Iraq Quick Facts
National name: Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah
President: Jalal Talabani (2005)
Land area: 167,556 sq mi (433,970 sq km)
Population (2006 est.): 26,783,383
Monetary unit: U.S. dollar
Languages: Arabic (official), Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions),
Assyrian, Armenian
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Current News in Iraq
Check out the latest news in Iraq, according to National Public Radio (NPR).
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History
of Iraq
The Republic of Iraq makes up a majority of the land known as Mesopotamia,
which means "land between the rivers" in Greek. This land was home
to some of the world's first civilizations, where some of the first documented
writing, science, mathematics, law and philosophy in the world originated, making
the region the center of what is commonly called the "Cradle of Civilization".
Iraq has an extensive ancient history that has shaped much of the modern history
in its area and around the world. more
The Past Century in Iraq: A Timeline
Throughout the past century, there have been many significant dates in the history
of Iraq. more
Iraq's
Economy
The oil industry dominates most of Iraq's economy, accounting for nearly 95%
of the country's revenues. Aside from petroleum production and refining, Iraq
has a small, diversified industrial sector. Products include chemicals, textiles,
cement, food products, construction materials, leather goods and machinery.
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Map
of Iraq
Iraq is located in southwest Asia. It shares borders with Kuwait and
Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the west, Syria to the northwest, Turkey
to the north, and Iran (Persia) to the east. It has a very narrow section of
coastline at Umm Qasr on the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf. more
