Overview of Iraq

Profile

Iraq is strategically located in West Asia, boasting world-leading crude oil reserves. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow through the center, forming the fertile Mesopotamian plain. Diverse historical heritage remains from ancient Sumer and Babylonia to Baghdad's Islamic golden age, and it is a multi-ethnic nation with Arabic and Kurdish as official languages.

Official name: Republic of Iraq
Common name: Iraq
Numeric code: 368
Alpha-3 code: IRQ
Alpha-2 code: IQ
Population: 44 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 100
Primary languages: Arabic, Kurdish
Major religions: Islam (Shia/Sunni), Christianity, Yazidism
National anthem: Mawtini (موطني)
Calling code: +964
Internet TLD: .iq

History

After long history since ancient Mesopotamia, gained independence in 1932 and adopted federal republic system with 2005 constitution.

Ancient times saw rise of Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia, and during Islamic period, Abbasid capital Baghdad became center of scholarship and trade. Following Ottoman rule, it became British mandate after World War I and gained independence as kingdom in 1932. Transitioned to republic in 1958, and Saddam regime continued from 1979 but collapsed in 2003 Iraq War. Established new constitution in 2005, and current elected government works on security restoration and economic reconstruction.

Geography & climate

North has Zagros Mountains and Kurdistan highlands, central-south has Tigris-Euphrates alluvial plains, west has Syrian Desert, southern tip has Persian Gulf coastal marshes.

Majority arid desert climate, northern highlands steppe to Mediterranean climate

Area: Asia / 438317 km²
Capital: Baghdad
Largest city: Baghdad
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Tharthar, Lake Razzaza, Lake Habbaniyah, Lake Tharsa, Lake Sania
Bordering countries: Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Phosphate rock, Sulfur, Limestone, Gypsum, Marble, Copper, Iron ore, Rock salt, Fertile alluvial soil, Solar power, Wind power, Groundwater, Date palm resources, Marsh ecosystems, Pearls (historical), Sandstone, Clay

Politics

Government: Federal parliamentary republic

Economy

Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

GDP (nominal): 268 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 579 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic, Kurdish

Time zone: Arabia Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Arab, Kurd, Turkmen, Assyrian, Yazidi, Armenian, Sabian-Mandaean, Shabak, Afro-Iraqi, Iranian

Life expectancy

Approximately 71 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 86%

National sports

Football, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Karate, Basketball