Iraq

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Iraq

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. It has a small coastline on the Persian Gulf in Umm Qasr.

Here’s a breakdown of key information about Iraq:

  • Area: Approximately 437,072 square kilometers (168,754 sq mi). The country is mainly desert, with a fertile zone between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and mountains in the north.
  • Population: The estimated population for 2025 is 47,549,546.
  • Capital: Baghdad
  • Major Cities: Besides Baghdad, other significant cities include Mosul, Basra, Kirkuk, Erbil, Najaf, Karbala, and Sulaymaniyah.
  • Language: The official languages are Arabic (specifically Mesopotamian Arabic) and Kurdish (mainly Sorani and Kurmanji dialects). Minority languages include Persian, Turkmen, Northeastern Neo-Aramaic, Classical Syriac, Armenian, and Domari. English is also a foreign language spoken.
  • Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
  • Religion: Islam is the official religion, with around 97% of the population being Muslim. There are also various religious minority groups, including Christians, Zoroastrians, and Yazidis.
  • Attractions & Wonders: Iraq boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Some notable attractions include:
    • Ancient Ruins: Samarra Archaeological City (famous for its spiral minaret), Hatra Archaeological Site, Ashur Ruins, Babylon (including the Ishtar Gate replica), and the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
    • Religious Sites: Imam Hussein’s Shrine in Karbala, Mar Mattai Monastery (one of the oldest in the world), and the barefoot city of Lalish.
    • Cultural Hubs: Al-Mutanabbi Street (Book Street) in Baghdad.
    • Natural Landscapes: The Iraqi Marshes, the Mesa of Amedi, and Shanidar Cave (important archaeological site).
  • Architecture: Iraq is home to incredible ancient and Islamic architecture. Key examples include:
    • Ziggurat of Ur: A well-preserved stepped pyramid.
    • Great Mosque of Samarra: Known for its iconic spiral minaret.
    • Babylon: Though largely in ruins, its historical significance and reconstructed elements like the Ishtar Gate showcase ancient Mesopotamian grandeur.
    • Erbil Citadel: A long-inhabited mound with historical structures.
  • Roads: Iraq is undergoing significant infrastructure development, particularly with the “Development Road” project, aiming to connect the Great Faw Port to the Turkish border via railways and highways. This project is intended to enhance trade and connectivity within the country and the region, with phases expected to be completed by 2028, 2033, and 2050. The TIR (International Road Transport) system became fully operational in Iraq in April 2025, facilitating smoother international transit.
  • Hotels: Major international hotel brands are present, especially in cities like Erbil, Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Karbala. Some popular brands include Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt, Holiday Inn Express, Intercontinental, Marriott, Sheraton, and Crowne Plaza. Local hotels like Darin Plaza Hotel, Copthorne Hotel Baranan, and Titanic Hotel & Spa are also prominent.
  • Restaurants & Cuisine: Iraqi cuisine is considered rich and refined, often featuring expensive meats like sheep, lamb, chicken, beef, goat, and fish. Popular dishes include:
    • Kebab: Grilled meat on a stick.
    • Dolma: Stuffed spiced rice wrapped in grape leaves.
    • Biryani: Cooked rice with spices, meat/vegetables, and grilled nuts.
    • Masgouf: Seasoned fresh carp barbecued on an outside grill.
    • Staple foods include beans, rice, wheat, bulgur, and dates.
    • While there are many local restaurants, international chains are also found in major cities, with Italian and Turkish food being popular choices. Some famous Baghdad restaurants include Al-Mansour, Abu Nawas, and Al-Sayyad.
  • Annual Travel: Tourist spending in Iraq has fluctuated significantly due to security and other factors. In 2020, tourist spending was 955.00 million US dollars, a substantial decline from previous years. The focus on infrastructure projects like the Development Road is aimed at attracting more tourism and trade in the future.