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Iraq

Middle East • Countries
Iraq - Panoramic Places of Interest Atlas including Babylon, Ziggurat of Ur, The National Museum of Iraq, Hatra, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat), Erbil Citadel, Samarra Archaeological City, Taq Kasra (Arch of Ctesiphon), Imam Ali Mosque, Imam Husayn Shrine, The Ahwar of Southern Iraq (Mesopotamian Marshes), Al-Mustansiriya School, Shanidar Cave, Lalish Temple, Al-Mutanabbi Street, Abbasid Palace

Top Sights & Landmarks

01

Babylon

The Ancient Cradle of Civilization

02

Ziggurat of Ur

The Sumerian Masterpiece

03

The National Museum of Iraq

Keeper of Mesopotamian Treasures

04

Hatra

The Unconquerable Parthian Fortress

05

Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)

The First Capital of Assyria

06

Erbil Citadel

A Monument to Continuous Human Habitation

07

Samarra Archaeological City

The Abbasid Imperial Capital

08

Taq Kasra (Arch of Ctesiphon)

The Largest Single-Span Brick Vault

09

Imam Ali Mosque

The Heart of Shia Islam

10

Imam Husayn Shrine

The Epicenter of Pilgrimage

11

The Ahwar of Southern Iraq (Mesopotamian Marshes)

The Garden of Eden

12

Al-Mustansiriya School

A Beacon of the Islamic Golden Age

13

Shanidar Cave

The Prehistoric Neanderthal Sanctuary

14

Lalish Temple

The Sacred Heart of the Yazidi Faith

15

Al-Mutanabbi Street

Baghdad's Literary Artery

16

Abbasid Palace

A Glimpse into Caliphal Grandeur

The Cradle of Civilization: An Eternal Narrative

To speak of Iraq is to speak of the very foundation of human narrative. Nestled within the fertile embrace of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, this land serves as more than a geographical entity. It is the crucible where humanity first learned to codify law, chart the stars, and sow the seeds of settled life. For the traveler and the scholar alike, Iraq is not merely a destination but a return to the roots of collective human experience. Its identity is etched in the alluvial plains of the south and the rugged, verdant mountain ranges of the north, a landscape that has served as the stage for the greatest dramas of antiquity.

When we examine the timeline of human progress, we find that almost every fundamental innovation in organized society emerged from these soils. The Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians were not just empires, but intellectual catalysts that gave us the wheel, the plow, and the written word. To truly grasp the gravity of this legacy, you are invited to explore the history of Iraq through our comprehensive History Essay, which traces the evolution of these civilizations from the first city-states to the golden ages of science and philosophy.

The Living Archive of Humanity

The spirit of Iraq is held within its architecture, its poetry, and the shifting sands that guard the ruins of once-great metropolises. Walking through the remains of Babylon or gazing upon the Ziggurat of Ur is a lesson in perspective. The country serves as an open-air classroom for anyone interested in how the environment directly informs cultural longevity. While the southern marshes hum with the rhythm of a traditional lifestyle that has survived for millennia, the metropolitan pulse of Baghdad stands as a testament to the intellectual centers that once acted as the light of the medieval world.

For those looking to engage with this vast historical tapestry in a tactile way, our History Puzzle provides an interactive challenge, allowing you to sequence major historical developments and earn badges as you master the chronology of one of the world's most enduring nations. It is a perfect tool for classrooms and history enthusiasts who wish to visualize the ebb and flow of regional power across the centuries.

Visualizing the Infinite Landscape

The geography of Iraq is defined by a dichotomy of contrasts. The vast, sun-drenched plains of the interior surrender to the jagged peaks of the Zagros Mountains, offering a topographical diversity that remains largely hidden from the global mainstream. These landscapes are more than just terrain, they are the silent witnesses to the emergence of early agriculture and the complex water management systems that allowed civilization to flourish in a semi-arid environment.

To help our readers better conceptualize these environments and the storied ruins scattered across them, we have curated a multimedia experience that brings the architecture and landscape to life. You can immerse yourself in the past by viewing our History Cinematic Showcase, which weaves together illustrations of defining historical moments into an evocative visual timeline. Similarly, to appreciate the breathtaking geography and modern structural landmarks of the country today, we recommend visiting our POI Cinematic Showcase, which guides you through the top points of interest in Iraq, ranging from ancient archaeological sites to the modern vibrancy of its cityscapes.

A Future Rooted in Ancient Soil

Today, Iraq occupies a unique space in the global community. It is a nation transitioning through a contemporary lens while holding the immense weight of its past. For the student, the educator, and the aspiring traveler, Iraq offers a wealth of discovery that transcends political headlines. It is a study of resilience and continuity. The preservation of these sites, combined with a youthful, ambitious demographic, signals a new era for the country, one where education and cultural exchange become the primary vehicles for understanding.

As you navigate this page and the accompanying resources, remember that you are stepping into a narrative that has shaped your own intellectual inheritance. From the birth of literacy to the expansion of astronomy and irrigation, Iraq remains a cornerstone of global education. Through GeoGnos, we encourage you to look beyond the modern borders and see the land for what it truly is: an enduring repository of human achievement and a landscape that continues to reveal its secrets to those who approach it with a keen mind and an open heart.

