Asia · Western Asia

Iraq

Republic of Iraq

Flag of Iraq
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+03:00
🏛️ Capital
Baghdad
👥 Population
46,118,793
📐 Area
438,317 km²
💱 Currency
Iraqi dinar (ع.د)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani
📞 Calling Code
+964
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Western Asia

About Iraq

Iraq is a destination unlike any other — the cradle of civilisation itself, where the ancient land of Mesopotamia gave birth to writing, law, and urban life over five thousand years ago. Between the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers lies a country of extraordinary archaeological wealth, where Sumerian ziggurats, Babylonian ruins, and Assyrian citadels sit alongside bustling modern cities. For the intrepid traveller willing to navigate its complexities, Iraq offers an unparalleled journey into the very origins of human society.

Baghdad, once the glittering capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and a global centre of learning during the Islamic Golden Age, is re-emerging as a city of culture and ambition after decades of conflict. The Kurdistan Region in the north presents a safer, more accessible entry point, with the citadel city of Erbil — one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements — and dramatic mountain landscapes that compare with Switzerland in beauty. Further south, the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala draw millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims and are home to some of the most breathtaking religious architecture in the Islamic world.

You will find Iraq's people to be among the most hospitable in the Middle East, fiercely proud of their heritage and eager to share it with the rare foreign visitor. The country is rebuilding and transforming, and those who visit now are witnessing history in the making. While travel requires careful planning and an awareness of the current security environment, the rewards — in historical depth, cultural richness, and human connection — are profound and genuinely unlike anything you will find elsewhere.

History & Background

Iraq is Mesopotamia — the "land between the rivers" — and its historical significance to humanity is without equal. The Sumerians established the world's first cities here around 3500 BC, inventing writing, the wheel, and codified law. Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar II became the most magnificent city of the ancient world, home to the legendary Hanging Gardens. Successive empires — Akkadian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Achaemenid Persian, and Macedonian Greek — each left their mark on this contested land before the Arab Muslim conquest of the 7th century AD transformed the region entirely.

Under the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad became the world's largest city and the intellectual capital of the Islamic world. The House of Wisdom translated Greek texts and pioneered advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy that would later fuel the European Renaissance. The Mongol sack of Baghdad in 1258 devastated the city and ended the Golden Age. The 20th century brought Ottoman rule, British mandate governance, the founding of the modern Iraqi state in 1932, revolutionary politics, and the devastating Iran-Iraq War, Gulf War, and 2003 US-led invasion, from which Iraq continues its long process of recovery and national reconstruction.

Culture & People

Iraq's culture is a mosaic shaped by its extraordinary diversity of peoples: Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians, Yazidis, and other minorities have coexisted for millennia, each contributing to a rich cultural heritage. Arabic is the primary official language, with Kurdish widely spoken in the north. Islam — both Sunni and Shia traditions — is the dominant religion and profoundly shapes social life, architecture, and calendar observances. The holy cities of Najaf and Karbala are among the most sacred sites in Shia Islam, attracting pilgrims from Iran, Pakistan, India, and beyond.

Oral poetry, known as qasida and zajal, remains a vital art form, and Iraqi maqam — a sophisticated classical musical tradition — has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mesopotamian heritage is a source of deep national pride, with museums (most notably the Iraq Museum in Baghdad) housing some of the world's most significant archaeological collections. Coffee culture, the tradition of welcoming guests with cardamom-spiced qahwa, and the importance of elaborate hospitality rituals are cornerstones of daily Iraqi social life that every visitor will encounter and appreciate.

Food & Cuisine

Iraqi cuisine is hearty and deeply satisfying, rooted in the agricultural bounty of the Fertile Crescent. Masgouf — a slow-grilled Tigris river carp opened flat and seasoned with tamarind and turmeric — is the iconic national dish, traditionally cooked over an open fire on the banks of the river in Baghdad. Rice dishes are central to Iraqi cooking: timman bagilla (rice with broad beans and dill) and timman z'affaran (saffron rice) are beloved at family gatherings. Lamb features prominently in stews, kebabs, and the famous quzi — a whole slow-roasted lamb served over spiced rice.

Street food culture is lively and affordable. Samoon bread — a distinctive diamond-shaped loaf — is used to scoop hummus, ful (fava bean stew), and egg dishes at breakfast. Dolma, vine leaves and vegetables stuffed with spiced rice and meat, is a staple at celebratory meals. The southern marshes produce excellent freshwater fish. Iraqi sweets include kleicha (date-filled biscuits, Iraq's national cookie) and baklava enriched with pistachios. Strong black tea sweetened with plenty of sugar is the social lubricant of choice, drunk throughout the day in small glass cups.

