Ramadi

Ramadi is the capital city of Iraq's Anbar Governorate, situated on the western bank of the Euphrates River about 110 kilometers west of Baghdad. As the governorate's administrative and commercial center, it functions as a hub for trade, governance, and education in western Iraq. The city lies in the Euphrates valley and is connected by major roads to Fallujah and other western provinces.

Historically, Ramadi developed as a settlement along Mesopotamian trade routes and grew into a regional center under modern Iraq. In the 21st century it became a focal point of conflict during the Iraq War and later battles against the Islamic State. The city was seized by ISIS in May 2015; Iraqi forces, aided by coalition air power and local militias, retook Ramadi late in 2015 and into 2016, though reconstruction and stabilization continued thereafter. The conflict caused significant damage to infrastructure and housing and displaced many residents.

Geographically, Ramadi is in a hot desert climate with extremely high summer temperatures, mild winters, and scarce rainfall. The Euphrates supports irrigation-based agriculture in surrounding areas. The economy is based on services, retail, and agriculture, with education and health facilities such as Anbar University located in the city. The population is predominantly Arab and Sunni, with communities reflecting the broader demographics of western Iraq.

Ramadi remains a key provincial capital in a post-conflict setting, facing challenges of reconstruction, security, and governance while aiming to restore livelihoods and normal municipal services.