Iraq, officially known as the Republic of Iraq, is a country located in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south, and Jordan and Syria to the west. With its rich historical tapestry, Iraq is often considered the cradle of civilization, being home to ancient Mesopotamia, one of the world's earliest urban cultures. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which run through the country, were central to the development of ancient Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian empires.

Modern Iraq was established in 1920 under the British mandate and gained independence in 1932. Its 20th-century history has been marked by significant turbulence, including the rise of the Ba'ath Party under Saddam Hussein, whose rule from 1979 to 2003 was characterized by authoritarianism, regional conflicts, and internal strife. The 2003 U.S.-led invasion to oust Hussein triggered a protracted period of instability, sectarian violence, and the emergence of extremist groups such as ISIS.

Today, Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic striving to recover from years of conflict and economic hardship. Its population is diverse, with ethnic groups including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians, and religious communities such as Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis. The country faces ongoing challenges, including political fragmentation, economic instability, and security concerns, but it also has significant oil reserves that are vital to its economy. Efforts toward reconstruction and reconciliation continue as Iraq navigates its complex legacy and seeks a path toward stability and prosperity.