Top Attractions

  • Babylon Ruins — The ancient city of Nebuchadnezzar II and the legendary Hanging Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Hillah.
  • Erbil Citadel — One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, rising dramatically above the modern Kurdish capital.
  • Imam Ali Shrine, Najaf — One of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam, a dazzling golden-domed complex of profound spiritual importance.
  • Ur Ziggurat — A remarkably preserved 4,000-year-old Sumerian temple near Nasiriyah, birthplace of the biblical Abraham.
  • Mesopotamian Marshes — UNESCO-listed wetlands of the south, home to the Ma'dan (Marsh Arabs) and extraordinary wildlife.
  • Iraq Museum, Baghdad — Housing one of the world's greatest collections of Mesopotamian antiquities spanning 7,000 years of history.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Check the latest travel advisories from your government before planning any travel to Iraq, as security situations can change rapidly.
  • The Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk) is generally the safest and most accessible area for independent travellers.
  • Dress conservatively throughout Iraq — women should cover hair and wear loose clothing; men should avoid shorts outside hotel areas.
  • Carry cash in US dollars or Iraqi dinars as ATM access and card payments are limited outside major hotels.
  • A local SIM card (Korek or Asia Cell) provides the best data and call coverage across the country.
  • Visiting holy cities like Najaf and Karbala requires respectful attire and behaviour; non-Muslims should be aware of access restrictions to inner sanctuaries.
  • Engage a reputable local guide for archaeological sites — they provide essential context and navigate permits efficiently.

Visa Overview

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Iraq. Visas can be obtained from Iraqi embassies abroad or, in some cases, on arrival at Baghdad International Airport or Erbil International Airport. The Kurdistan Region offers its own visa-on-arrival facility at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports, which is often the easiest entry point for travellers. Visa requirements, fees, and processing times vary by nationality. Citizens of certain Arab nations enjoy easier entry. Always verify current requirements with the Iraqi embassy in your country well before travel, as regulations change frequently.

Getting Around

Flying into Erbil or Baghdad is the most practical entry point for most visitors. Iraqi Airways and several regional carriers serve both airports. Within the Kurdistan Region, taxis and private cars are the standard way to travel between cities. In Baghdad, Careem (a regional ride-hailing app) operates and is safer than flagging down street taxis. Inter-city travel in central and southern Iraq is best arranged through guided tours or trusted local fixers who understand current road conditions. Avoid travelling by road between provinces without local advice on current security conditions.

Safety Notes

Iraq remains a complex security environment. The Kurdistan Region is significantly safer than central and southern areas, but all travellers should monitor advisories daily. Avoid large gatherings, border areas, and regions with active conflict. Register with your embassy upon arrival. Carry photocopies of all documents. Travel with a reputable local contact or guide, particularly outside Erbil. Medical facilities are limited outside major cities, so comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is essential. Exercise heightened vigilance at religious sites during major pilgrimage events.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Iraq.

