Special Sub-Topic: Iraq and the Middle East Geography Click Here To Play: Iraq and the Middle East Geography

Name the two famous historical rivers that flow through the middle of Iraq where the ancient Mesopotamian and Sumerian cultures once thrived?

Tigris & Euphrates. The Sumerians were the first to develop a city-state government and and phonetic writing.

Iraq shares most of its border with what country?

Iran. Most of Iran's border with Iraq winds through mountains, whereas the border with Saudi Arabia lies linear through deserts.

Which of these Middle East countries does not border Iraq?

Qatar. Qatar is a peninsula off of Saudi Arabia some 350 miles south of Iraq in the Persian Gulf.

Speaking of the Persian Gulf, does Iraq border on the Persian Gulf?

Yes. About a 30 mile strip lies west of the Tigris river delta between the borders of Kuwait ans Iran.

Which geographical neighbor did Iraq invade in 1990?

Kuwait. Kuwait lies between Iraq and the Persian Gulf. Iraq would like to have more access to the sea.

Baghdad, the capital, is the largest city in Iraq. What is the second largest city in Iraq?

Mosul. Mosul has a population of about 1.8 million, and Baghdad has about five and a half million.

Where is Israel in relation to Iraq?

To the west. Israel lies about 250 due west of Iraq's border with Jordan. Jordan shares a border with both countries.

One of these Middle East countries is an island. Which one?

Bahrain. Bahrain is just west of the peninsula of Qatar in the Persian Gulf. Oman is a land contry south of Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka is an island off the coast of India, which is not in the Middle East.

Where is Afghanistan in relation to Iraq?

To the east. Afghanistan is about 750 miles due east of Iraq. The country of Iran is in between the two nations.

Islam dominates as the major religion in the Middle East. Islam's sacred city of Mecca lies in this region. In what country would you find Mecca?

Saudi Arabia. Mecca lies near the west coast of central Saudi Arabia, near the Red Sea.