Iraq 🇮🇶

📍 Key Information

• Official Name: Republic of Iraq (Jumhūriyyat al-`Irāq)
• Capital: Baghdad
• Largest City: Baghdad
• Area: 438,317 km²
• Population: ≈ 47.0 million (Dec 2025 estimate based on the Nov 2024 census)¹
• Official Languages: Arabic and Kurdish
• Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
• Time Zone: UTC +3
• Political System: Federal parliamentary republic²
• Leaders: President: Abdul Latif Rashid | Prime Minister: Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani

📜 History

• Mesopotamia: Home to the world’s earliest civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.
• Islamic Golden Age: Baghdad was the center of the world’s knowledge and science under the Abbasid Caliphate.
• Modern Statehood: Established as a British mandate in 1920; gained independence as a kingdom in 1932.
• Conflict & Transition: Faced decades of war and sanctions under Saddam Hussein, followed by the 2003 US-led invasion and the subsequent fight against ISIS.
• Current Status (Dec 2025): Iraq is in a critical political phase following the November 2025 Parliamentary Elections.³ The country is currently navigating the formation of a new government amid high youth engagement and economic reform demands.

🗺️ Geography

• The Two Rivers: Dominated by the Tigris and Euphrates, which define the fertile alluvial plains of central and southern Iraq.
• Topography: Ranges from the Syrian Desert in the west to the Zagros Mountains in the Kurdish north and the marshlands (Ahwar) in the south.
• Highest Point: Cheekha Dar (3,611 m) in the Kurdistan Region.
• Climate: Mostly hot and arid; summer temperatures frequently exceed 50°C in the south, while the north experiences snowy winters.

👥 People & Society

• Ethnic Groups: Arabs (75–80%), Kurds (15–20%), and smaller groups including Turkmens, Assyrians, and Yazidis.
• Religion: Predominantly Muslim (95-98%), split between Shia (majority) and Sunni. Significant Christian, Yazidi, and Mandaean minorities.
• Demographics: A youth-heavy society; according to the latest census data, over 60% of Iraqis are aged 15 to 45.⁴
• Social Values: Known for extreme generosity and a resilient spirit. Deeply rooted in tribal and family structures.

🎭 Culture & Heritage

• Ancient Architecture: Features the Ziggurat of Ur and the ruins of Babylon.
• Arts: Renowned for classical Arabic poetry, maqam music, and intricate calligraphy.
• Cuisine: Famous for Masgouf (grilled carp), Dolma, and Kuzī (stuffed lamb over rice).
• Festivals: Major religious commemorations like Ashura and Arba’een draw millions of pilgrims to Karbala and Najaf.

💼 Economy (2025)

• Status: Heavily oil-dependent (oil accounts for over 90% of government revenue).⁵
• 2025 Performance: The economy faced a slight contraction of ≈ 0.9% in 2025 due to OPEC+ production cuts, but is projected to rebound in 2026.⁶
• Energy: Iraq holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves.⁷
• Infrastructure: Significant 2025 focus on the “Development Road” project, a major transit link from the Persian Gulf to the Turkish border.

✨ Highlights

• The Marshes (Ahwar): A UNESCO World Heritage site and unique ecosystem in the south.
• Erbil Citadel: One of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth.
• The Holy Cities: Najaf and Karbala, centers of spiritual life and stunning gold-domed architecture.
• The Iraq Museum: A world-class collection of Mesopotamian artifacts in Baghdad.

🧳 Tourism & Experiences

• Exploring the revitalized Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad for books and tea.
• Visiting the Spiral Minaret of Samarra.
• Experiencing the lush mountain scenery of the Kurdistan Region (Duhok, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah).
• Religious tourism in southern Iraq.

🧭 Traveler Essentials (Dec 2025)

• Entry & Visas: As of March 2025, the Iraq e-Visa is mandatory for many nationalities (EU, US, UK, etc.), replacing the previous visa-on-arrival system for federal Iraq.⁸
• Kurdistan Policy: The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) maintains separate entry policies; travelers often receive a 30-day stamp upon arrival at Erbil or Sulaymaniyah airports.⁹
• Currency: IQD; cash is preferred, though card acceptance is slowly growing in Baghdad and Erbil.
• Safety: Most Western governments maintain a “Do Not Travel” advisory for much of Iraq due to terrorism and kidnapping risks, though the Kurdistan Region is generally considered more stable.¹⁰
• Language: English is widely understood in the Kurdistan Region and by the youth in major cities.

📊 Summary Data (2025)