23-Oct-2024
Iraq
Miscellaneous
- It is located in the heart of the Middle East.
- Bordered by: Iran, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
- Capital: Baghdad
- Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, sulfur and phosphates.
- It has the fifth-largest proven oil reserves in the world and oil exports account for over 90% of government revenue.
- Evolution
- It is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization" as it was home to ancient civilizations like Sumer, Akkad, Babylon and Assyria, with significant contributions in writing, mathematics, and law.
- From the 16th century until World War I, it was part of the Ottoman Empire.
- British Mandate (1920-1932): After World War I, it came under British control as a mandate of the League of Nations.
- Independence in 1932: It gained formal independence from Britain, becoming a constitutional monarchy.
- Republic in 1958: The monarchy was overthrown and it was declared a republic.
- Saddam Hussein’s Rule (1979-2003): It witnessed decades of authoritarian rule under Saddam Hussein, including the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) and the Gulf War (1990-1991).
- 2003 US-Led Invasion: Saddam’s regime was toppled, leading to a prolonged period of conflict, insurgency and political instability.
- Political Structure: Federal Parliamentary Republic
- President: Abdul Latif Rashid
- Prime Minister: Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani
- Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG): The northern region of Iraq enjoys autonomy and is governed by the KRG, with its own parliament and leadership.
- Official Language: Arabic and Kurdish
- Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
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Location of Iraq |
