Country exposure · IQ
Iraq
Middle East · Baghdad · federal parliamentary republic
What Iraq means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$6.3B
U.S. imports, 2025
-16.8%
change in one year
$1.7B
U.S. exports, 2025
43M
Population
$279.6B
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Iraq makes
America bought $6.3B in goods from Iraq in 2025 — down 16.8% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Crude oil
$4.6B74.1%
Fuel oil
fuel oil
$1.6B25%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$35M0.6%
Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.
$14M0.2%
Petroleum products, other
gasoline and petroleum products
$5M0.1%
Minimum value shipments
$1M0%
Other foods
$1M0%
Paper and paper products
$1M0%
Generators, accessories
$711K0%
Industrial engines
$424K0%
2026 so far (through April): $1.9B in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Iraq
$1.7B in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Passenger cars, new and used
$225Mnew and used cars
Pharmaceutical preparations
$212Mmedicines and pharmacy items
Rice
$145Mcocoa for chocolate
Soybeans
$120Mmeat at the counter
Industrial machines, other
$118MIndustrial engines
$116MTelecommunications equipment
$52Mphones, routers, networking gear
Electric apparatus
$37MNuts
$31MWhere you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Iraq
Iraq was assigned 39% in April 2025, but the headline figure is largely symbolic: crude oil, gas, and refined products — which make up roughly 99% of Iraq's ~$7.7 billion in exports to the U.S. — are exempt from the reciprocal tariff, so only a small non-oil sliver is actually affected. The rate was trimmed to 30% in August without a deal. Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions, Feb 20, 2026) terminated the IEEPA reciprocal duties, and Proclamation 11012 replaced it with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge effective February 24, 2026; energy imports remain exempt. Iraq has no Section 232 steel/aluminum exposure.
Reciprocal tariff (assigned — terminated)
39%
The rate this country was assigned under the EO 14257 reciprocal Annex — no longer in force. The Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs and they were terminated February 24, 2026 (EO 14389), replaced by a universal ~10% Section 122 surcharge. See the timeline below for the current effective rate.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
U.S. tariff policy toward Iraq has changed 4 times since 2025. This page tracks it.
2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties effective February 24, 2026, replacing Iraq's 30% reciprocal rate with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge under Proclamation 11012 (capped at 150 days); energy imports remain exempt.
91 FR 9437 →2025-08-07
Rate reduced to 30% — no deal reached
In effectExecutive Order 14326 set the post-pause Annex I reciprocal rates; Iraq's rate was trimmed from 39% to 30% as part of the broader recalculation rather than a negotiated agreement, with the oil exemption intact.
90 FR 37963 →2025-04-10
Elevated reciprocal rates paused to 10% for 90 days
In effectExecutive Order 14266 suspended the higher country-specific reciprocal rates — including Iraq's 39% — back to the 10% baseline for 90 days.
90 FR 15625 →2025-04-05
Reciprocal tariff regime begins — Iraq assigned 39% (oil exempt)
In effectExecutive Order 14257 imposed a 10% universal reciprocal duty effective April 5 and a 39% country-specific rate for Iraq scheduled to take effect April 9 — but oil, gas, and refined products, the overwhelming majority of Iraq's exports to the U.S., were carved out of the reciprocal tariff.
90 FR 15041 →
Made for America
What Iraq makes for America
Iraq is a direct U.S. source of 2 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
Go deeper
The supply chain view
Iraq sits upstream of 5 essential American goods through 5 tracked inputs.
energy
5%Marine Diesel and Bunker Fuel
energy
5%Diesel and Heavy Fuel Oil (underground mining and backup power)
energy
4%Crude Oil Feedstock
energy
3%Canadian crude oil imports
energy
3%Gulf Coast crude oil feedstock (jet fraction)
Reference
The country itself
Middle East · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by the United Kingdom during World War I and was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration in 1920. Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. It was proclaimed a republic in 1958 after a coup overthrew the monarchy, but in actuality, a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Hussein, from 1979 to 2003. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly war from 1980 to 1988. In 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led UN coalition forces during the two-month-long Gulf War of 1991. After Iraq's expulsion, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions led to the Second Gulf War in 2003, when US-led forces ousted the SADDAM regime. In 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (COR). The COR approved most of the cabinet ministers, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half-century. Iraq's constitution also established the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), a semi-autonomous region that administers the governorates of Erbil, Dahuk, and As Sulaymaniyah. Iraq has held four national legislative elections since 2006, most recently in 2021. The COR approved Mohammad Shia' al-SUDANI as prime minister in 2022. Iraq has repeatedly postponed elections for provincial councils -- last held in 2013 -- and since 2019, the prime minister has had the authority to appoint governors rather than provincial councils. Between 2014 and 2017, Iraq fought a military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) to recapture territory the group seized in 2014. In 2017, then-Prime Minister Haydar al-ABADI publicly declared victory against ISIS, although military operations against the group continue in rural areas. Also in 2017, Baghdad forcefully seized disputed territories across central and northern Iraq from the KRG, after a non-binding Kurdish independence referendum.
