Iraq, officially known as the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia. It is 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. Iraq has a population of approximately 39 million people and covers an area of 438,317 square kilometers.

Baghdad is the capital and largest city of Iraq. The country has a rich history, with its land being known as the cradle of civilization due to the presence of ancient Mesopotamia, the birthplace of writing and the wheel. Iraq is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians.

Oil reserves in Iraq are among the largest in the world, making the country a significant player in the global petroleum industry. However, Iraq has faced political instability, conflict, and social unrest in recent decades, including the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War, leading to economic challenges and displacement of populations.

The government of Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic. The official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, and Islam is the predominant religion. Iraq is known for its cultural heritage, including ancient archaeological sites such as Babylon, Samarra, and the Marshlands of southern Iraq.