1961
9,450,000
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
6,754,123
Change
-2,695,877
Overview
Welcome to Iraq, a land where ancient civilizations once flourished between mighty rivers — a place so historically rich, even the sheep seem to graze with dignity. This Middle Eastern nation is a fascinating flock of culture, history, and resilience.
Geography
Iraq sits in western Asia, bordered by Turkey, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers define its heartland, while the north holds the Kurdish highlands and the south opens to the Persian Gulf marshlands.
History
Home to ancient Mesopotamia, Iraq saw Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria rise and fall. It was part of the Islamic Caliphate, later the Ottoman Empire, then a British mandate before independence in 1932. The 20th and 21st centuries brought turbulent political upheaval.
Culture
Arabic and Kurdish are the main languages. Iraq has rich traditions in poetry, calligraphy, and maqam music. Eid celebrations, tribal customs, and hospitality are central to daily life. The city of Baghdad was once the intellectual heart of the Islamic Golden Age.
Economy
Iraq's economy is heavily driven by oil, holding some of the world's largest reserves. Agriculture, including wheat and dates, also plays a role. Sheep herding remains important in rural and northern regions, contributing wool and lamb to local livelihoods.
Food
Iraqi cuisine features masgouf, a grilled river fish, alongside lamb-based dishes like quzi and kebabs. Rice, flatbread, lentils, and dates are staples. Lamb is the star protein — these sheep clearly earned their place at the dinner table.
Tourism
Visitors flock to Babylon's ancient ruins, the spiral minaret of Samarra, and the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Erbil's ancient citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the southern marshes offer a hauntingly beautiful natural escape.
People
Iraq's population exceeds 42 million, comprising Arab and Kurdish majorities alongside Turkmen, Assyrian, and other communities. Notable Iraqis include poet Al-Mutanabbi and architect Zaha Hadid, whose woolly creativity reshaped the world's skylines.
Nature
The Mesopotamian Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelter rare birds and water buffalo. The Zagros Mountains in the north host diverse wildlife. Iraqi sheep breeds like the Awassi are prized for milk and wool, thriving across pastoral highland regions.
Fun Facts
Iraq is considered the cradle of civilization, where writing was invented around 3400 BCE. The Awassi sheep breed, native to the region, is one of the oldest in the world. Iraq produces over 600,000 tonnes of dates annually, making it a global top producer.
