Gulf Countries 2022

The word “Gulf nations” has a wide range of connotations. Most simply, “gulf countries” refers to the Middle Eastern states on or near either the Persian or the Arabian peninsulas, which link Asia and Africa through the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf.

Whether or not a country is deemed a “gulf country” may frequently rely on where it comes from and what it is about. When comparing nations, it’s critical to consider whether they’re being compared based on geography, politics, or culture.

The eight nations surrounding the Persian Gulf are often referred to as gulf countries while discussing geography.

Seven Arab Gulf States (Arabic-speaking nations that border the Persian Gulf) or the eight members of the transcontinental Arab League that are situated in the area may be referred to as the Arab Gulf States.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional intergovernmental union of six countries in the Gulf area, is another possible use of the name.

Gulf Countries

Gulf states are often excluded or borderline.

Certain sources are fairly uncommon to list three Gulf nations while excluding others. Iran is often overlooked despite its oil wealth for two reasons: Persian-dominated, with fewer than 2% Arabic people, and situated east of the Gulf of Aden.

Middle Eastern countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia are more closely aligned with Persian or Mesopotamian cultures than Arabic ones, despite Iraq’s physical position being the closest to the Gulf of Aden. Since then, ties between the two nations have been on the mend, despite Kuwait’s invasion in 1990.

Since the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden are not part of the Persian Gulf, Yemen’s coastline may be problematic in certain circumstances. The nation is 92.8 percent Arabic and has strong cultural ties to numerous other Gulf States.

Gulf nations have a lot of similarities.

Many Gulf States’ cultures, morals, and ways of life are very similar. People in the area have a lot in common, from their favourite hobbies like theatre and radio to their musical tastes and love of the sea.

Muslims make up the majority of the population of the Gulf nations and are part of the global south. Most of these nations are also under Sharia Law, and several are among the most orthodox in the world.

As oil-producing nations, the Gulf states tend to have similar economies, with a heavy emphasis on petroleum producers and exporters. As a result, the economies of several Gulf states are diversifying away from their reliance on oil, diversifying into fields such as banking and tourism.

Not every resemblance is a plus. In addition to not celebrating Christmas, Gulf countries have historically had low levels of gender equality and are among the world’s most homophobic nations.

What’s the difference between Gulf countries?

In terms of political systems, the Gulf nations are distinct. States like Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman are hereditary monarchs, but others, like the United Arab Emirates, are constitutional monarchies with elected advisory councils.

Some Gulf nations are plagued by civil instability, with Yemen & Iraq among the most hazardous in the world.

Other Gulf countries’ political and cultural distinctions may be traced back to the Persian influences absent in Iran and Iraq, as well as other Gulf states. Although the Gulf region contains several of the world’s hottest nations, only Iraq has taken steps to increase its reliance on solar energy.

Also See: Equator Countries 2022

There are more than 86 million people in Iran and 42 million in Iraq, making them the two most populated Gulf nations. In 2022, Bahrain’s population is expected to be 1.78 million, making it the smallest Gulf country.