Iran is a big country in the Middle East. It is surrounded by many other countries, both by land and by sea. These neighbouring countries are important for Iran’s trade, culture, travel and international relations. Knowing which countries are near Iran helps us understand its location on the world map and how it connects with different parts of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
An Overview of Iran
Iran is a big country in Western Asia. Its full name is the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is known for its old and rich history, beautiful mountains and deserts, and large reserves of oil and gas. Iran is an important country in its region and is located near the Persian Gulf. It has a special political system based on religion and the government control much of the country.
Countries Bordering with Iran
Iran is a large country in Western Asia. It has international borders with 13 countries, including both land and maritime neighbors. Iran shares land boundaries with 7 countries and maritime (sea) boundaries with 6 countries in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. With a land border of about 5893 km (3662 miles), it has one of the longest land borders in Western Asia.
List of Bordering Countries of Iran
Iran shares its land border with 7 countries. These countries are located in different directions around Iran. Below is a list with short details:
S. No. | Country Name | Length (km) |
1. | Iraq | 1599 |
2. | Turkmenistan | 1148 |
3. | Pakistan | 959 |
4. | Afghanistan | 921 |
5. | Azerbaijan | 689 |
6. | Turkey | 534 |
7. | Armenia | 44 |
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is located to the east of Iran. It shares a land border with Iran that is about 921 km long. The point where Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan meet is the starting point of this border. From there, the border stretches north between the three countries.
Turkey
Turkey lies to the northwest of Iran. It shares a land border of around 534 km with Iran. This border is one of the oldest borders in the world between two countries.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is located to the north of Iran and shares a 689 km long border with it. Many people from Azerbaijan live in Iran, so crossing the border is common between both countries.
Pakistan
Pakistan lies to the southeast of Iran. The border between the two countries is about 959 km long. This border starts at the point where Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan meet and goes down to the Gulf of Oman.
Iraq
Iraq is to the west of Iran. It shares the longest land border with Iran, which is about 1,599 km long. Iraq is a Middle Eastern country and has strong trade connections with Iran.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan lies to the northeast of Iran and shares a 1,148 km long border. The relationship between Iran and Turkmenistan is complicated, especially because both have different political interests in regions like Syria and the Caucasus.
Armenia
Armenia is also to the north of Iran. It shares a very short border of only 44 km with Iran. This is the shortest land border Iran shares with any country.