Geography
- Location
- Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait
- Area
- 438,317 sq km
- Climate
- mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq
- Terrain
- mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey
- Natural resources
- petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur
- Coastline
- 58 km
- Natural hazards
- dust storms; sandstorms; floods
People & society
- Population
- 42,917,742 (2025 est.)
- Nationality
- Iraqi(s)
- Ethnic groups
- Arab 75-80%, Kurdish 15-20%, other 5% (includes Turkmen, Yezidi, Shabak, Kaka'i, Bedouin, Romani, Assyrian, Circassian, Sabaean-Mandaean, Persian)
- Languages
- Arabic (official), Kurdish (official); Turkmen (a Turkish dialect) and Syriac (Neo-Aramaic) are recognized as official languages where native speakers of these languages are present
- Religions
- Muslim (official) 95-98% (Shia 61-64%, Sunni 29-34%), Christian 1% (includes Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Assyrian Church of the East), other 1-4% (2015 est.)
- Median age
- 22.7 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 73.7 years (2024 est.)
- Literacy
- 84.1% (2021 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- highly oil-dependent Middle Eastern economy; fiscal sustainability subject to fluctuation in oil prices; rising public confidence in economic conditions; import-dependent for most sectors; persistent challenges of corruption, informal markets, banking access, and political fragility
- Industries
- petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing
- Agricultural products
- wheat, dates, maize, tomatoes, rye, grapes, milk, chicken, potatoes, fruits (2023)
- Exports - partners
- China 33%, India 28%, USA 8%, Greece 5%, UAE 5% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- UAE 32%, China 20%, Turkey 18%, India 5%, USA 2% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- federal parliamentary republic
- Capital
- Baghdad
- Independence
- 3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
- Constitution
- several previous; latest adopted by referendum 15 October 2005
- Executive branch
- President Latif RASHID (since 13 October 2022)
- Legislative branch
- Council of Representatives of Iraq
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by the United Kingdom during World War I and was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration in 1920. Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. It was proclaimed a republic in 1958 after a coup overthrew the monarchy, but in actuality, a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Hussein, from 1979 to 2003. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly war from 1980 to 1988. In 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led UN coalition forces during the two-month-long Gulf War of 1991. After Iraq's expulsion, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions led to the Second Gulf War in 2003, when US-led forces ousted the SADDAM regime. In 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (COR). The COR approved most of the cabinet ministers, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half-century. Iraq's constitution also established the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), a semi-autonomous region that administers the governorates of Erbil, Dahuk, and As Sulaymaniyah. Iraq has held four national legislative elections since 2006, most recently in 2021. The COR approved Mohammad Shia' al-SUDANI as prime minister in 2022. Iraq has repeatedly postponed elections for provincial councils -- last held in 2013 -- and since 2019, the prime minister has had the authority to appoint governors rather than provincial councils. Between 2014 and 2017, Iraq fought a military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) to recapture territory the group seized in 2014. In 2017, then-Prime Minister Haydar al-ABADI publicly declared victory against ISIS, although military operations against the group continue in rural areas. Also in 2017, Baghdad forcefully seized disputed territories across central and northern Iraq from the KRG, after a non-binding Kurdish independence referendum.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
0760-030-3000; US Embassy in Baghdad, Al-Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad, Iraq; BaghdadACS@state.gov; https://iq.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
964
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq
Currency (Code)
Iraqi dinars (IQD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, G
Major Languages
Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, Syriac, and Armenian are official in areas where native speakers of these languages constitute a majority of the population
Major Religions
Muslim 95-98% (Shia 64-69%, Sunni 29-34%), Christian 1%
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
required
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Erbil; Ziggurat of Ur; Iraq Museum (Baghdad); Basra; Karbala; Hatra; Samarra Archaeological City; Babylon
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, kickboxing, wrestling
Cultural Practices
If meals are served on the floor, sit cross legged or kneel. It is impolite to let your food touch the floor.
