Middle East map

A Middle East map is a political or geographic map showing the Middle East, a loosely defined region centred on Southwest Asia and often including Egypt, Turkey, and sometimes North Africa or nearby territories.

A Middle East map is a political or geographic map showing the Middle East, a loosely defined region centred on Southwest Asia and often including Egypt, Turkey, and sometimes North Africa or nearby territories. The exact countries shown vary by map maker because the term Middle East has no single universally agreed boundary.

Definition and scope

The Middle East is a geopolitical and cultural region rather than a strictly bounded continent or subcontinent. Different atlases and reference works include different countries depending on context.

Countries commonly shown

The states most often included on Middle East maps are those of the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt. Some maps also include Cyprus and adjacent territories.

Geographic setting

The region is located between Europe, Africa, and Asia, and is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea. Major physical features often displayed include deserts, plateaus, and coastal zones.

Mapping conventions

Political, physical, and thematic maps of the Middle East differ in their borders, labels, and included territories depending on the purpose of the map. Some maps may emphasize political boundaries, while others focus on physical features.