Key Facts about Persian Gulf

Persian Gulf is an extension of the Gulf of Oman and connects to the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Hormuz in the east.

Key Facts about Persian Gulf

About Persian Gulf

  • It is part of the Indian Ocean. 
  • It is located in Western Asia.
  • It is an extension of the Gulf of Oman and connects to the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Hormuz in the east.
  • It is also referred to as the Arabian Gulf or Gulf of Iran. 
  • It lies between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran to the southwest and northeast, respectively.
  • It covers approximately 251,000 km2, with a maximum depth of 90 meters and an average depth of 50 meters.
  • It is bounded by several countries, including Iran to the north, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on the peninsula, and Bahrain, Iraq, and Kuwait in the northwest. 
  • Its western end is marked by the major river delta of the Shatt al-Arab, which carries the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.
  • It has a coastline length of about 5,117 km, with Iran having the longest coastline (1,536 km).
  • Islands:
    • There are several islands in the Persian Gulf, including Bahrain, the Persian Gulf state. Bahrain comprises over 50 islands centered on the Bahrain Island.
    • Qeshm Island is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, covering approximately 1,491 km2 (almost 2.5 times the size of Bahrain).

Q1) What is a Gulf?

The Gulf is a portion of the sea that is almost surrounded by land except one narrow opening. Gulfs are formed when a giant rock collapses or when a piece of land sinks. This causes a big indentation in the area, and the water eventually fills it up. Gulfs are also formed through a natural process of erosion.

Source:  China Adds Persian Gulf Oil Bookings as Red Sea Crisis Persists

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