Tipping Guidelines
If no service charge is included in the bill, a 10-15% tip is appropriate in nicer restaurants.
Souvenirs
Copperware, hand-woven carpets and rugs, silver, spices, teas, coffees, calligraphic paintings, woven baskets, musical instruments
Traditional Cuisine
Masgouf — seasoned grilled carp
CIA source last updated
Thursday, January 05, 2023
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, January 05, 2023
Geography
Location
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait
Geographic coordinates
33 00 N, 44 00 E
Map references
Middle East
Area - total
438,317 sq km
Area - land
437,367 sq km
Area - water
950 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly more than three times the size of New York State
Land boundaries - total
3,809 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Iran 1,599 km; Jordan 179 km; Kuwait 254 km; Saudi Arabia 811 km; Syria 599 km; Turkey 367 km
Coastline
58 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - continental shelf
not specified
Climate
mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq
Terrain
mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey
Elevation - highest point
Cheekha Dar (Kurdish for "Black Tent") 3,611 m
Elevation - lowest point
Persian Gulf 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
312 m
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur
Land use - agricultural land
21.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 11.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 9.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
1.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
76.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
35,250 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km) - fresh water lake(s)
Lake Hammar - 1,940 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Euphrates river mouth (shared with Turkey[s], Syria, and Iran) - 3,596 km; Tigris river mouth (shared with Turkey[s], Syria, and Iran) - 1,950 km; the Tigris and Euphrates join to form the Shatt al Arab note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Indian Ocean drainage
(Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km)
Major aquifers
Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution
population is concentrated in the north, center, and eastern parts of the country, with many of the larger urban agglomerations found along extensive parts of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; much of the western and southern areas are either lightly populated or uninhabited
Natural hazards
dust storms; sandstorms; floods
Geography - note
strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf
People and Society
Population - total
42,917,742 (2025 est.)
Population - male
21,614,894
Population - female
21,302,848
Nationality - noun
Iraqi(s)
Nationality - adjective
Iraqi
Ethnic groups
Arab 75-80%, Kurdish 15-20%, other 5% (includes Turkmen, Yezidi, Shabak, Kaka'i, Bedouin, Romani, Assyrian, Circassian, Sabaean-Mandaean, Persian)
Ethnic groups - note
note: data is a 1987 government estimate; no more recent reliable numbers are available
Languages - Languages
Arabic (official), Kurdish (official); Turkmen (a Turkish dialect) and Syriac (Neo-Aramaic) are recognized as official languages where native speakers of these languages are present
Languages - major-language sample(s)
كتاب حقائق العالم، أحسن مصدر للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) ڕاستییەکانی جیهان، باشترین سەرچاوەیە بۆ زانیارییە بنەڕەتییەکان (Kurdish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim (official) 95-98% (Shia 61-64%, Sunni 29-34%), Christian 1% (includes Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Assyrian Church of the East), other 1-4% (2015 est.)
Religions - note
note: the last census in Iraq was in 1997; while there has been voluntary relocation of many Christian families to northern Iraq, the overall Christian population has decreased at least 50% and perhaps as much as 90% since 2003, according to US Embassy estimates, with many fleeing to Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon
Age structure - 0-14 years
34.6% (male 7,447,266/female 7,130,883)
Age structure - 15-64 years
61.7% (male 13,064,516/female 12,907,702)
Age structure - 65 years and over
3.6% (2024 est.) (male 681,574/female 851,495)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
60.5 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
54.6 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
5.9 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
16.9 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
22.7 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
22 years
Median age - female
22.7 years
Population growth rate
1.94% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
23.26 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
3.86 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
population is concentrated in the north, center, and eastern parts of the country, with many of the larger urban agglomerations found along extensive parts of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; much of the western and southern areas are either lightly populated or uninhabited
Urbanization - urban population
71.6% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
7.711 million BAGHDAD (capital), 1.792 million Mosul, 1.448 million Basra, 1.075 million Kirkuk, 958,000 Najaf, 897,000 Erbil (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.04 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.01 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.8 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
66 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
18.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
20.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
17 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
73.7 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
71.9 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
75.7 years
Total fertility rate
3.03 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.48 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: urban
urban: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: rural
rural: 94.8% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: urban
urban: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: rural
rural: 5.2% of population (2022 est.)
