Country Profile: Iraq

Iraq, located in the Middle East, has a diverse geography characterized by vast plains, mountainous regions, and significant bodies of water, including the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The nation has a population of approximately 42.9 million, predominantly comprising Arabs and Kurds. Iraq's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, while the government operates under a federal parliamentary republic structure. Despite facing challenges such as corruption and political instability, recent years have seen some improvements in public confidence in economic conditions.

Geography

Iraq is strategically positioned in the Middle East, bordered by the Persian Gulf, and is characterized by a mix of deserts and mountainous terrain. The country has a total area of 438,317 square kilometers, with most of its population concentrated around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The climate is primarily desert, with mild winters and hot, dry summers.

3,809 km: Total land boundaries with five neighboring countries.
21.8%: Total agricultural land as of 2023.
3,611 m: Highest point (Cheekha Dar).

People and Society

Iraq has an estimated population of about 42.9 million, with a significant majority being Muslim, primarily Shia and Sunni. The ethnic composition includes around 75-80% Arabs and 15-20% Kurds. The demographics indicate a young population, with a median age of 22.7 years and a notable urbanization rate of 71.6%.

34.6%: Of the population is aged 0-14 years (2024 estimate).
73.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
1.02: Male-to-female ratio in the total population (2024 estimate).

Economy

Iraq's economy is notably oil-dependent, facing challenges from fluctuations in oil prices and ongoing corruption. The GDP (PPP) is estimated at approximately $585.9 billion for 2024, while the unemployment rate hovers around 15.6%. The country is also import-dependent, especially in non-oil sectors.

51.6%: Industry sector contribution to GDP (2024 estimate).
15.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 estimate).
$107.852 billion: Exports in 2023.

Government

Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic, with the capital in Baghdad. It operates under a mixed system of civil and Islamic law, guided by a constitution adopted in 2005. The government has a complex structure, with multiple levels of election and provincial governance, reflecting the country’s diverse political landscape.

329: Seats in the unicameral Council of Representatives.
18 years: Universal suffrage for citizens.
2.5%: Military expenditures as a portion of GDP (2024 estimate).

Military and Security

The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) consist of various branches, including the army, navy, and air force, with an estimated 200,000 active personnel. The country continues to face security challenges, particularly from the Islamic State (ISIS), while also maintaining international military cooperation for training and capacity-building.

2.5%: Military expenditures of GDP (2024 estimate).
200,000: Estimated active armed forces personnel.
18 years: Age of voluntary military service.

Energy

Iraq is rich in energy resources, primarily oil and natural gas, with a significant portion of electricity coming from fossil fuels. As of 2023, the total petroleum production is approximately 4.448 million barrels per day, and electricity access is universal.

4.448 million bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 estimate).
98.8%: Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 estimate).
31.339 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 estimate).

Environment

Iraq faces various environmental challenges, including habitat loss, inadequate potable water, and pollution from military activities and industries. The country is party to several international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change.

190.815 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 estimate).
21.8%: Agricultural land of total area (2023 estimate).
13.14 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 estimate).

Transportation

Iraq has a developing transportation infrastructure, with a mix of air, rail, and maritime capabilities. There are 73 airports and various ports facilitating trade and travel, but the railway system is less extensive.

2,272 km: Total railway length (2014).
73: Number of airports (2025).
74: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

The communication sector in Iraq is evolving, with significant growth in mobile and internet subscriptions. As of 2023, approximately 82% of the population uses the internet.

46.1 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 estimate).
4: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
7.77 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	42,917,742	2025 estimate
Area	438,317 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$585.887 billion	2024 estimate
Energy consumption per capita	64.311 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth rate	23.26 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment rate	15.6%	2024 estimate
Urban population	71.6%	2023
Life expectancy at birth	73.7 years	2024 estimate
Military expenditures (%)	2.5%	2024 estimate
Infant mortality rate	18.3 deaths/1,000 live births	2025 estimate