Iraq is located in Western Asia, and its capital is Baghdad. It has a population of approximately 46,042,015 and covers an area of about 435,050 km². Its official currency is the Iraqi dinar (IQD).
What stands out
People & place
106 /km² across 435,050 km²
Iraq has a recorded population of 46,042,015 and a reported surface area of 435,050 km².
Economic snapshot
$279.64 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $279.64 billion and GDP per capita at $6,074 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Iraq, located in the heart of the Middle East, is a land where ancient civilizations and modern aspirations converge. Known for its pivotal role in shaping human history, the country invites exploration into its rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and enduring spirit.
Iraq is famed for its Mesopotamian plains, the sprawling basin nourished by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which fostered the world’s earliest urban societies. To the west lie the rugged Zagros Mountains, while the east is dominated by the vast Shatt al-Arab desert. The country also boasts a modest coastline on the Persian Gulf, linking it to international maritime trade.
Iraqi culture is a mosaic of Persian, Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, and Assyrian traditions. Vibrant music and dance echo age‑old customs, while the cuisine delights with plates of kibbeh, dolma, and succulent grilled meats, often accompanied by aromatic herbs and freshly baked sourdough flatbread. Family and hospitality remain core values in daily life.
Iraq’s history is a timeline of triumphs and trials, from being home to the Sumerian civilization and the invention of cuneiform writing, to its pivotal role in the rise of Islam and the Islamic Golden Age. Modern history was profoundly shaped by British mandate, independence in 1932, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Gulf Wars of the late twentieth and early twenty‑first centuries.
Key facts
Iraq is the birthplace of cuneiform writing, the world’s oldest known script.
It has the largest population in the Arab world, exceeding 40 million people.
The country hosts the Rolls-Royce’s first autobots as a part of the strategic partnership with UAE’s giga-e-size autonomous vehicle.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Iraq has a recorded population of approximately 46,042,015 people.
How big is Iraq?
Iraq covers an area of about 435,050 km².
What is the population density of Iraq?
Iraq has a population density of roughly 106 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Iraq?
Iraq has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $279.64 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Iraq?
Iraq has a GDP per capita of approximately $6,074.
What currency is used in Iraq?
Iraq uses the Iraqi dinar (IQD), with the symbol د.ع.
Where is Iraq located?
Iraq is located in Western Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Iraq?
The native name of Iraq is العراق.
What are people from Iraq called?
People from Iraq are referred to as Iraqi.
What is the phone calling code for Iraq?
The international dialing code for Iraq is +964.
What is the internet domain for Iraq?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Iraq is .iq.
What time zone is Iraq in?
Iraq uses the Asia/Baghdad time zone.
What is Iraq known for?
Iraq, located in the heart of the Middle East, is a land where ancient civilizations and modern aspirations converge. Known for its pivotal role in shaping human history, the country invites exploration into its rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and enduring spirit.
Western Asia