LocationMiddle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia Geographic coordinates29 30 N, 45 45 E Map referencesMiddle East Areatotal: 17,820 sq km Area - comparativeslightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundariestotal: 462 km Coastline499 km Maritime claimsterritorial sea: 12 nm Climatedry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters Terrainflat to slightly undulating desert plain Elevation extremeslowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m Natural resourcespetroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas Land usearable land: 0.84% Irrigated land130 sq km (2003) Total renewable water resources0.02 cu km (1997) Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)total: 0.44 cu km/yr (45%/2%/52%) Natural hazardssudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March and August Environment - current issueslimited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification Environment - international agreementsparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection Geography - notestrategic location at head of Persian Gulf |
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Source: CIA World Factbook | |