Iraq

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Shanidar Cave - overview

Gudea of Lagash Girsu

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Sargon of Akkad (frontal)

A lion on the Ishtar Gate of Babylon reconstructed with original bricks at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin 575 BCE (3) (32577951406)

Iraq (Arabic: العراق‎, al-‘Irāq), officially known as the Republic of Iraq (جمهورية العِراق), is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. The capital, and largest city, is Baghdad. Iraq has a narrow coastline at the northern end of the Persian Gulf and its territory encompasses the Mesopotamian Alluvial Plain, the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, and the eastern part of the Syrian Desert.

History

Iraq's modern borders were mostly demarcated in 1920 by the League of Nations when the Ottoman Empire was divided by the Treaty of Sèvres. Iraq was placed under the authority of the British Empire as the Mandate of Iraq until it was granted independence in 1932. The kingdom of Iraq was established in 1932 but ended in 1958 with the establishment of a republic following a coup d'état.

The region of Iraq is considered to be a part of the Cradle of Civilization, as it was home to the earliest known civilization, the Sumerians, followed by the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. These civilizations flourished in the fertile crescent, which is often referred to as the location of the Garden of Eden. The area was a significant center of the Islamic Golden Age, after the 7th century Muslim conquest, through its capital, Baghdad, which was the largest city in the world during the Abbasid Caliphate.

In recent history, Iraq was involved in the Iran–Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 and the Gulf War in 1991 following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The early 21st century saw Iraq in a state of conflict due to the Iraq War, which began with the 2003 invasion by a United States-led coalition that overthrew the government of Saddam Hussein. The conflict continued with the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), leading to significant displacement and humanitarian crises.

Geography

Iraq is characterized by its diverse geography, including mountains, marshes, and deserts. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers run through the country, providing essential water sources for agriculture in the region known historically as Mesopotamia. The northern regions of Iraq are part of the Zagros mountain range, while the west is covered by the Syrian Desert. The southern and eastern parts of the country are fertile plains.

The climate in Iraq varies from the hot and arid desert in the west and south to a more temperate climate in the mountainous region in the north, where snowfall can occur in winter.

Demographics

Iraq has a population of approximately 40 million people, with a diverse mix of ethnic groups including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians, and others. The majority of the population is Muslim, divided between Sunni and Shia denominations, with a small percentage of Christians and other religions.

Economy

Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which has provided the country with one of the largest oil reserves in the world. However, the economy faces challenges due to political instability, a lack of diversification, and infrastructural damages from years of conflict. Agriculture and industry also contribute to the economy, though to a lesser extent.

Culture

Iraqi culture is rich and diverse, reflecting its ancient civilizations and multiple ethnicities. It is known for its contributions to literature, art, music, and cuisine. The Iraqi cuisine is characterized by its use of spices, grains, vegetables, and meats. Traditional music and dance play an important role in Iraqi cultural celebrations and festivals.

Government and Politics

Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic. The President of Iraq is the head of state, while the Prime Minister of Iraq is the head of government. The country has a multiparty system, with the legislature exercised by the Council of Representatives and the Federal Council.

Challenges

Iraq faces numerous challenges, including political instability, sectarian conflict, economic woes, and the need for reconstruction following years of war. The presence of ISIL and other militant groups has also posed significant security threats, although major combat operations against ISIL were declared over in 2017.

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