Iraq
Middle East
Iraq is a country in Middle East, home to 46 million people, with an area of 438,317 km². Its capital is Baghdad.
- Capital
- Baghdad
- Population
- 46 million
- Area
- 438,317 km²
- Region
- Middle East
- Density
- 105 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Iraq is known for
Iraq is best known for The ancient city of Babylon, The Ziggurat of Ur and The National Museum of Iraq.
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. The country has a rich history, with ancient civilizations such as Babylon and Assyria once flourishing in the region.
Iraq at a glance
- Language
- Arabic and Kurdish are the official languages
- Currency
- Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
- Religion
- Islam is the predominant religion in Iraq, with Shi'a Muslims making up the majority of the population
- National dish
- Masgouf (a grilled fish dish)
- Climate
- Iraq has a mostly arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters in the north
- Main industries
- Oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing, including petrochemicals and textiles
- GDP
- $169 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
- Development
- Iraq is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 120 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in Iraq
Some of the main tourist attractions in Iraq include:
- The ancient city of Babylon a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once one of the world's greatest cities.
- The Ziggurat of Ur an ancient temple complex in southern Iraq dating back to the third millennium BCE.
- The National Museum of Iraq located in Baghdad, this museum contains artifacts from Iraq's rich history.
- The Al Mutanabbi Street book market: a famous street in Baghdad that is home to numerous bookstores and street vendors.
- The Erbil Citadel an ancient fortress in Erbil that dates back to the sixth millennium BCE.
- The Great Mosque of Samarra a large mosque located in the city of Samarra that is known for its distinctive spiral minaret.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Iraq has to offer, but it is important to note that the country has faced significant political instability and security concerns in recent years, which can make travel to certain areas dangerous.
Iraq in pictures
Iraq on video
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Iraq compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of Middle East.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 46 million | 438,317 km² | Baghdad |
 Yemen | 40.6 million | 527,968 km² | Sanaa |
 Saudi Arabia | 34.6 million | 2,149,690 km² | Riyadh |
 Syria | 24.7 million | 185,180 km² | Damascus |
Ranked 34th of 195 countries by population and 58th by area.
Questions about Iraq
What is the capital of Iraq?
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad.
How many people live in Iraq?
About 46 million people. Ranked 34th of 195 countries by population and 58th by area.
How big is Iraq?
Iraq covers 438,317 km², in Middle East.
What is Iraq known for?
Iraq is best known for The ancient city of Babylon, The Ziggurat of Ur and The National Museum of Iraq.
What language is spoken in Iraq?
Arabic and Kurdish are the official languages.
What currency is used in Iraq?
Iraqi Dinar (IQD).
Is Iraq a country?
Yes. Iraq is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.