About Basra City
The strategic location of Basra Governorate
Basra Governorate is located in the far south of Iraq, on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which is formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers at Qurna, 110 kilometers north of Faw. The governorate is approximately 55 kilometers from the Arabian Gulf and 545 kilometers from the capital, Baghdad. Basra boasts a unique strategic geographical location, bordered to the south by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and to the east by Iran via the Shatt al-Arab. Its internal borders connect it to the governorates of Dhi Qar and Maysan to the north, and to the governorate of Muthanna to the west. Basra is Iraq's only outlet to the Arabian Gulf, with ports such as Umm Qasr and Khor al-Zubair, in addition to other ports that contribute to strengthening trade relations between Iraq and the rest of the world.
Basra's economy
Basra is the beating heart of the Iraqi economy, being the primary center for oil production and export. The province contains several giant oil fields, among the largest in the world, such as the Rumaila field, considered the backbone of Iraqi oil production, in addition to the Qurna, West Qurna, and Zubair fields. It is estimated that more than 70% of Iraq's oil exports come from these fields scattered throughout Basra, making them a fundamental pillar upon which the state relies to finance its general budget. Basra's role is not limited to production; it has also developed into a vital center for exploration, refining, and transportation, with major international oil companies investing in the development of its fields. This reality has made Basra a strategic energy hub not only for Iraq but also for the Gulf region and the world as a whole, given its vital role in supplying international markets.
Location of Basra International Airport and how to get there
Basra International Airport is strategically located northwest of Basra city, about 20 kilometers from the city center, making it close to the most important economic facilities in southern Iraq, such as oil ports and industrial areas. It is indeed the main air gateway to the city and is one of the most prominent airports in Iraq in terms of air traffic volume and services provided.
