Iraq

The Cradle of Civilization and Crossroads of Faith and Conflict

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a historic and resource-rich country located in Western Asia, bordered by Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Known as the land of Mesopotamia, Iraq is where ancient civilizations like Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria flourished. Today, it is an influential but complex state recovering from decades of war, sanctions, and political instability.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Cradle of ancient civilizations dating back over 6,000 years.

  • Baghdad was once the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate—a global center of science and learning.

  • Became a British Mandate post-WWI; gained full independence in 1932.

  • Transitioned through monarchy, republic, dictatorship (Saddam Hussein), and post-2003 democratic system after US-led invasion.

  • Continues to navigate sectarian politics, reconstruction, and national reconciliation.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Iraq (جمهورية العراق)
Capital Baghdad (بغداد)
Official Languages Arabic and Kurdish
Currency Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
Area Approx. 438,000 sq. km
Population Approx. 44 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3)
ISO Code IQ
Internet TLD .iq
Calling Code +964
National Day 3 October (Independence from UK, 1932)

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Abdul Latif Rashid
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani
Government Type Federal parliamentary republic
Legislature Council of Representatives (Majlis an-Nuwwab)
Judiciary Federal Supreme Court and Higher Judicial Council
Autonomous Region Kurdistan Region (with own president, parliament, and laws)

Administrative Divisions (Governorates)

Iraq is divided into 19 Governorates (Muhafazat), including the Kurdistan Region in the north.

Governorates of Iraq:

  1. Baghdad

  2. Basra

  3. Nineveh (Mosul)

  4. Erbil (Kurdistan)

  5. Sulaymaniyah (Kurdistan)

  6. Duhok (Kurdistan)

  7. Anbar

  8. Najaf

  9. Karbala

  10. Babil (Babylon)

  11. Wasit

  12. Diyala

  13. Kirkuk (disputed area between Baghdad and Erbil)

  14. Maysan

  15. Dhi Qar (Nasiriyah)

  16. Muthanna

  17. Qadisiyyah (Diwaniya)

  18. Salah al-Din

  19. Halabja (newest governorate within Kurdistan Region)

Each governorate is further divided into districts (Qada) and sub-districts (Nahia).

Local Government Structure

  • Governorates are led by Governors, with local councils elected by the public.

  • Kurdistan Region has its own government (KRG) based in Erbil, including:

    • President of the Region

    • Prime Minister of the KRG

    • Parliament of Kurdistan

  • Disputed areas (e.g., Kirkuk) have joint security arrangements.

Leadership & Governance

  • Iraq’s constitution (2005) guarantees:

    • Power-sharing among Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish blocs.

    • Federalism and decentralization

  • Governance priorities:

    • Anti-corruption and decentralization

    • National security and service delivery

    • Rebuilding infrastructure and trust

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Oversight by:

    • Ministry of Interior

    • Federal Police

    • Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF / Hashd al-Shaabi)

    • Kurdistan Regional Security Forces (Asayish, Peshmerga)

  • Challenges:

    • Militia influence, terrorism (e.g., ISIS remnants), political violence

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 104/115 – Police/Ambulance/Fire (varies by region)

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Oil & Gas – 90%+ of revenue; major producer in OPEC

    • Agriculture – dates, grains, livestock

    • Industry – cement, petrochemicals, construction

  • Challenges:

    • Dependency on oil, corruption, unemployment

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 270 billion

  • Development partnerships with China, US, Iran, Turkey, GCC

Education & Institutions

  • Major Universities:

    • University of Baghdad

    • University of Mosul

    • Salahaddin University (Erbil)

    • American University of Iraq – Sulaimani (AUIS)

  • Literacy rate ~80%; educational reform is ongoing

  • Kurdistan Region has semi-autonomous education policy

Healthcare

  • Healthcare under strain due to conflict and budget deficits

  • Public hospitals under Ministry of Health

  • Notable Institutions:

    • Ibn Sina Hospital (Baghdad)

    • Rizgari Hospital (Erbil)

    • Nasiriyah Heart Center

  • Growing private sector in Kurdistan and major cities

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Baghdad International Airport (BGW)

    • Erbil and Sulaymaniyah International Airports (KRG)

    • Basra International Airport

  • Road and highway networks being restored post-war

  • Ports:

    • Umm Qasr Port (main sea gateway)

  • Rail connections under development with Iran and Turkey

Tourism & Attractions

  • Religious:

    • Holy cities: Najaf, Karbala, Kadhimiya, Samarra

    • Arba’een pilgrimage draws millions of Shia Muslims

  • Historical:

    • Ancient cities: Babylon, Ur, Hatra, Nineveh

  • Natural:

    • Kurdistan mountains, waterfalls, and rivers

  • Urban:

    • Erbil Citadel (UNESCO), Baghdad’s cultural revival

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Rich in poetry, music, calligraphy, cuisine, and tribal traditions

  • Ethnic groups: Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians

  • Cuisine: Kebab, dolma, biryani, masgouf (grilled fish)

  • Festivals: Nowruz (Kurdish), Eid, Arba’een, Ashura

  • Social structure rooted in family, religion, and hospitality

Summary

Iraq is a land of unparalleled historical depth and modern resilience. While challenged by conflict and reconstruction, its diverse peoples, vast resources, and religious importance continue to shape its future. As Iraq rebuilds toward a more stable and prosperous state, it remains central to the identity and politics of the Middle East.