The Middle East is a region that has been in the spotlight for many years in international politics, economics, and culture. One of the most important bodies of water that shapes the geography and geopolitics of the region is the Persian Gulf. This article will explore and answer the question of how many countries in the Middle East share a border with the Persian Gulf.
Defining the Middle East
The Middle East is a term used to describe a region that includes countries in Southwest Asia and North Africa. It has no clear geographical or political boundaries, and its borders have been changing over time. The Middle East is home to a rich cultural heritage and diverse societies, languages, and religions. The region is also known for its abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which have shaped its economic and political landscape.
Identifying the Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf is a body of water located in the Middle East, bordered by Iran to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south, and Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the east. The Persian Gulf is a crucial waterway for international trade, with over 20% of the world’s oil passing through it. It is also an important fishing ground and a popular tourist destination.
Bordering Countries
There are six countries in the Middle East that share a border with the Persian Gulf, which are:
Country 1: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country located in the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf to the east. It is the world’s largest oil exporter and has a rich cultural heritage. The country has a population of over 33 million people, and its capital city is Riyadh.
Country 2: Kuwait
Kuwait is a small country located in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf to the east. It is known for its oil reserves and has a high-income economy. Kuwait has a population of over 4 million people, and its capital city is Kuwait City.
Country 3: Bahrain
Bahrain is an island country located in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. It is a small but wealthy nation with a population of over 1.6 million people. Bahrain is known for its banking and financial services and has a rich cultural heritage. Its capital city is Manama.
Country 4: Qatar
Qatar is a country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf to the east. It is known for its natural gas reserves and has a high-income economy. Qatar has a population of over 2.8 million people, and its capital city is Doha.
Country 5: United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf to the east. It is known for its oil reserves and has a high-income economy. The UAE has a population of over 9 million people, and its capital city is Abu Dhabi.
Country 6: Iran
Iran is a country located in Western Asia, bordering the Persian Gulf to the south. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage and has a diverse economy. Iran has a population of over 83 million people, and its capital city is Tehran.
Total Number of Countries
In conclusion, there are six countries in the Middle East that share a border with the Persian Gulf, which are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. The Persian Gulf is a vital waterway that has shaped the economic and geopolitical landscape of the region, and the countries that border it play a crucial role in international trade and politics.
References
- CIA World Factbook. (2021). Middle East. ;
- Gulf Research Center. (2021). The Persian Gulf. https://gulfresearchcenter.net/en/about-t…
- United Nations. (2021). Middle East. ;
