Political Overview
Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic composed of 19 governorates, each with its own local council and provincial authority. Since the adoption of the 2005 constitution, executive power rests with the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President following approval by the Council of Representatives. The Council itself is elected through a proportional representation system, ensuring that Iraq’s major ethno-sectarian groups the Shia Arabs, Sunni Arabs, and Kurds are represented. Despite periodic political stalemates, coalition-building remains a central feature of Iraqi governance, as no single party can secure a majority on its own.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Often called the “Cradle of Civilization,” Iraq’s cultural tapestry is woven from millennia of Mesopotamian history, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The country is renowned for its archaeological treasures such as the ziggurat of Ur and the ruins of Babylon and its pivotal role in the development of writing, law, and urban planning. Modern Iraqi identity is equally shaped by its Islamic heritage, with the cities of Najaf and Karbala serving as major centers of Shia pilgrimage, and by its ethnic diversity, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians, and others, each contributing distinct languages, cuisines, and artistic traditions.
Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate
Covering approximately 437,072 square kilometers, Iraq’s landscape stretches from the fertile alluvial plains of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the east to the arid desert regions in the west and south. The country’s terrain also features the Zagros Mountains along its northeastern border, where elevations reach over 3,000 meters. Iraq experiences a predominantly hot, arid climate: summers are long and sweltering, with temperatures often exceeding 45 °C in the desert, while winters are mild to cool, with occasional frost in the highlands. Rainfall is sparse and mostly confined to the northern and northeastern regions between November and April.