Location

Latitude
33° N
Longitude
44° E
N S W E
World Map Location
Geographic Location

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Map Reference
Middle East

Area

Total Area
438,317 sq km
Land (100%)
Land: 437,367 sq km
Water: 950 sq km

Elevation

Highest Point
Cheekha Dar (Kurdish for "Black Tent")
Cheekha Dar (Kurdish for "Black Tent") 3,611 m
Lowest Point
Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf 0 m
Mean Elevation
312 m

Detailed Geography Information

Coastline

58 km

Geography - note

strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf

Irrigated land

35,250 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

Total boundary: 3,809 km
Iran 1599 km
Jordan 179 km
Kuwait 254 km
Syria 599 km
Turkey 367 km

Major aquifers

Arabian Aquifer System

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)

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: not specified

Natural hazards

dust storms; sandstorms; floods

Natural resources

petroleumnatural gasphosphatessulfur

Terrain

mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey

Population & Growth

+1.90% Growth
42,917,742
Total inhabitants (2025 est.)
Male: 50.4% (21,614,894) Female: 49.6% (21,302,848)

Age Distribution

0-14 years
34.6%
~14,849,539
15-64 years
61.7%
~26,480,247
65 years
3.6%
~1,545,039
Note: 2024 est.

Demographic Longevity

Median Age
22.7 years
Male
22 yrs
Female
22.7 yrs
Life Expectancy
73.7 years
Male
71.9 yrs
Female
75.7 yrs

Vital Dynamics

Birth Rate
23.26
births per 1,000 people
Death Rate
3.86
deaths per 1,000 people
Net Migration
0
migrants per 1,000 people
Fertility Rate
3.03
children born per woman

Detailed People & Society Information

Alcohol consumption per capita

0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

3.9% (2018 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

64.3% (2018 est.)

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 60.5 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 54.6 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 5.9 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 16.9 (2025 est.)

Education expenditure

4.7%

4.7% of GDP (2016)

Ethnic groups

Arab 75
80%
Kurdish 15
20%
other (includes Turkmen
5%

Gross reproduction rate

1.48 (2025 est.)

Health expenditure

5.2%

5.2% of GDP (2021) 5.8% of national budget (2022 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Infant mortality rate

total: 18.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 20.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 17 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Literacy

total population: 84.1% (2021 est.) male: 90.3% (2021 est.) female: 77.8% (2021 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)

Maternal mortality ratio

66 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Nationality

noun: Iraqi(s) adjective: Iraqi

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

30.4% (2016)

Physician density

1.02 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

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

Refugees and internally displaced persons

Total Displaced & Vulnerable Persons
1,537,389 individuals
Refugees
21.8%
335,343
335,343 (2024 est.)
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
78.2%
1,201,813
1,201,813 (2024 est.)
Stateless Persons
0.0%
233
233 (2024 est.)

Religions

Muslim 95- (Shia 61
98%
Sunni 29
34%
Christian (includes Catholic
1%
other 1
4%

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 18.6% (2025 est.) male: 36.2% (2025 est.) female: 1.3% (2025 est.)

Climate & Issues

Climate Profile

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

Key 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

Land Cover

Coverage Distribution
Agri (22%)
Other (77%)
Arable: 11.4%
Crops: 1.2%
Pasture: 9.2%
Forest: 1.6%

Air & Carbon Emissions

Annual CO2 Output 2023 est.
190.815 million
Coal (97%) Oil (2%) Gas (1%)
PM2.5 Exposure 45.4 µg/m³
0 5 (WHO Limit) 15 25 35+
Methane Emissions
energy: 2,243 kt (2022-2024 est.)

Water Resources & Use

Renewable Water Resources 89.86 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Annual Water Withdrawal
municipal: 6.735 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Municipal (16%) Ind (11%) Agri (73%)

Detailed Environmental Information

International environmental agreements

BiodiversityClimate ChangeClimate Change-Kyoto ProtocolComprehensive Nuclear Test BanDesertificationEndangered SpeciesHazardous WastesLaw of the SeaNuclear Test BanOzone Layer ProtectionShip PollutionWetlands

Urbanization

urban population: 71.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 13.14 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.4% (2022 est.)

Capital & State Profile

Capital City
Baghdad
33.3333° N, 44.4° E
Timezone UTC+3
Government Type
federal parliamentary republic
Independence 1932-10-03
National Holiday 10-03

Executive Branch

Chief of State
President Latif RASHID (since 13 October 2022)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-SUDANI (since 27 October 2022)
Last Election 13 October 2022
Cabinet Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, approved by Council of Representatives (COR)

Legislative Branch

unicameral
Legislature Name Council of Representatives of Iraq
Seats & Term
329 (all directly elected) seats / 4 years
Women in Chamber
28.9% Representation
Electoral System other systems
Parties Composition
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)

National Identity & Symbols

National 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

Symbolic 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)
National Symbol golden eagle
National Colors red, white, black
National Anthem Mawtini (My Homeland)

