Shatt Al-Arab Postal Codes: 61 | Basra

Key Facts

Shatt Al-Arab is a strategically important river in southern Iraq, forming the border between Iraq and Iran before emptying into the Persian Gulf. Located entirely within Iraq's Basra Governorate, this approximately 200-kilometer-long river is formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers near the city of Al-Qurnah. The river serves as Iraq's primary access point to the Persian Gulf and represents a vital economic and transportation corridor for the entire country. With a width varying from 200 meters to over 2 kilometers in some sections, Shatt Al-Arab flows through Iraq's most significant oil-producing region and supports extensive date palm cultivation along its banks. The river's strategic importance has made it a subject of territorial disputes throughout history, particularly between Iraq and Iran. As the final segment of the Mesopotamian river system, Shatt Al-Arab contains several important port cities along its course, including Basra, Iraq's main port city and the administrative center of the governorate. The river's delta region supports diverse ecosystems and serves as a crucial habitat for various bird species and marine life. For those seeking postal code information for the settlements and districts along this vital waterway, detailed regional data is available through our comprehensive location database.