# Iraq

> sovereign state in Western Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q796](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q796)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iraq

## Summary
Iraq is a sovereign state located in Western Asia, officially known as the Republic of Iraq, with its capital in Baghdad. It is a federal republic that gained independence in 1932 and serves as a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and the Arab League. The nation is characterized by its diverse ethnic composition, primarily consisting of Arabs and Kurds, and its official languages of Arabic and Kurdish.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Name:** Republic of Iraq (جمهورية العراق)
*   **Classification:** Sovereign state and country; a federal republic.
*   **Capital City:** Baghdad.
*   **Inception Date:** 1932 (replacing the Coalition Provisional Authority and following the Kingdom of Iraq).
*   **Total Area:** 437,072 square kilometers.
*   **Population:** 38,274,618 (preferred estimate for 2017); 2024 census data indicates a male population of 23,161,604 and a female population of 22,957,189.
*   **Currency:** Iraqi dinar.
*   **Official Languages:** Arabic and Kurdish.
*   **Official Religion:** Islam.
*   **Head of State:** Abdul Latif Rashid (since October 17, 2022).
*   **Head of Government:** Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani (since October 27, 2022).
*   **Legislative Body:** Council of Representatives of Iraq.
*   **Time Zone:** UTC+03:00 (Asia/Baghdad).
*   **Driving Side:** Right.
*   **Emergency Numbers:** 911 (general), 104 (police), 115 (fire), 122 (medical).
*   **Telephone Country Code:** +964.
*   **Top-Level Domain:** .iq.
*   **ISO Codes:** IQ (Alpha-2), IRQ (Alpha-3), 368 (Numeric).
*   **Motto:** Takbir.
*   **National Anthem:** Mawtini.
*   **Highest Point:** Cheekha Dar.
*   **Borders:** Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran.
*   **Demographics:** Arabs (77.5%), Kurds (17.5%), with minorities including Iraqi Turkmen, Assyrians, Shabak people, and Yazidis.
*   **Human Development Index (HDI):** 0.686 (2021).
*   **Gini Coefficient:** 29.5 (2012).
*   **Unemployment Rate:** 30% (2021).
*   **Life Expectancy:** 71 years (2022).
*   **Birth Rate:** 27.035 per 1,000 (2022).
*   **Death Rate:** 4.433 per 1,000 (2022).
*   **Total Fertility Rate:** 4.566 (2014).
*   **Marriageable Age:** 18 years for all genders.
*   **Electrical Standards:** 230V, 50Hz; plugs include Europlug, British types (BS 1363).
*   **Flag History:** Current flag adopted January 22, 2008; previous versions used from 1924 to 2008.
*   **Coordinates:** 33°N, 43°E.
*   **Most Populous Urban Area:** Baghdad.
*   **Administrative Divisions:** 18 Governorates including Baghdad, Basra, Nineveh, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah.

## FAQs

**What is the political structure and leadership of Iraq?**
Iraq operates as a federal republic with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The legislative authority is vested in the Council of Representatives of Iraq, which functions as the national parliament. Current leadership includes President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, both assuming office in late 2022.

**Which international organizations does Iraq belong to?**
Iraq is a member of the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It also participates in specialized agencies such as UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and the Interpol. Additionally, Iraq is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

**What are the primary ethnic and linguistic groups in Iraq?**
The population is predominantly composed of Arabs, who make up approximately 77.5% of the citizenry, followed by Kurds at 17.5%. Other significant ethnic groups include Iraqi Turkmen, Assyrians, Shabak people, and Yazidis. The country officially recognizes Arabic and Kurdish as its primary languages, though Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, Southern Kurdish, and various Arabic dialects are also spoken.

**How has Iraq's population and economy evolved recently?**
Iraq's population has grown steadily from roughly 7.2 million in 1960 to over 38 million by 2017, with recent census data showing a continued rise in 2024. Economically, the nominal GDP reached approximately $264 billion in 2022, driven largely by the oil sector. However, the nation faces challenges such as a 30% unemployment rate and a Gini coefficient of 29.5, indicating moderate income inequality.

**What are the geographical and climatic characteristics of Iraq?**
Located in Western Asia, Iraq covers an area of 437,072 square kilometers and shares borders with six nations: Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran. The country's geography includes the highest point at Cheekha Dar and extends from the northernmost point at 37.38°N to the southernmost at 29.06°N. The time zone is UTC+03:00, and the nation utilizes the Asia/Baghdad time zone designation.