Detailed Government Information

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 note: Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government administers Arbil, Dahuk, and As Sulaymaniyah (as Hewler, Dihok, and Slemani, respectively)

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Iraq dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years

Constitution

history: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 15 October 2005 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

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of Iraq conventional short form: Iraq local long form: Jumhuriyat al-Iraq/Komar-i Eraq local short form: Al Iraq/Eraq former: Mesopotamia, Mandatory Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq etymology: the name probably derives from Uruk ("Erech" in Aramaic), the ancient Sumerian and Babylonian city on the Euphrates River

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

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) 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 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 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

Legal system

mixed system of civil and Islamic law

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 6 (5 cultural, 1 mixed) 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)

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

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

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

Size & Performance

Real GDP (PPP)
$585.887 billion
Latest available estimate (2024)
2023: $595.082 billion2022: $592.017 billion
Real GDP Growth
-1.5% (2024 est.)
-1.5%
GDP Per Capita (PPP)
$12,700
2023: $13,2002022: $13,400

GDP Sector Breakdown

Agriculture: 3.4%Industry: 51.6%Services: 45.8%
Origin GDP %
Agriculture 3.4%
Industry 51.6%
Services 45.8%

Trade Balance

Trade Position
Trade Surplus
$26.67 billion
Total Exports
$107.852 billion (2023 est.)
Total Imports
$81.179 billion (2023 est.)
Exports (57%) Imports (43%)

Budget Balance

Budget Position
Budget Surplus
+$25.69 billion
Revenues
$90.204 billion (2019 est.)
Expenditures
$64.512 billion (2019 est.)
Revenues (58%) Expenditures (42%)

Export Profile

Top Export Partners

33.0%
28.0%
8.0%
5.0%
Note: 2023; top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Major Export Commodities

crude petroleumrefined petroleumpetroleum cokegoldnatural gas

Import Profile

Top Import Partners

32.0%
20.0%
18.0%
5.0%
2.0%
Note: 2023; top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Major Import Commodities

refined petroleumcarsbroadcasting equipmentjewelrygold

Labor & Employment

Total Labor Force 12.008 million (2024 est.)
General Unemployment Rate 15.6%
Youth Unemployment (Ages 15-24) 32.1%

Income Inequality

Gini Coefficient (Family Income) 29.8
0 (Perfect Equality) Low Inequality 100 (Perfect Inequality)

Family Income / Consumption Share

Lowest 10%: 3.7% (2023 est.) Highest 10%: 24.2% (2023 est.)
Inequality Gap: Top 10% holds 6.5x the share of the bottom 10%.

Detailed Economic Data

Agricultural products

wheatdatesmaizetomatoesryegrapesmilkchickenpotatoesfruits

Current account balance

$28.375 billion (2023 est.) $58.01 billion (2022 est.) $24.565 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Debt - external

$15.58 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars

Exchange rates

Iraqi dinars (IQD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 1,300 (2024 est.) 1,312.5 (2023 est.) 1,450 (2022 est.) 1,450 (2021 est.) 1,192 (2020 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use

Industrial production growth rate

-2.7% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Industries

petroleumchemicalstextilesleatherconstruction materialsfood processingfertilizermetal fabrication/processing

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

4.4% (2023 est.) 5% (2022 est.) 6% (2021 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Public debt

27.4% of GDP (2018 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP

Remittances

0.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$100.691 billion (2024 est.) $112.233 billion (2023 est.) $97.009 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Taxes and other revenues

1.3% (of GDP) (2019 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Grid Infrastructure

Electricity Access 100%
Capacity 31.339 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption 73.521 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports 3.134 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Grid Losses: 79.904 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Generation Mix

Percentage Share of Production
fossil fuels 98.8%
hydroelectricity 0.9%
solar 0.3%

Fossil Fuels Production

Petroleum
Production 4.448 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Consumption 1.043 million bbl/day (2023 est.)
Proven Reserves 145.019 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural Gas
Production 10.537 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption 19.308 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports 8.771 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven Reserves 3.729 trillion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Coal
Imports 3,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Intensity & Nuclear

Energy Consumption Per Capita 64.311 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
No nuclear energy infrastructure or reactor operations reported in this country dossier.

Digital Access

.iq
Internet Usage 82%

Active internet users as a percentage of the total population.

Fixed Broadband

Penetration Rate 17 / 100
Total Subscriptions 7.77 million (2023 est.)

Mobile Cellular

Penetration Rate 100 / 100
Total Subscriptions 46.1 million (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)

Aviation

YI
Airports
73
As of 2025
Heliports
10
As of 2025

Railways

Total Track Length
2,272 km
National Network Data from 2014

Ports & Harbors

Ports Count 6
Hover for breakdown & key ports As of 2024

Merchant Marine

Commercial Fleet
74 ships
Hover for vessel types breakdown As of 2023

Military Expenditures

GDP Allocation 2.5%
2.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 3% of GDP (2021 est.) 3.2% of GDP (2020 est.)

Active Duty 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)

Refers to active military personnel.

Service & Defense Details

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) 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 equipment inventories and acquisitions

the Iraqi military's inventory includes a mix of European, Russian, Soviet-era, and US armaments (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)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2025)