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West Asia Countries

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West Asia, also known as Middle East, comprises a diverse region with a rich history, cultural heritage, and geopolitical significance. There are a total of 18 countries in West Asia, each contributing uniquely to the region’s dynamics and identity. These countries include Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Yemen, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Bahrain

Country Overview:

Bahrain, located in the Persian Gulf, covers an area of approximately 780 square kilometers. It is an island nation connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway. Bahrain is famous for its vibrant economy, particularly in the finance and tourism sectors. The country is known for its modern skyline, luxurious shopping malls, and ancient archaeological sites, including the Bahrain Fort and Qal’at al-Bahrain. Manama, the capital city, is a bustling cosmopolitan center with a rich cultural scene.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1971
  • Population: Approximately 1.7 million
  • Capital City: Manama
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
  • Time Zone: AST (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +973
  • Top-Level Domain: .bh
  • ISO Country Codes: BH, BHR

Cyprus

Country Overview:

Cyprus, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, covers an area of approximately 9,251 square kilometers. It is an island nation divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey). Cyprus is famous for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and rich cultural heritage influenced by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations. The country is known for its warm climate, friendly locals, and vibrant nightlife.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1960 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 1.2 million (whole island)
  • Capital City: Nicosia (Republic of Cyprus), North Nicosia (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
  • Language: Greek, Turkish
  • Currency: Euro (EUR) (Republic of Cyprus), Turkish Lira (TRY) (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +357
  • Top-Level Domain: .cy
  • ISO Country Codes: CY, CYP

Egypt

Country Overview:

Egypt, located in North Africa and the Sinai Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 1,010,407 square kilometers. It shares borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and the Gaza Strip. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization, including the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Karnak. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, including hieroglyphics, pharaonic art, and Islamic architecture. Cairo, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant street life and historic landmarks.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1922 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 104 million
  • Capital City: Cairo
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +20
  • Top-Level Domain: .eg
  • ISO Country Codes: EG, EGY

Iran

Country Overview:

Iran, also known as Persia, covers an area of approximately 1,648,195 square kilometers, making it the 18th largest country in the world. It shares borders with Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Iran is famous for its rich history, culture, and contributions to art, literature, and science. The country is known for its ancient Persian civilization, stunning architecture, and diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and lush forests. Tehran, the capital city, is a dynamic metropolis with modern infrastructure and historic landmarks.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1979 (Islamic Revolution)
  • Population: Approximately 84 million
  • Capital City: Tehran
  • Language: Persian (Farsi)
  • Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
  • Time Zone: IRST (GMT+3:30), IRDT (GMT+4:30)
  • Country Area Code: +98
  • Top-Level Domain: .ir
  • ISO Country Codes: IR, IRN

Iraq

Country Overview:

Iraq, located in Western Asia, covers an area of approximately 438,317 square kilometers. It shares borders with Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. Iraq is famous for its ancient Mesopotamian civilization, including the historic cities of Babylon, Ur, and Nineveh. The country is known for its diverse cultural heritage, including Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian, and Turkmen communities. Baghdad, the capital city, is situated on the banks of the Tigris River and has a rich history dating back thousands of years.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1932 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 40 million
  • Capital City: Baghdad
  • Language: Arabic, Kurdish
  • Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
  • Time Zone: AST (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +964
  • Top-Level Domain: .iq
  • ISO Country Codes: IQ, IRQ

Israel

Country Overview:

Israel, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, covers an area of approximately 20,770 square kilometers. It shares borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. Israel is famous for its historical and religious significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The country is known for its diverse population, modern cities, and ancient landmarks, including Jerusalem’s Old City, the Western Wall, and the Dead Sea. Tel Aviv, the financial and technological hub, is renowned for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and culinary scene.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1948 (recognized)
  • Population: Approximately 9.3 million
  • Capital City: Jerusalem (Israel considers Jerusalem as its capital, while the international community recognizes Tel Aviv)
  • Language: Hebrew, Arabic
  • Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
  • Time Zone: IST (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +972
  • Top-Level Domain: .il
  • ISO Country Codes: IL, ISR

Jordan

Country Overview:

Jordan, located in the Middle East, covers an area of approximately 89,342 square kilometers. It shares borders with Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel/Palestine. Jordan is famous for its historical sites, including the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. The country is known for its hospitality, cultural heritage, and stability in a region of turmoil. Amman, the capital city, blends modernity with ancient history and serves as a gateway to Jordan’s many attractions.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1946 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 10.2 million
  • Capital City: Amman
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +962
  • Top-Level Domain: .jo
  • ISO Country Codes: JO, JOR

Kuwait

Country Overview:

Kuwait, situated at the tip of the Persian Gulf, covers an area of approximately 17,818 square kilometers. It shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Kuwait is famous for its vast oil reserves, which have made it one of the wealthiest countries in the world per capita. The country is known for its modern skyline, luxurious shopping malls, and rich cultural heritage. Kuwait City, the capital, is a vibrant metropolis with a blend of traditional Arabic architecture and contemporary skyscrapers.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1961 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 4.3 million
  • Capital City: Kuwait City
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
  • Time Zone: AST (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +965
  • Top-Level Domain: .kw
  • ISO Country Codes: KW, KWT

Lebanon

Country Overview:

Lebanon, situated on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, covers an area of approximately 10,452 square kilometers. It shares borders with Syria and Israel. Lebanon is famous for its rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, including the snow-capped mountains of the Lebanese Alps and the ancient cedar forests. The country is known for its historical significance, being home to ancient Phoenician, Roman, and Ottoman ruins. Beirut, the capital city, is a vibrant cultural and economic center, renowned for its nightlife, culinary scene, and historical landmarks.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1943 (from France)
  • Population: Approximately 6.8 million
  • Capital City: Beirut
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +961
  • Top-Level Domain: .lb
  • ISO Country Codes: LB, LBN

Oman

Country Overview:

Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 309,500 square kilometers. It shares borders with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Oman is famous for its stunning desert landscapes, rugged coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. The country is known for its historic forts, traditional souks, and hospitality. Muscat, the capital city, blends modernity with tradition and serves as the gateway to Oman’s diverse attractions.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1650 (from Portugal)
  • Population: Approximately 5.1 million
  • Capital City: Muscat
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
  • Time Zone: GST (GMT+4)
  • Country Area Code: +968
  • Top-Level Domain: .om
  • ISO Country Codes: OM, OMN

Palestine

Country Overview:

Palestine, located in the Eastern Mediterranean, covers an area of approximately 6,220 square kilometers. It shares borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt (Gaza Strip). Palestine is famous for its historical and religious significance, being home to significant sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including the Old City of Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The country is known for its ongoing conflict with Israel and its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: Declared in 1988 (not internationally recognized)
  • Population: Approximately 5.2 million
  • Capital City: Ramallah (administrative capital), East Jerusalem (claimed)
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS) (used alongside other currencies)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +970
  • Top-Level Domain: .ps
  • ISO Country Codes: PS, PSE

Qatar

Country Overview:

Qatar, situated on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 11,586 square kilometers. It shares a land border with Saudi Arabia and is surrounded by the Persian Gulf. Qatar is famous for its modern skyline, luxurious shopping malls, and world-class hospitality. The country is known for its vast oil and natural gas reserves, which have fueled its rapid economic growth and transformation into a global hub for business and tourism. Doha, the capital city, is a cosmopolitan metropolis with futuristic architecture, cultural attractions, and a thriving culinary scene.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1971 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 2.8 million
  • Capital City: Doha
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
  • Time Zone: AST (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +974
  • Top-Level Domain: .qa
  • ISO Country Codes: QA, QAT

Saudi Arabia

Country Overview:

Saudi Arabia, located on the Arabian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 2,149,690 square kilometers, making it the largest country in the Middle East. It shares borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. Saudi Arabia is famous for its rich cultural heritage, Islamic landmarks, and vast desert landscapes. The country is known for its religious significance, being home to the cities of Mecca and Medina, the two holiest sites in Islam. Riyadh, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis with modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1932
  • Population: Approximately 34.8 million
  • Capital City: Riyadh
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
  • Time Zone: AST (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +966
  • Top-Level Domain: .sa
  • ISO Country Codes: SA, SAU

Syria

Country Overview:

Syria, situated in Western Asia, covers an area of approximately 185,180 square kilometers. It shares borders with Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. Syria is famous for its rich history, archaeological sites, and diverse cultural heritage. The country is known for its ancient cities, including Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its historical significance, Syria has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2011, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1946 (from France)
  • Population: Approximately 17 million
  • Capital City: Damascus
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +963
  • Top-Level Domain: .sy
  • ISO Country Codes: SY, SYR

Turkey

Country Overview:

Turkey, spanning across Eastern Europe and Western Asia, covers an area of approximately 783,356 square kilometers. It shares borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Turkey is famous for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. The country is known for its ancient ruins, including those of Ephesus and Troy, as well as its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Istanbul, the largest city and cultural capital, straddles two continents and boasts iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1923 (from the Ottoman Empire)
  • Population: Approximately 83.6 million
  • Capital City: Ankara
  • Language: Turkish
  • Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)
  • Time Zone: TRT (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +90
  • Top-Level Domain: .tr
  • ISO Country Codes: TR, TUR

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Country Overview:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 83,600 square kilometers. It shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia and is situated along the Persian Gulf. The UAE is famous for its futuristic cities, luxurious lifestyle, and vast oil reserves. The country is known for its iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island. Dubai, the most populous city, is a global business and tourism hub, while Abu Dhabi, the capital, is home to cultural institutions and government offices.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1971 (from the United Kingdom)
  • Population: Approximately 9.9 million
  • Capital City: Abu Dhabi
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
  • Time Zone: GST (GMT+4)
  • Country Area Code: +971
  • Top-Level Domain: .ae
  • ISO Country Codes: AE, ARE

Yemen

Country Overview:

Yemen, located on the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 527,968 square kilometers. It shares borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman and is situated along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Yemen is famous for its ancient history, unique architecture, and stunning landscapes, including the Socotra archipelago, known for its biodiversity. The country is known for its cultural heritage, including traditional architecture, craftsmanship, and cuisine. Sana’a, the capital city, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a UNESCO-listed old town.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire)
  • Population: Approximately 30.5 million
  • Capital City: Sana’a
  • Language: Arabic
  • Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER)
  • Time Zone: AST (GMT+3)
  • Country Area Code: +967
  • Top-Level Domain: .ye
  • ISO Country Codes: YE, YEM