Drinking water source - unimproved: total
total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
5.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
5.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.02 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
1.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: urban
urban: 98.8% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: rural
rural: 97.6% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - improved: total
total: 98.5% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: urban
urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: rural
rural: 2.4% of population (2022 est.)
Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total
total: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
30.4% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
0.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
18.6% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
36.2% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
1.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
3.9% (2018 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
64.3% (2018 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
7.2% (2018)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
27.9% (2018)
Education expenditure
4.7% of GDP (2016)
Literacy - total population
84.1% (2021 est.)
Literacy - male
90.3% (2021 est.)
Literacy - female
77.8% (2021 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of Iraq
Country name - conventional short form
Iraq
Country name - local long form
Jumhuriyat al-Iraq/Komar-i Eraq
Country name - local short form
Al Iraq/Eraq
Country name - former
Mesopotamia, Mandatory Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq
Country name - etymology
the name probably derives from Uruk ("Erech" in Aramaic), the ancient Sumerian and Babylonian city on the Euphrates River
Government type
federal parliamentary republic
Capital - name
Baghdad
Capital - geographic coordinates
33 20 N, 44 24 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
the origin of the name is unclear; it may mean "gift of God," from the pre-Islamic words bagh (god) and dad (given)
Administrative divisions
19 governorates ( muhafazat , singular - muhafazah (Arabic); parezgakan, singular - parezga (Kurdish)); 'Al Anbar; Al Basrah; Al Muthanna; Al Qadisiyah (Ad Diwaniyah); An Najaf; Arbil (Erbil) (Arabic), Halabjah; Hewler (Kurdish); As Sulaymaniyah (Arabic), Slemani (Kurdish); Babil; Baghdad; Dahuk (Arabic), Dihok (Kurdish); Dhi Qar; Diyala; Karbala'; Kirkuk; Maysan; Ninawa; Salah ad Din; Wasit
Administrative divisions - note
note: Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government administers Arbil, Dahuk, and As Sulaymaniyah (as Hewler, Dihok, and Slemani, respectively)
Legal system
mixed system of civil and Islamic law
Constitution - history
several previous; latest adopted by referendum 15 October 2005
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by the president of the republic and the Council of Minsters collectively, or by one fifth of the Council of Representatives members; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Council of Representatives, approval by referendum, and ratification by the president; passage of amendments to articles on citizen rights and liberties requires two-thirds majority vote of Council of Representatives members after two successive electoral terms, approval in a referendum, and ratification by the president
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of Iraq
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
yes
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
President Latif RASHID (since 13 October 2022)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-SUDANI (since 27 October 2022)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, approved by Council of Representatives (COR)
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president indirectly elected by COR to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term)
Executive branch - most recent election date
13 October 2022
Executive branch - election results
2022: Latif RASHID elected president in second round; COR vote in first round - Latif RASHID (PUK) 157, Barham SALIH (PUK) 99; COR vote in second round - Latif RASHID 167, Barham SALIH 99; Mohammed Shia' al-SUDANI approved as prime minister 2018: Barham SALIH elected president in second round; COR vote in first round - Barham SALIH (PUK) 165, Fuad HUSAYN (KDP) 90; COR vote in second round - Barham SALIH 219, Fuad HUSAYN 22; Adil ABD AL-MAHDI approved as prime minister
Legislative branch - legislature name
Council of Representatives of Iraq
Legislative branch - legislative structure
unicameral
Legislative branch - number of seats
329 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - electoral system
other systems
Legislative branch - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - term in office
4 years
Legislative branch - most recent election date
11/11/2025
Legislative branch - parties elected and seats per party
Reconstruction & Development Coalition, The Progress (Taqaddum) Party, State of Law Coalition, Sadiqoun Movement, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Badr Organization, National State Forces Alliance, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Azm Alliance, National Sovereignty, Ishraqat Kanun, Asas (Iraqi Foundation) Coalition, Tasmeem Alliance, Huquq Movement, National Resolve (Hasm)
Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber
28.9%
Legislative branch - expected date of next election
November 2029
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Federal Supreme Court or FSC (consists of 9 judges); Court of Cassation (consists of a court president, 5 vice presidents, and at least 24 judges)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
Federal Supreme Court (FSC) judges nominated by the High Judicial Council (HJC) president, the FSC chief justice, the public prosecutor's office chief, and the head of the Judicial Oversight Commission; FSC members required to retire at age 72; Court of Cassation judges appointed by the HJC and confirmed by the Council of Representatives to serve until retirement, nominally at age 63, but can be extended to age 66
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Courts of Appeal (governorate level); civil courts, including first instance, personal status, labor, and customs; criminal courts including felony, misdemeanor, investigative, major crimes, juvenile, and traffic courts
Judicial branch - note
note: Federal Supreme Court jurisdiction limited to constitutional issues, application of federal laws, ratification of election results for the COR, judicial competency disputes, and disputes between regions or governorates and the central government
Political parties
Al Fatah Alliance Azm Alliance Babiliyun Movement Imtidad Ishraqat Konun Kurdistan Democratic Party National Contract Party New Generation Movement Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Sadrist Bloc State Forces Alliance State of Law Coalition Taqadum Tasmim Alliance
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Nazar Issa Abdulhadi AL-KHIRULLAH (since 30 June 2023)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 483-7500
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 462-8815