## Why It Matters
Iraq holds immense geopolitical significance as a central hub in the Middle East, serving as a critical crossroads between Asia and the Mediterranean. Its vast oil reserves make it a pivotal player in the global energy market, influencing international economics and energy security. Historically, the region is the cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilization, contributing foundational elements to human history, law, and writing. In the modern era, Iraq's stability is crucial for regional security, given its role in counter-terrorism efforts and its complex diplomatic relationships with neighboring powers and global superpowers. As a member of key international bodies like the Arab League and OPEC, Iraq's political decisions ripple through global diplomacy and trade networks.

## Notable For
*   **Historical Significance:** Home to the ancient civilizations of Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria, often called the "Cradle of Civilization."
*   **Energy Resources:** Possesses some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, making it a key member of OPEC.
*   **Cultural Diversity:** A unique blend of Arab, Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian, and Yazidi cultures and traditions.
*   **Religious Importance:** Contains major holy sites for Shia and Sunni Islam, including Najaf, Karbala, and Samarra.
*   **Political Evolution:** Transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, and later to a federal democratic system following the 2003 invasion.
*   **Strategic Location:** Borders six countries, controlling access to the Persian Gulf via the Shatt al-Arab waterway.
*   **Linguistic Heritage:** One of the few nations where both Arabic and Kurdish hold official status, reflecting its diverse demographic makeup.
*   **Flag Evolution:** Has undergone multiple flag changes since 1924, with the current design adopted in 2008.
*   **Administrative Structure:** Divided into 18 governorates, including the autonomous Kurdistan Region in the north.
*   **Demographic Growth:** Exhibits a high total fertility rate of 4.566 (2014), contributing to a rapidly growing young population.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Iraq is situated in Western Asia, occupying a strategic position that connects the Middle East to the broader Asian continent. The country spans an area of 437,072 square kilometers, with coordinates centered at 33°N latitude and 43°E longitude. Its territory extends from the northernmost point at 37.38°N to the southernmost at 29.06°N, and from the westernmost point at 38.79°E to the easternmost at 48.47°E. The nation shares land borders with Turkey to the north, Syria to the west, Jordan to the southwest, Saudi Arabia to the south, Kuwait to the southeast, and Iran to the east. The highest elevation in the country is Cheekha Dar. The time zone is UTC+03:00, specifically designated as Asia/Baghdad. The country's geography is further defined by its inclusion in the Middle East region and its specific location data points, such as the coordinates of its easternmost point at Al-Faw.

### Political Structure and Governance
Iraq functions as a federal republic, a basic form of government that combines a federation with a republican system. The head of state is the President of Iraq, currently held by Abdul Latif Rashid since October 17, 2022, succeeding Barham Salih. The head of government is the Prime Minister of Iraq, Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani, who took office on October 27, 2022, following Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. The legislative authority resides in the Council of Representatives of Iraq, which replaced the National Assembly of Iraq. The country's official name is the Republic of Iraq, and it operates under a constitution that recognizes Arabic and Kurdish as official languages. The nation's political status is further defined by its membership in the United Nations since 1945 and the League of Arab States since 1945. Iraq is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Development Association.

### Demographics and Society
The population of Iraq has experienced significant growth over the decades, rising from 7,289,759 in 1960 to an estimated 38,274,618 in 2017. Recent census data from 2024 indicates a male population of 23,161,604 and a female population of 22,957,189. The demographic composition is diverse, with Arabs comprising 77.5% of the population and Kurds making up 17.5%. Other recognized ethnic groups include Iraqi Turkmen, Assyrians, Shabak people, and Yazidis. The official religion is Islam, which influences the cultural and social fabric of the nation. The birth rate was recorded at 27.035 per 1,000 in 2022, while the death rate was 4.433 per 1,000. Life expectancy has improved to 71 years as of 2022. The total fertility rate was 4.566 in 2014, indicating a high rate of population growth. The marriageable age is set at 18 years for all genders. The country also faces challenges such as a 30% unemployment rate as of 2021 and a Gini coefficient of 29.5 in 2012, reflecting income distribution.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Iraq's economy is heavily reliant on its oil sector, with a nominal GDP of $264,182,173,793 in 2022. The currency used is the Iraqi dinar. The country is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), having joined in September 1960. The driving side is right, and the telephone country code is +964. The top-level internet domain is .iq. Electrical standards in Iraq include a mains voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz, with plug types including the Europlug and British types (BS 1363). The mobile country code is 418. The country's economic indicators also include a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.686 in 2021, and an inequality-adjusted HDI of 0.554 for the same year. The number of out-of-school children was estimated at 1,826,357 in 2007.

