- Palm trees line the Euphrates River in north-central Iraq.
Together with its twin river, the Tigris, the Euphrates forms a part of the great river system of southwest Asia. The lower portion of the region between these two rivers is known as Mesopotamia. Here one of the world's oldest civilizations was established more than 5,000 years ago. The Euphrates and the Tigris merge before flowing into the Persian Gulf.
Physical features
The Euphrates has its source in eastern Turkey about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Tigris. It is the longest river in southwest Asia, with a total length of about 1,700 miles (2,700 kilometers). The Euphrates travels in a southeasterly direction through northern Syria and Iraq. It runs almost parallel to the Tigris, until the two merge in a swamp to form the Shatt Al ?Arab. The Shatt Al ?Arab then flows into the Persian Gulf about 100 miles (160 kilometers) to the southeast.
The Euphrates has two flood periods: one is caused by rains from November to March; the other is in April and May when the snow melts in the Taurus and Zagros Mountains. Because the land it flows through is very dry, the Euphrates loses much water through evaporation. The surrounding communities also divert the water for irrigation.
The climate along the Euphrates is one of extreme cold in the winter and heat in the summer. Temperatures vary from below freezing in the winter in the higher elevations to as high as 140° F (60° C) during summer days in the Mesopotamian Plain. Humidity in most areas is very low, and rainfall is scarce. The Euphrates and Tigris make this region habitable and productive despite the extreme climatic conditions.
Economy
The land along the banks of the river is used for farming. Vines, olives, tobacco, fruits, and grains are grown in Syria. In Iraq, the major field crops are wheat, barley, millet, rice, corn (maize), and sorghum. Mesopotamia has always been known for date palms. Modern palm groves are interspersed with fruit trees and vegetable gardens.