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Detroit, Los Angeles
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Joshua HARRIS (since 2 September 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
Al-Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad; note - consulate in Al Basrah closed as of 28 September 2018
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
6060 Baghdad Place, Washington DC 20521-6060
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
0760-030-3000
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AIIB, AMF, CAEU, CICA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Independence
3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
Independence - note
note: on 28 June 2004, the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government
National holiday
Independence Day, 3 October (1932); Republic Day, 14 July (1958)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the Takbir (Arabic phrase meaning "God is great") in green Arabic script is centered in the white band meaning: the colors come from the Arab Liberation flag and stand for oppression (black) overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white) history: the Council of Representatives approved this flag in 2008 as a compromise replacement for the Ba'thist SADDAM-era flag
Flag - note
note: similar to the flags of Syria (two stars but no script), Yemen (plain white band), and Egypt (a golden Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band)
National symbol(s)
golden eagle
National color(s)
red, white, black
National anthem(s) - title
"Mawtini" (My Homeland)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Ibrahim TOUQAN/Mohammad FLAYFEL
National anthem(s) - history
adopted 2004, after the ouster of SADDAM Husayn; popular Arab folk song that also serves as an unofficial anthem for the Palestinian people
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
6 (5 cultural, 1 mixed)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (c); Babylon (c); Erbil Citadel (c); Hatra (c); Samarra Archaeological City (c); The Ahwar (Marshland) of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities (m)
Economy
Economic overview
highly oil-dependent Middle Eastern economy; fiscal sustainability subject to fluctuation in oil prices; rising public confidence in economic conditions; import-dependent for most sectors; persistent challenges of corruption, informal markets, banking access, and political fragility
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$585.887 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$595.082 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$592.017 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
-1.5% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
0.5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
8% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$12,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$13,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$13,400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$279.641 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4.4% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
5% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021
6% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
3.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
51.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
45.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
41.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
20.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
20.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
8.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
37.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-37.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
wheat, dates, maize, tomatoes, rye, grapes, milk, chicken, potatoes, fruits (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing
Industrial production growth rate
-2.7% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
12.008 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
15.6% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
15.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
15.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
32.1% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
27.5% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
62.7% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2023
29.8 (2023 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income - note
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures - on food
28.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures - on alcohol and tobacco
4.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%
3.7% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - highest 10%
24.2% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - note
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$90.204 billion (2019 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$64.512 billion (2019 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2018
27.4% of GDP (2018 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
1.3% (of GDP) (2019 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
$28.375 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
$58.01 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2021
$24.565 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2023
$107.852 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$127.079 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - Exports 2021
$78.26 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 33%, India 28%, USA 8%, Greece 5%, UAE 5% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, petroleum coke, gold, natural gas (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2023
$81.179 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$69.162 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - Imports 2021
$50.707 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
UAE 32%, China 20%, Turkey 18%, India 5%, USA 2% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, jewelry, gold (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$100.691 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$112.233 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$97.009 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$15.58 billion (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Iraqi dinars (IQD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
1,300 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
1,312.5 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
1,450 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
1,450 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
1,192 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
31.339 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
73.521 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
3.134 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
79.904 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
98.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
3,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
4.448 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
1.043 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
145.019 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
10.537 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