### Culture and Language
The official languages of Iraq are Arabic and Kurdish, reflecting the country's ethnic diversity. Other languages spoken include Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, Southern Kurdish, Bajelani, Neo-Mandaic, Sarli, Shabaki, Gulf Arabic, North Mesopotamian Arabic, Najdi Arabic, Kurmanji, Iraqi Arabic, Sorani, Chaldean Neo-Aramaic, Mandaic, and Koy Sanjaq Syriac. The national anthem is "Mawtini," and the national motto is "Takbir." The flag of Iraq has undergone several changes, with the current version adopted on January 22, 2008. Previous flags were used from 1924 to 2008, including versions from 1959–1963, 1963–1991, 1991–2004, and 2004–2008. The coat of arms of Iraq is a significant national symbol. The country's culture is rich and diverse, influenced by its ancient history and the coexistence of various ethnic and religious groups.

### International Relations and Memberships
Iraq maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including the United States, Italy, Australia, Germany, Brazil, Yemen, Iran, Syria, Ukraine, France, Palestine, the United Kingdom, Sweden, North Korea, Turkey, the European Union, Bulgaria, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Serbia, Russia, China, Greece, India, Bangladesh, Georgia, Hungary, and Romania. The country is a member of the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, Interpol, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, UNESCO, the Universal Postal Union, the International Telecommunication Union, OPEC, the International Civil Defence Organisation, the World Meteorological Organization, the World Health Organization, and the World Customs Organization. Iraq is also a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

### Administrative Divisions
Iraq is divided into 18 governorates, which serve as the primary administrative territorial entities. These include Baghdad Governorate, Saladin Governorate, Diyala Governorate, Wasit Governorate, Maysan Governorate, Basra Governorate, Dhi Qar Governorate, Al Muthanna Governorate, Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate, Babylon Governorate, Karbala Governorate, Najaf Governorate, Al Anbar Governorate, Nineveh Governorate, Duhok Governorate, Erbil Governorate, Kirkuk Governorate, and Sulaymaniyah Governorate. The most populous urban area is Baghdad. The country's geography is further detailed by its coordinates of the northernmost, southernmost, easternmost, and westernmost points.

### Historical Context and Evolution
Iraq's modern history began with its inception in 1932, following the end of the British Mandate and the establishment of the Kingdom of Iraq. The country later transitioned to a republic and has undergone significant political changes, including the replacement of the Coalition Provisional Authority. The nation has been involved in various conflicts and has experienced periods of instability, but it has also made strides in rebuilding its institutions and infrastructure. The country's history is documented in various encyclopedias and historical gazetteers, including the Encyclopædia Britannica and the Great Russian Encyclopedia. The historical context of Iraq is also reflected in its membership in international organizations and its diplomatic relations with other nations.

### Data and Identification
Iraq is identified by various codes and identifiers in international databases. The ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code is IQ, the alpha-3 code is IRQ, and the numeric code is 368. The country is also identified by the M49 code 368, the FIPS 10-4 code IZ, and the UIC numerical country code 99. Other identifiers include the Wikidata ID, the Freebase ID (/m/0d05q4), the Geonames ID (99237), and the MusicBrainz area ID (b0525ccb-15e9-3c56-81fa-471db3b31cfa). The country is also listed in various thesauri and encyclopedias, such as the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names (1000118) and the Library of Congress Authority ID (n79077342). These identifiers facilitate the accurate representation and retrieval of information about Iraq in global databases.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/iraq)
2. Constitution of Iraq
3. The World Factbook
4. BnF authorities
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/asia)
7. [Source](https://www.oic-oci.org/states/?lan=en)
8. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
9. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Asia-South-Pacific/IRAQ)
10. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
11. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/iraq)
12. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
13. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
14. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=152)
15. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
16. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/iraq)
17. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
18. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
19. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. Czech National Authority Database
22. FIPS 10-4
23. MusicBrainz
24. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
25. World Bank Open Data
26. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
27. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
28. [Source](https://www.rudaw.net/arabic/business/100820211)
29. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
30. [Iraqi News Agency. 2025](https://www.ina.iq/228692--46-118-.html)
31. [Source](https://onzetaal.nl/taaladvies/advies/iraki-irakis)
32. The National Terminology Database for Irish
33. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
34. BBC Things
35. [Source](http://chartsbin.com/view/edr)
36. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
37. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
38. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
39. BabelNet
40. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
41. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
42. UMLS 2023
43. [Source](http://otif.org/fileadmin/user_upload/otif_verlinkte_files/06_tech_zulass/05_Reglementation_en_vigueur/Neu_ab_01_01_2015/UTP_MARKING_2015_e_in_force.pdf)
44. [Source](http://uic.org/country-codes)
45. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
46. [Source](https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/iraqi-culture/iraqi-culture-religion)
47. [Source](https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-report-on-international-religious-freedom/iraq/)
48. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
49. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
50. [Gazetteer](https://github.com/EnvironmentOntology/gaz/blob/master/src/ontology/gaz_countries.csv)