Iraqi dinar (IQD) ع.د
Updated: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.008872
AAVE 0.000008
ADA 0.004124
AED 0.002820
AFN 0.050252
AGIX 0.013493
AKT 0.001494
ALGO 0.009327
ALL 0.060920
AMD 0.278703
AMP 2.001472
ANG 0.001375
AOA 0.705125
APE 0.005970
APT 0.001373
AR 0.000413
ARB 0.008778
ARS 1.149441
ATOM 0.000514
ATS 0.009044
AUD 0.001080
AVAX 0.000113
AWG 0.001374
AXS 0.000852
AZM 6.526045
AZN 0.001305
BAKE 1.103775
BAM 0.001286
BAT 0.012279
BBD 0.001536
BCH 0.000004
BDT 0.093422
BEF 0.026514
BGN 0.001286
BHD 0.000289
BIF 2.283653
BMD 0.000768
BNB 0.000001
BND 0.000976
BOB 0.008819
BRL 0.003976
BSD 0.000768
BSV 0.000048
BSW 2.118568
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.012972
BTG 0.001750
BTN 0.073417
BTT 2,822.098585
BUSD 0.000767
BWP 0.010327
BYN 0.002321
BYR 15.046420
BZD 0.001542
CAD 0.001060
CAKE 0.000476
CDF 1.760084
CELO 0.012269
CFX 0.017530
CHF 0.000613
CHZ 0.060062
CLP 0.707578
CNH 0.005164
CNY 0.005164
COMP 0.000042
COP 2.343894
CRC 0.345666
CRO 0.015409
CRV 0.002943
CSPR 0.287476
CUC 0.000768
CUP 0.020343
CVE 0.072478
CVX 0.000475
CYP 0.000385
CZK 0.015886
DAI 0.000768
DASH 0.000024
DCR 0.000065
DEM 0.001286
DFI 0.771608
DJF 0.136368
DKK 0.004914
DOGE 0.010227
DOP 0.044841
DOT 0.000970
DYDX 0.006980
DZD 0.101896
EEK 0.010284
EGLD 0.000270
EGP 0.038890
ENJ 0.030342
EOS 0.011633
ERN 0.011517
ESP 0.109361
ETB 0.124778
ETC 0.000116
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000657
EURC 0.000662
FEI 0.000767
FIL 0.001141
FIM 0.003908
FJD 0.001689
FKP 0.000564
FLOW 0.026555
FLR 0.119413
FRAX 0.000774
FRF 0.004311
FTT 0.003699
GALA 0.532840
GBP 0.000564
GEL 0.002000
GGP 0.000564
GHC 84.958117
GHS 0.008496
GIP 0.000564
GMD 0.056896
GMX 0.000113
GNF 6.737872
GNO 0.000006
GRD 0.223966
GRT 0.054873
GT 0.000110
GTQ 0.005844
GUSD 0.000769
GYD 0.159704
HBAR 0.010834
HKD 0.006021
HNL 0.020526
HNT 0.004430
HOT 2.273603
HRK 0.004952
HT 0.006761
HTG 0.099860
HUF 0.239190
ICP 0.000331
IDR 13.668121
IEP 0.000518
ILS 0.002287
IMP 0.000564
IMX 0.007339
INJ 0.000165
INR 0.073417
IRR 1,055.245358
ISK 0.093472
ITL 1.272662
JEP 0.000564
JMD 0.120614
JOD 0.000544
JPY 0.121584
KAS 0.028794
KAVA 0.018653
KCS 0.000105
KDA 0.163514
KES 0.099384
KGS 0.067215
KHR 3.092181
KLAY 0.031236
KMF 0.323358
KNC 0.007255
KPW 0.690907
KRW 1.069994
KSM 0.000249
KWD 0.000237
KYD 0.000638
KZT 0.354160
LAK 17.213197
LBP 68.627545
LDO 0.002266
LEO 0.000083
LINK 0.000073
LKR 0.252635
LRC 0.096510
LRD 0.139017
LSL 0.012362
LTC 0.000016
LTL 0.002269
LUF 0.026514
LUNA 0.017365
LUNC 15.197174
LVL 0.000462
LYD 0.004858
MAD 0.007106
MANA 0.011453
MBX 0.037128
MDL 0.013161
MGA 3.288573
MGF 16.442864
MINA 0.017966
MKD 0.040537
MKR 0.000001
MMK 1.611936
MNT 2.762055
MOP 0.006202
MRO 0.305796
MRU 0.030580
MTL 0.000282
MUR 0.036063
MVR 0.011869
MWK 1.325243
MXN 0.013012
MXV 0.001485
MYR 0.003104
MZM 48.995891
MZN 0.048996
NAD 0.012362
NEAR 0.000440
NEO 0.000422
NEXO 0.001028
NFT 2,726.186009
NGN 1.033981
NIO 0.028172
NLG 0.001448
NOK 0.007162
NPR 0.117522
NZD 0.001292
OKB 0.000007
OMR 0.000296
ONE 1.064198
OP 0.008645
ORDI 0.000209
PAB 0.000768
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.002573
PEPE 265.048590
PGK 0.003447
PHP 0.047310
PI 0.008544
PKR 0.212253
PLN 0.002839
POL 0.009406
PTE 0.131772
PYG 4.594146
QAR 0.002795
QNT 0.000013
QTUM 0.001064
ROL 34.483154
RON 0.003448
RPL 0.000494
RSD 0.077130
RUB 0.064487
RUNE 0.001800
RVN 0.294525
RWF 1.125860
SAND 0.018588
SAR 0.002879
SBD 0.006143
SCR 0.011137
SDD 46.079772
SDG 0.460798
SEK 0.007246
SGD 0.000976
SHIB 162.042160
SHP 0.000564
SIT 0.157509
SKK 0.019801
SLE 0.017592
SLL 17.591896
SNX 0.003746
SOL 0.000009
SOS 0.435436
SPL 0.000128
SRD 0.029027
SRG 29.026616
SSP 4.352563
STD 16.208292
STN 0.016208
STX 0.005886
SUI 0.001088
SVC 0.006718
SYP 9.981304
SZL 0.012362
THB 0.025209
THETA 0.005108
TJS 0.007043
TMM 13.433489
TMT 0.002687
TND 0.002225
TOP 0.001829
TRL 36,818.912200
TRX 0.002299
TRY 0.036819
TTD 0.005190
TUSD 0.000769
TVD 0.001080
TWD 0.024444
TWT 0.001920
TZS 2.032141
UAH 0.034292
UGX 2.852740
UNI 0.000210
USD 0.000768
USDC 0.000768
USDD 0.000768
USDP 0.000769
USDT 0.000768
UYU 0.030720
UZS 9.017925
VAL 1.272662
VEB 59,601,088.315683
VED 0.594676
VEF 59,467.596536
VES 0.594676
VET 0.158180
VND 20.056584
VUV 0.090813
WAVES 0.003893
WEMIX 0.003967
WOO 0.069606
WST 0.002068
XAF 0.431144
XAG 0.000011
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.002078
XCG 0.001375
XCH 0.000542
XDC 0.027601
XDR 0.000561
XEC 109.502007
XEM 1.639921
XLM 0.004470
XMR 0.000002
XOF 0.431144
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.078434
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000692
XTZ 0.003524
YER 0.182020
ZAR 0.012362
ZEC 0.000001
ZIL 0.315862
ZMK 14.382940
ZMW 0.014383
ZWD 0.277863
ZWG 0.020477
ZWL 51.166758

