Iraq (pronounced: /ɪˈræk/ or IPA: /ɪˈrɑːk|/, Arabic: العراق Al-Irāq), officially the Republic of Iraq (Arabic: جمهورية العراق Jumhūrīyat Al-Irāq, كؤماری عهراق, Komara Îraqê, Assyrian: ܥܝܪܐܩ) is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert. Iraq is bordered by Jordan to the west, Syria to the northwest, Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south. Iraq has a narrow section of coastline measuring 58 km (35 miles) on the northern Persian Gulf. The capital city, Baghdad (Arabic: بغداد ), is in the center-east of the country. Two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, run through the centre of Iraq, flowing from northwest to southeast. These provide Iraq with agriculturally capable land and contrast with the steppe and desert landscape that covers most of Western Asia. Historically, the territory comprising Iraq was known in Europe by the Greek toponym 'Mesopotamia' (Land between the rivers). Iraq has been home to continuous successive civilizations since the 6th millennium BC. The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is identified as the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of writing and the wheel. Beginning with an invasion in 2003, Iraq came under military occupation by a multinational coalition of forces, mainly American and British. (via Wikipedia)
Capital:
Baghdad
Language:
Arabic, Kurdish
Largest City:
Baghdad
As Of:
Jan 1, 2003
GDP (nominal):
$68.553 billion
As Of:
Jan 1, 2009
Time Zone:
GMT+3
Area:
169,234
GDP (per capita PPP) Rank:
125th
63rd
GDP (nominal per capita):
$2,195
Religion:
Islam(94%), Christian(4–5%), Mandean & Yazidi (<1%)
GDP (nominal) Rank:
58th
GDP (nominal per capita) Rank:
105th
As of:
Jan 1, 2009
Government type:
Developing parliamentary republic
As of:
Jan 1, 2009
ccTLD:
.iq
Anthem:
Ardh Alforatain
Mawtini
Currency (code):
IQD
Latitude:
N
Demonym:
Iraqi
Longitude:
E
Country Calling Code:
964
Currency:
Iraqi dinar
Name:
Iraq
Latitude (Minutes):
20
Motto:
الله أكبر
"Allahu Akbar"
Longitude (Minutes):
26
Latitude (Degrees):
33
Total Population:
31,234,000
Drives On:
right
HDI Rank:
n/a
GDP (per capita PPP):
$114.151 billion
Longitude (Degrees):
44
Category: (Book)
20 new, starting at $6.99
38 used, starting at $4.00
Category: (Book)
40 new, starting at $8.19
46 used, starting at $4.88
Category: (Sports)
1 new, starting at $44.99
Al-Qaeda group claims Iraq blasts
27 Jan 2010 16:34:29 GMT | BBC News
Iraq executes Saddam henchman Chemical Ali
25 Jan 2010 16:45:38 GMT | Reuters
Rivalries in Iraq Keep G.I.'s in the Field
27 Jan 2010 04:45:34 GMT | New York Times
Secrecy 'frustrating' Iraq panel
27 Jan 2010 10:58:44 GMT | BBC News
Biden visits Iraq amid election row
23 Jan 2010 17:22:38 GMT | Reuters
FACTBOX: Facts about Iraq's Chemical Ali
25 Jan 2010 14:44:23 GMT | Reuters
UPDATE 1-US oversight of Iraq police training firm faulted
25 Jan 2010 10:41:06 GMT | Reuters
Eyewitness Reports Car-Bomb Attacks in Baghdad Hotel
27 Jan 2010 22:30:00 GMT | TIME
Iraq to probe use of controversial bomb detector
27 Jan 2010 11:54:00 GMT | Kansas City Star
Iraq seals oil deal with Exxon Mobil, Shell group
25 Jan 2010 11:30:33 GMT | washingtonpost.com
Signup on Iraq
