Lake Urmia

Quick Facts

• Type: Endorheic salt lake
• Area: Highly variable (about 6,000 km² (2021))
• Location: West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan provinces, Iran
• Notable for: Salt flats, islands, and ecological decline

Overview

Lake Urmia is a large salt lake in northwestern Iran and one of the region’s most distinctive natural features. Its size has fluctuated significantly, with a dramatic decline in recent decades due to drought and water diversion.

The lake’s islands and salt flats have long attracted local communities and travelers.

Landscape and Culture

Historically, Lake Urmia supported wetlands, migratory birds, and seasonal tourism. Conservation and restoration projects continue to focus on stabilizing its water levels.

Notes

The lake lies within the broader Kurdish and Azeri cultural regions of northwestern Iran.