Iraq

Located in the Middle East, Iraq borders Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south, and Jordan and Syria to the west, with a narrow outlet to the Persian Gulf. Baghdad serves as the capital and largest city. Arabic and Kurdish are both official languages, and the currency is the Iraqi dinar. The country holds a layered cultural identity shaped by Mesopotamian antiquity, Islamic heritage, and a diverse ethnic and religious population of roughly 42 million.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Iraq. Visas can be obtained through Iraqi embassies abroad or, for certain nationalities, through a visa-on-arrival arrangement at Baghdad International Airport and select border crossings. Iraq has introduced an eVisa system for eligible travellers. Prospective visitors should consult the nearest Iraqi diplomatic mission or the official government portal for current eligibility and documentation requirements.

The ancient city of Babylon, near Hillah, preserves the ruins of Nebuchadnezzar's palace and the Ishtar Gate replica within a major archaeological site. Ur, near Nasiriyah, contains the 4,000-year-old Ziggurat of Ur, one of the best-preserved stepped temples in the world. The Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra draws pilgrims to its reconstructed golden dome. Erbil Citadel in the Kurdistan Region is among the world's oldest continuously inhabited urban settlements. The Ahwar marshlands of southern Iraq are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Iraq has an arid to semi-arid continental climate. Summers are intensely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 45 °C in central and southern regions. Winters are mild to cool, ranging from around 5 °C to 15 °C in most lowland areas, with colder conditions and occasional snowfall in the northern Kurdish highlands. The most comfortable periods for travel are spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November). Light, breathable clothing is essential for summer; a warm layer is advisable in winter.

• Writing was invented here around 3,200 BCE.
• Iraq holds the world's fifth-largest proven oil reserves.
• The Code of Hammurabi originated in ancient Mesopotamia.
• Erbil Citadel has been inhabited for over 6,000 years.
• Iraq's marshlands are home to the ancient Marsh Arab culture.

• iraqiembassy.us — Embassy of Iraq in the United States, visa and consular information
• mof.gov.iq — Iraqi Ministry of Finance, economic and currency information
• Iraq-tourism.com — Iraq Tourism Board, official travel information
• cosit.gov.iq — Central Statistical Organisation of Iraq, national statistics
• met.gov.iq — Iraqi Meteorological Organisation, weather and climate data