What are some major rivers and lakes in Iraq?

Iraq has several significant rivers and lakes, here are some of the most notable:

Rivers:

* Tigris: The Tigris River is one of the two major rivers in Iraq, along with the Euphrates. It originates in the Taurus Mountains in eastern Turkey and flows through northern Iraq, joining with the Euphrates at the Shatt al-Arab waterway near Basra before entering the Persian Gulf.

* Euphrates: The Euphrates is the other major river in Iraq. It originates in Turkey, flows through Syria and Iraq, and also joins with the Tigris to form the Shatt al-Arab. The Euphrates is known as one of the four rivers mentioned in the Bible as flowing through the Garden of Eden.

* Diyala: The Diyala River is a tributary of the Tigris. It originates in the Zagros Mountains in western Iran and flows through northeastern Iraq, joining the Tigris near Baghdad.

* Karun: The Karun River, although mainly located in Iran, has a portion that flows through eastern Iraq. It is the only river in Iran that empties directly into the Persian Gulf.

Lakes:

* Lake Tharthar: Lake Tharthar is located northwest of Baghdad and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Iraq. It is formed by damming the Tharthar River, a tributary of the Tigris.

* Lake Hammar: Lake Hammar is situated in southern Iraq, near the city of Nasiriyah. It is a shallow lake fed by the Euphrates River and is an important wetland ecosystem.

* Lake Sawa: Lake Sawa is located in the Diyala Governorate in eastern Iraq. It is the largest lake in the country and is fed by the Diyala River. Lake Sawa is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for fishing and recreation.

These rivers and lakes play a vital role in the country's geography, water resources, and ecology, supporting human populations, agriculture, and ecosystems in Iraq.