Iraq

CE5

Iraq or Irak both: ēräkˈ, ĭrăkˈ [key], officially Republic of Iraq, republic (2005 est. pop. 26,075,000), 167,924 sq mi (434,924 sq km), SW Asia. Iraq is bordered on the south by Kuwait, the Persian Gulf, and Saudi Arabia; on the west by Jordan and Syria; on the north by Turkey; and on the east by Iran. Iraq formerly shared a neutral zone with Saudi Arabia that is now divided between the two countries. Baghdad is the capital and largest city.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Iraq after Saddam Hussein's Ouster
• The Presidency of Saddam Hussein
• Coups and Conflicts
• Iraq at Mid-Century
• Early History through British Influence
• Government
• Economy
• Land and People

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Iraq Political Geography