Country Profile: Iraq

Iraq, located in the heart of the Middle East, shares borders with several countries and has a coastline along the Persian Gulf. The nation is characterized by a diverse population of approximately 42.9 million, predominantly Arabs and Kurds, with a rich cultural heritage influenced by its historical significance. Economically, Iraq is heavily reliant on its vast oil reserves, which pose both opportunities and challenges for fiscal stability. Governed as a federal parliamentary republic, Iraq has navigated complex political landscapes and security challenges, particularly in relation to its fight against ISIS and internal governance issues.

Geography

Iraq is situated in the Middle East, with a strategic location between Iran and Kuwait along the Persian Gulf. The country's terrain is predominantly comprised of broad plains, interspersed with mountainous regions in the north. Iraq's climate varies, featuring mostly desert conditions, while the northern regions experience cold winters and occasional floods.

Total area: 438,317 sq km
Land boundaries: 3,809 km (with Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Turkey)
Highest point: 3,611 m (Cheekha Dar)
Major rivers: Euphrates and Tigris, both crucial to Iraq's agriculture and water supply.
Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, and sulfur, which significantly contribute to the economy.
Natural hazards: Dust and sandstorms, floods.

People and Society

Iraq's population is diverse, with Iraqis primarily identifying as Arabs (75-80%) and Kurds (15-20%). The official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, reflecting the country's ethnic composition. A significant majority of the population adheres to Islam, with both Shia and Sunni communities present.

Total population: 42,917,742 (2025 est.)
Urbanization rate: 71.6% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).
Life expectancy: 73.7 years (2024 est.).
Literacy rate: 84.1% (2021 est.).
Birth rate: 23.26 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).
Religions: Predominantly Muslim (95-98%), with a significant decrease in the Christian population since 2003.

Economy

Iraq's economy is characterized by a heavy reliance on oil, which significantly influences fiscal sustainability and growth potential. Despite ongoing challenges such as corruption and political instability, recent years have seen some economic improvements and rising public confidence.

GDP (PPP): $585.887 billion (2024 est.).
GDP per capita (PPP): $12,700 (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 15.6% (2024 est.).
Inflation rate: 4.4% (2023 est.).
Oil production: 4.448 million bbl/day (2023 est.).
Economic sectors: Industry (51.6%), services (45.8%), agriculture (3.4%) (2024 est.).

Government

Iraq operates as a federal parliamentary republic, with a complex political structure influenced by ethnic and sectarian divisions. The government is formally recognized for its legislative, executive, and judicial branches, which work to uphold the constitution adopted in 2005.

Capital city: Baghdad.
Government type: Federal parliamentary republic.
Chief of state (2022): President Latif RASHID.
Head of government (2022): Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-SUDANI.
Political parties: Numerous, including the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.
Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 18 and over.

Military and Security

Iraq maintains a diverse military and security apparatus, primarily focused on internal security and combating terrorism, particularly against ISIS. The military includes various branches and is supplemented by paramilitary groups.

Estimated active personnel: 200,000 (2025).
Military expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.).
Counterterrorism operations: Ongoing targeting of ISIS remnants.
Military service age: Voluntary at 18 years, with no conscription.
Equipment inventory: A mix of European, Russian, and US armaments (2025).

Energy

Iraq is endowed with vast energy resources, primarily petroleum and natural gas, forming the backbone of its economy. The energy sector is crucial for domestic consumption and export revenues.

Total petroleum production: 4.448 million bbl/day (2023 est.).
Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.).
Installed electricity capacity: 31.339 million kW (2023 est.).
Natural gas production: 10.537 billion cubic meters (2023 est.).
Energy consumption per capita: 64.311 million Btu/person (2023 est.).

Environment

Environmental issues in Iraq are significant, with challenges including water pollution and habitat loss. The country is party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 190.815 million metric tonnes CO2 (2023 est.).
Municipal solid waste generated: 13.14 million tons (2024 est.).
Water pollution sources: Oil refineries and industrial discharges.
Land use: Agricultural land constitutes 21.8% (2023 est.) of the total area.
Environmental agreements: Party to the Kyoto Protocol and other international accords.

Transportation

Iraq's transportation infrastructure includes a variety of means, from road and air to rail and sea. The country is working on enhancing its transport capabilities despite historical challenges.

Total airports: 73 (2025).
Railway length: 2,272 km (2014).
Merchant marine: 74 vessels (2023).
Total ports: 6 (2024), key ports include Al Basrah and Umm Qasr.
Heliports: 10 (2025).

Communications

Iraq has seen considerable growth in communication infrastructure in recent years, particularly with the rise of mobile and internet usage, facilitating better connectivity among its population.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 46.1 million (2024).
Internet users: 82% of the population (2023 est.).
Fixed line subscriptions: 1.977 million (2023).
Broadband subscriptions: 7.77 million (2023).
Satellite TV availability: Approximately 70% of viewers have access (2019).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	42,917,742	Estimated for 2025
Area	438,317 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$585.887 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	15.6%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	23.26 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Life Expectancy	73.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Energy Consumption per Capita	64.311 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Youth Unemployment Rate	32.1%	Estimated for 2024
Total Fertility Rate	3.03 children/woman	Estimated for 2025
Literacy Rate	84.1%	Estimated for 2021