Country Profile: Iraq

Iraq is located in the Middle East, bordered by the Persian Gulf, Iran, and Kuwait. It has a population of approximately 42.9 million people, comprised of diverse ethnic groups primarily including Arabs and Kurds. The economy is heavily oil-dependent, with significant reliance on oil exports, while the government operates as a federal parliamentary republic. Despite its rich natural resources, Iraq faces challenges related to governance, security, and economic stability.

Geography

Iraq's geography consists primarily of broad plains and mountainous regions, with key rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates defining its landscape. The country has a mild-to-cool winter climate with hot, dry summers, and is largely desert. Notably, Iraq's strategic location at the head of the Persian Gulf enhances its geopolitical significance.

Area: 438,317 sq km (slightly more than three times the size of New York State)
Elevation: Highest point at 3,611 m (Cheekha Dar)
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, natural gas, and sulfur
Land use: 21.8% categorized as agricultural land (2023)
Natural hazards: Subject to dust storms and floods

People and Society

The Iraqi population is diverse, with Arabs constituting 75-80% and Kurds around 15-20%. The country is predominantly Muslim, with a significant portion identifying as Shia. Iraq's urban population is growing, currently at 71.6%, reflecting ongoing trends towards city living. However, years of conflict have led to significant displacement issues.

Population (2025 est.): 42,917,742
Median age: 22.7 years (2025 est.)
Birth rate: 23.26 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Literacy rate: 84.1% (2021 est.)
Life expectancy: 73.7 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Iraq's economy is highly reliant on oil, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Despite facing challenges such as corruption and political instability, the outlook for economic recovery remains cautiously optimistic. The GDP is significantly impacted by oil exports.

GDP (2024 est.): $279.641 billion (official exchange rate)
Unemployment rate (2024 est.): 15.6%
Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.): -1.5%
Labor force: 12.008 million (2024 est.)
Exports (2023 est.): $107.852 billion

Government

Iraq functions as a federal parliamentary republic, having established a constitution in 2005 that facilitates a democratic governance structure. Elections have been held periodically, with the most recent being in 2021. The government faces ongoing challenges regarding governance effectiveness and political stability.

Capital: Baghdad
Government type: Federal parliamentary republic
National holiday: Independence Day on October 3
Suffrage: Universal rights for citizens 18 years and older
Constitution: Established on October 15, 2005

Military and Security

The Iraqi military comprises various branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supplemented by an active counterterrorism unit. Iraq also faces internal security challenges, particularly from terrorist organizations such as ISIS. International cooperation, mainly with NATO and US forces, continues to enhance Iraqi security capabilities.

Active personnel: Approximately 200,000 under Ministry of Defense
Military expenditure: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Counterterrorism operations: Ongoing against ISIS
Military service age: Voluntary recruitment from age 18 (no conscription)
Security forces: Include Popular Mobilization Forces, with approximately 200,000 personnel

Energy

Iraq is rich in energy resources, primarily oil and natural gas, making it one of the leading oil producers in the world. The country continues to work on upgrading its energy infrastructure to meet domestic demands and international market opportunities.

Total petroleum production: 4.448 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
Natural gas production: 10.537 billion cu m (2023 est.)
Installed electricity generation capacity: 31.339 million kW (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 1.043 million bbl/day (2023 est.)

Environment

Iraq faces numerous environmental challenges, including habitat loss, water pollution, and land degradation due to industrial activities and military conflicts. Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, with participation in various international environmental agreements.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 190.815 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Waste generated annually: 13.14 million tons (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal: 42.423 billion cu m (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.4% (2022 est.)

Transportation

Iraq has a developing transportation infrastructure, including air, rail, and road networks. Major ports like Al Basrah are critical for trade, while the country is enhancing its civil aviation capabilities.

Airports: 73 (2025)
Railways: Total length of 2,272 km (2014)
Merchant marine: Total of 74 ships (2023)
Ports: 6 total (2024)

Communications

Iraq's communication sector has expanded with increased access to mobile and internet services. The media landscape features a mix of state-owned and private outlets, reflecting the diverse political and social fabric of the country.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 46.1 million (2024)
Internet users: 82% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 1.977 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	42,917,742	(2025 est.)
Area	438,317 sq km
GDP (official exchange)	$279.641 billion	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	64.311 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	23.26 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	15.6%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	73.7 years	(2024 est.)
Infant Mortality Rate	18.3 deaths/1,000 live births	(2025 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	3.03 children/woman	(2025 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)