Iraq

World Book Index

Introduction

Iraq, a country steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, was once part of the vast Ottoman Empire. Following the end of World War I, it became a League of Nations mandate under British administration in 1920. The nation achieved independence as a kingdom in 1932, transitioning to a republic in 1958 amidst a backdrop of authoritarian governance. The invasion of Kuwait in 1990 marked a significant turning point, leading to a prolonged period of instability as Iraq endeavored to establish a representative government amidst internal and external challenges.

Neighboring countries

Iran - Jordan - Kuwait - Saudi Arabia - Syria - Turkey

Geography

Area
Total: 438,317 sq km
Land: 437,367 sq km
Water: 950 sq km

Iraq's geography is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes vast desert regions, fertile plains, and mountainous areas. The majority of the country is dominated by desert, which influences its climate and agricultural potential. The climate is primarily arid, with mild to cool winters and dry, hot summers that are often cloudless. The northern mountainous regions, bordering Iran and Turkey, experience colder winters, with significant snowfall that can lead to flooding in the central and southern parts of the country during the spring melt. Iraq is endowed with substantial natural resources, particularly petroleum and natural gas, alongside phosphates and sulfur, which are crucial for its economy.

People and Society

Population
Total: 42,083,436 (2024 estimated)

Iraq's population is a tapestry of ethnic and cultural diversity, with Arabs constituting 75-80% of the populace, followed by Kurds at 15-20%, and a variety of other ethnic groups making up the remaining 5%. This includes Turkmen, Yezidi, Shabak, Kaka'i, Bedouin, Romani, Assyrian, Circassian, Sabaean-Mandaean, and Persian communities. The official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, with Turkmen and Syriac recognized in areas where these languages are spoken. The predominant religion is Islam, which is practiced by 95-98% of the population, divided into Shia (61-64%) and Sunni (29-34%) sects. The country has a population growth rate of 1.99% as of 2024, reflecting a youthful demographic that presents both opportunities and challenges for social and economic development.

Government

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Capital
Name: Baghdad

The Iraqi government operates as a federal parliamentary republic, with a political structure that includes a president and a prime minister. The current chief of state is President Latif RASHID, who has been in office since 13 October 2022, while the head of government is Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-SUDANI, who took office on 27 October 2022. Iraq maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, including the United States, where the chief of mission is Ambassador Nazar Issa Abdulhadi AL-KHIRULLAH, appointed on 30 June 2023. The U.S. diplomatic representation in Iraq is currently led by Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Steven H. FAGIN, who has been in this role since 29 May 2025, while the position of ambassador remains vacant.

Economy

Economic overview
Iraq's economy is highly dependent on oil, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. This dependency poses challenges for fiscal sustainability, yet there is a rising public confidence in economic conditions. The economy is characterized by significant import dependence across most sectors, which complicates efforts to achieve self-sufficiency. Persistent issues such as corruption, informal markets, limited banking access, and political instability continue to hinder economic progress. The real GDP, measured by purchasing power parity, is estimated at $585.887 billion for 2024, reflecting a slight decrease from $595.082 billion in 2023 and $592.017 billion in 2022. The real GDP per capita is projected to be $12,700 in 2024, down from $13,200 in 2023 and $13,400 in 2022. Exports are estimated at $107.852 billion for 2023, with major partners including China (33%), India (28%), and the USA (8%). The primary export commodities are crude petroleum, refined petroleum, petroleum coke, gold, and natural gas. On the import side, Iraq's imports are estimated at $81.179 billion for 2023, with significant partners being the UAE (32%), China (20%), and Turkey (18%). The main import commodities include refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, jewelry, and gold.

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.695, ranking it 126th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 95th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 5.216. (more information)