Country Profile: Iraq

Iraq, a country located in the Middle East, has a rich historical backdrop, evolving from part of the Ottoman Empire to a republic established in 1958. Its geography is characterized by a mix of broad plains and mountainous regions, supporting a population of approximately 42.9 million. The economy is predominantly oil-dependent, with significant challenges including political instability and corruption. The governance system functions as a federal parliamentary republic, demonstrating a commitment to democratic processes despite historical fluctuations in power.

Geography

Iraq occupies a strategic location in the Middle East, bordered by the Persian Gulf, Iran, Kuwait, and several other nations. The terrain consists largely of broad plains and mountainous regions, with notable rivers such as the Tigris and Euphrates flowing through. The country faces natural hazards like dust storms and floods, particularly in the northern and central regions.

438,317 sq km total area, slightly larger than New York State.
3,809 km of land boundaries with neighboring countries.
58 km of coastline along the Persian Gulf.
21.8% of land is used for agriculture as of 2023.
3,611 m high elevation at Cheekha Dar, its highest point.

People and Society

The population of Iraq is diverse, with Arabs constituting 75-80% and Kurds making up 15-20% of the demographic. The official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, and Islam is the predominant religion, with a substantial Shia majority. The country is experiencing urbanization, with over 71% of the population living in urban areas.

42.9 million people projected by 2025.
34.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years.
61.7% of the population falls within the 15-64 age range.
23.26 births/1,000 population birth rate for 2025.
73.7 years life expectancy at birth.

Economy

Iraq's economy heavily relies on oil, which dominates its GDP and export revenues. Despite challenges such as corruption and an informal market, there is rising confidence in economic recovery. The country remains import-dependent, with significant public expenditures.

$595.1 billion GDP (PPP) in 2023.
4.4% inflation rate for consumer prices in 2023.
15.6% unemployment rate in 2024.
3.4% contribution of agriculture to GDP in 2024.
$107.9 billion in exports for 2023.

Government

Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic, with a constitution approved in 2005. The political landscape has seen various challenges, including the rise and fall of prominent leaders. The current prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has been in office since October 2022.

President: Latif Rashid (since October 2022).
329 seats in the unicameral Council of Representatives.
Citizens have universal suffrage from age 18.
The last national elections were held in 2021.
28.9% of legislative seats are occupied by women.

Military and Security

Iraq maintains a multifaceted military structure aimed at ensuring internal and border security, particularly against terrorism. The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have undergone significant transformation and currently operate under various branches for effective governance and security operations.

200,000 active armed forces personnel as of 2025.
2.5% of GDP allocated to military expenditures in 2024.
The ISF focuses on counter-terrorism operations primarily against ISIS.
Coalition forces provide training and support since the transition of roles in recent years.

Energy

The energy sector in Iraq is primarily driven by petroleum, with the country holding substantial reserves of oil and natural gas. Electricity access is universal, yet the country faces challenges in energy consumption and infrastructure.

4.448 million bbl/day total petroleum production in 2023.
98.8% of electricity generation capacity comes from fossil fuels.
31.339 million kW of installed electricity generating capacity as of 2023.
19.308 billion cubic meters of natural gas consumed in 2023.

Environment

Iraq's environment is facing several challenges, including water pollution, soil degradation, and desertification. The country is party to various international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing these issues.

71.6% of the population resides in urban areas (2023).
15.4% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).
190.815 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions estimated for 2023.
15.6% forest coverage in 2023.

Transportation

Iraq's transportation infrastructure includes significant air, sea, and land routes. The country has made efforts to revitalize its transport systems post-conflict, with ongoing developments in air and rail transport.

73 airports registered by 2025.
2,272 km of railways currently in operation (2014).
74 vessels in the merchant marine fleet as of 2023.

Communications

Communications in Iraq have advanced significantly since 2003, with increased access to mobile and internet services. Various media outlets operate, showcasing both private and state-run initiatives.

46.1 million mobile cellular subscriptions projected for 2024.
82% of the population are internet users (2023).
1.977 million fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	42,917,742	Estimated for 2025
Area	438,317 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$595.1 billion	2023 estimate
Energy consumption per capita	64.311 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Birth rate	23.26 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Unemployment rate	15.6%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	73.7 years	2024 estimate