sq miles (425,400 sq km)
(water) 8,494 sq miles (22,000 sq km)
(TOTAL) 172,742 sq miles (447,400 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms The topography of Uzbekistan is about 80% sandy, scrubby desert, including the massive Kyzyl Kum.
The mountains of the southeast and northeast, are foothills and lower mountains of the Tian Shan Range, an extension of the Himalayas.
The Fergana Valley, between the northeast and southeast mountain ranges, is reportedly home to the most desirable agricultural land and climate in all of western Asia.
Highest Pt. Adelunga Toghi - 10,298 ft. (4,301 m)
Lowest Pt. Uzbekistan's portion of Sarykamish Lake; here low points vary throughout the year - to recorded lows near (-12 m) below sea level along its shoreline.
Land Divisions 12 provinces, 1 autonomous republic and 1 autonomous city; provinces include: Andijon Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati, Namangan Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati, Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati, Surxondaryo Viloyati, Toshkent Viloyati and Xorazm Viloyati. Facts and Figures
Name Yemen
(long form) Republic of Yemen
Population 20,727,100
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Sana (1.8 million)
Currency Yemeni Rial (YER)
Currency Converter here
Languages Arabic
Flag here
National Day May 22
Religions Sunni and Shi'a Muslim
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
15º 24' N, 044º 14' E
Relative Location Yemen, located on the southern edges of the Arabian Peninsula, to the immediate east of the African continent, is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia, and bordered by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and by the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Land Statistics
Coastline 1,184 miles (1,906 km)
Land Areas
(land) 203,850 sq miles (527,970 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 203,850 sq miles (527,970 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms Yemen has some of the most fertile lands in the entire Middle East, and yet, for the most part, they're not developed to their full potential.
Along its Red Sea coast there's a flat sandy plain that extends the length of the country. The Gulf of Aden coastline is coverd by a narrow, rocky, and relatively flat plain, fronted by hills that rise into the rugged mountains, central and west.
To the north of those central mountains, the high desert slopes down through fertile plains into the interior of southern Saudi Arabia, and the endless sands of the Rub' Al Khali Desert - the famous "Empty Quarter."
There are no perennial lakes and rivers, however, in the northern highlands some river valleys (wadis) small streams exist (fall and winter) but fade away quickly in the summer heat.
Highest Point Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb - 12,336 ft. (3,760 m)
Lowest Point Arabian Sea - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 19 governorates, including: Abyan, 'Adan, Ad Dali', Al Bayda', Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah,
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