Desk Study on the Environment in Iraq Desk Study on the ... - UNEP

As shown in Map 2, there are currently 18 provinces or governorates. Since 1970, three of
the northern governorates (Dahuk, Sulaymaniyah and Arbil) have been officially designated
as a Kurdish autonomous region, with a separate elected legislature. This region came under
UN and coalition protection after the 1991 Gulf War, to prevent the Iraqi regime from taking
military action against the Kurdish population.
Map 2. Iraq is divided into 18 provinces or governorates
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance b y the United Nations.
2.3 Geographical features
Iraq can be roughly divided into four major geographical zones. 1,2 These are described briefly
below and shown in Map 3.
(a) Desert plateau: Approximately 40% of Iraqi territory consists of a broad, stony plain
with scattered stretches of sand, lying west and southwest of the Euphrates River and
sparsely inhabited by pastoral nomads. A network of seasonal watercourses – or wadis
– runs from the country’s western borders towards the Euphrates River.
on the Environment in Iraq
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