19.308 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - imports
8.771 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
3.729 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
64.311 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
1.977 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
4 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
46.1 million (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
100 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
the number of private radio and TV stations has increased rapidly since 2003; state-owned TV and radio stations are operated by the publicly funded Iraqi Media Network; private broadcast media are mostly linked to political, ethnic, or religious groups; satellite TV is available to about 70% of viewers; many broadcasters are based abroad; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are accessible (2019)
Internet country code
.iq
Internet users - percent of population
82% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
7.77 million (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
17 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YI
Airports
73 (2025)
Heliports
10 (2025)
Railways - total
2,272 km (2014)
Railways - standard gauge
2,272 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
Merchant marine - total
74 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
general cargo 1, oil tanker 6, other 67
Ports - total ports
6 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
1
Ports - small
1
Ports - very small
4
Ports - ports with oil terminals
3
Ports - key ports
Al Basrah, Al-Basra Oil Terminal, Khawr Al Amaya, Khawr Al Zubair, Umm Qasr
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Ministry of Defense: Iraqi Army, Iraqi Navy, Iraqi Air Force Office of the Prime Minister: Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS); Popular Mobilization Committee (PMC) Ministry of Interior: Federal Police Forces Command, Border Guard Forces Command, Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency, Emergency Response Division, Facilities Protection Directorate, and Provincial Police; Ministry of Oil: Energy Police Directorate (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note 1: the Iraqi military and associated security forces are collectively known as the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF); the Iraqi Counterterrorism Service (CTS) includes the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) note 2: the Iraqi Government funds the PMF, and it is mandated by law to act under government control but many of the militia units take orders from individual government officials and/or associated political parties; some militias have ties to Iran and some have been designated as terrorist organizations by the US (see Terrorism Reference) note 3: the federal constitution provides the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) the right to maintain its own military and security forces, known as the Kurdish Security Forces (KSF); some forces, such as the Regional Guard Brigades, are unified under the KRG's Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, but the two main Kurdish political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), also maintain their own military forces, police, emergency response, and internal security/intelligence services
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
2.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
3.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 200,000 active armed forces personnel under the Ministry of Defense (Army, Aviation Command, Air/Air Defense, Navy, Special Forces); approximately 20-25,000 National-Level Security Forces Ministry of Peshmerga: estimated 150,000 active personnel Popular Mobilization Forces: estimated 200,000 militia (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Iraqi military's inventory includes a mix of European, Russian, Soviet-era, and US armaments (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2025)
Military - note
the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are primarily focused on internal and border security; they are actively conducting counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) terrorist group, particularly in northern and western Iraq; the operations include securing the border with Syria; the Kurdish Security Forces, as well as are also active in conducting operations against ISIS two international military task forces operate in Iraq to assist the country's security forces at the request of the Iraqi Government; in 2018, NATO established an advisory, training and capacity-building mission for the Iraqi military known as the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI); in December 2021, the US-led Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) transitioned from a combat role to an advise, assist, and enable role (2025)
Terrorism
Terrorist group(s)
Ansar al-Islam; Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force; Harakat al-Nujaba (HAN); Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya (HAAA); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Jaysh Rijal al-Tariq al-Naqshabandi; Kata'ib Hizballah; Kata’ib al-Imam Ali (KIA); Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS); Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)
Terrorist group(s) - note
note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
335,343 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
1,201,813 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons
233 (2024 est.)
Environment
Environmental issues
habitat loss from wetland draining; inadequate potable water; soil degradation (salination) and erosion; desertification; air, soil, and groundwater pollution from military and industries; water pollution from oil refineries and factory and sewage discharges; soil pollution from fertilizer and chemicals; air pollution in urban areas
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Environmental Modification
Climate
mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq
Land use - agricultural land
21.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 11.4% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 9.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
1.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
76.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
71.6% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
190.815 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
7,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
152.931 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
37.878 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
45.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
2,243 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
157 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
325 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
2.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
13.14 million tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
15.4% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
6.735 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
4.52 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
31.169 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
89.86 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)