Iraq

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia. It borders Jordan and Saudi Arabia to the west and south, Kuwait to the southeast, Iran to the east, Turkey to the north, and Syria to the northwest. Its capital and largest city is Baghdad. The country covers about 438,000 square kilometers.

Historically, the area was part of ancient Mesopotamia, home to Sumer, Akkad, and Babylon. It later formed part of the Persian and Ottoman empires. In the modern era, Iraq became a kingdom in 1932, a republic in 1958, and underwent Ba'athist rule under Saddam Hussein until the 2003 US-led invasion toppled his government. Subsequent years featured insurgency, sectarian conflict, and the Islamic State's rise and defeat by 2017, followed by stabilization and reconstruction.

Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic. The Kurdish Regional Government administers autonomy in the north. The president is the head of state, and the prime minister leads the cabinet. The 2005 constitution establishes a multiethnic, multiparty system, but governance faces corruption and security challenges.

Iraq's economy is heavily dependent on oil, which provides much of government revenue and exports. Efforts to diversify into agriculture, industry, and services continue, but growth has been constrained by security issues, damaged infrastructure, and governance concerns. Oil wealth remains central to policy and budgeting.

Iraqi society is diverse, with Arab and Kurdish communities and minorities such as Turkmen, Christians, and Yazidis. Official languages are Arabic and Kurdish. The population is predominantly Muslim (Shia and Sunni), with Christian and other minorities. The country possesses a rich cultural heritage, including ancient sites and a vibrant modern arts scene.