Iraq Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
312 m (1,024 ft) |
| Highest point |
Cheekha Dar: 3,611 m (11,847 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Arabian Gulf: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range |
3,611 m (11,847 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Sulaymaniyah: 835 m (2,740 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Basra: 3 m (10 ft) |
Iraq has a diverse landscape, encompassing vast deserts and expansive plateaus along with fertile regions surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
The Zagros Mountains which run from the northwest to the southeast across the country have significant elevation changes, creating a rugged topography. This area includes several peaks over 3000 meters and a maximum elevation of 3,611 meters.
The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers flow across the country's center from the northwest to the southeast, shaping the landscape with their valleys and flood plains.
Additionally, there are several other smaller mountain ranges and hills scattered throughout the country, providing a diverse range of topographical features.
Highest Point in Iraq
The highest point in Iraq is Cheekha Dar, a peak in the Zagros mountain range that has an elevation of 3,611 meters.
Lowest Point in Iraq
The lowest point in Iraq is the Arabian Gulf, which has an elevation of 0 meters.
Countries with Similar Topography to Iraq
Iraq shares a similar topographical style with neighboring countries such as Syria, Iran, and Turkey. However, the specific details of the landscape vary between countries.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Iraq
Of the 10 cities listed below, Sulaymaniyah is the highest at 835 m (2,740 ft) above sea level, and Basra is the lowest at 3 m (10 ft).
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Sulaymaniyah |
835 m |
2,740 ft |
| Erbil |
419 m |
1,375 ft |
| Kirkuk |
354 m |
1,161 ft |
| Mosul |
245 m |
804 ft |
| Ramadi |
42 m |
138 ft |
| Fallujah |
42 m |
138 ft |
| Baghdad |
34 m |
112 ft |
| Najaf |
33 m |
108 ft |
| Karbala |
31 m |
102 ft |
| Basra |
3 m |
10 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Iraq?
The highest point in Iraq is Cheekha Dar, at 3,611 m (11,847 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Iraq?
The lowest point in Iraq is Arabian Gulf, at 0 m (0 ft).
What is the average elevation of Iraq?
The average elevation of Iraq is 312 m (1,024 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Iraq?
Of the cities listed for Iraq, Sulaymaniyah is the highest, at 835 m (2,740 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Iraq?
Of the cities listed for Iraq, Basra is the lowest, at 3 m (10 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Iraq?
Elevation in Iraq ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Arabian Gulf to 3,611 m (11,847 ft) at Cheekha Dar, a difference of 3,611 m (11,847 ft).