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Cities in Iraq 489
Browse all cities and towns
'Afak 'Ali al Gharbi 'Anah 'Aqrah 5 ميل Abu al-Khasib ad-Diwaniyah ad-Dujayl al-'Amarah al-'Aziziyah al-Basrah al-Fallujah al-Faw al-Fuhud al-Ghammas al-Habbaniyah al-Hadithah al-Hamzah al-Hayy al-Hillah al-Hindiyah al-Khalis al-Kufah al-Kut al-Madhatiyah al-Majarr-al-Kabir al-Mawsil al-Miqdadiyah al-Mishkhab al-Musayyib al-Qasim al-Qurnah an-Najaf an-Nu'maniyah Ankawa ar-Ramadi ar-Rumaythah ar-Rutbah as-Samawah as-Sulaymaniyah as-Suwayrah ash-Shamiyah ash-Shatrah ash-Shaykhan ash-Shinafiyah az-Zubayr Ba'qubah Baghdad Balad Bayji Bussayyah ناحية بصيه Chamchamal Chaqalawa Dahuk Dhalu'iyah Erbil Hajiawa Halabjah Hanaqin Harithah Hit Irbil Jalula'' Jurf-as-Sakhr Karbala Kifri Kirkuk Kusanjaq Mandali Panjwin Qal'at Dizeh Qarah Qush Rawah Rawanduz Saddat-al-Hindiyah Salah Ad Din Samarra Shatt-al-'Arab Shero Sinjar Tall 'Afar Tall Kayf Tikrit Tuz Zakhu آلتون كوبري آمرلي أبو الخصيب أبو غريب أبي صيدا أبي غرق ألقوش أم قصر ئاغجەلەر ئاکرێ ئەتروش ئەڵڵایی ئیسێوە اركبة شرقية الأحرار الإبراهيمية الإسحاقي الإسكندرية الإصلاح الباقر البدران البشائر البصرة البطحاء البعاج البوجواري البيبان - الاكوات الثالثة التل التنمية التنومة الثغر الجبايش الجدول الغربي الحبانية الحر الحسينية الحضر الحفرية الحلة الحمـّار الحمدانية الحمزة الحود الحويجة الحي الحيرة الخالدية الخالص الخضر الخيرات الدبس الدبوني الدجيل الدراجي الدغارة الدوّاية الدور الدير الديوانية الراشدية الرشاد الرشيد الرطبة الرفاعي الرمادي الرميثة الرياض الزاب الزبيدية الزبير الزوية الزينبية السدير السلام السلمان السماوة السنية السوير الشحيمية الشرقاط الشطرة الشنافية الشورة الشوملي الصقلاوية الصلاحية الصليجية الصويرة الصينية الضلوعية الطار الطارمية الطليعة العامرية العبارة العباسي العباسية العبايجي العبيدي العدل العزير العزيزية العظيم العلكاية العلم العمارة العياضية الغراف الفاو الفرات الفلوجة الفهود القائم القادسية القادسية القاسم القرنة القيروان الكحلاء الكرامة الكرمة الكفل الكوت الكوفة اللطيفية المجر الكبير المحاويل المحلبية المحمودية المدائن المدحتية المدينة المسيب المشاهدة المشخاب المشرح المشروع المعتصم المقدادیة الملتقى المناذرة المنصورية المهناوية الموصل الموفقية الميمونة الناصرية النجف النخيب النشوة النصر النصر والسلام النعمانية النهروان النيل الهاشمية الهندية الهوير الوركاء الوفاء اليوسفية ام الديبان ام المناسيس اور بادوش بارزان بازیان باسرمە باسنێ باعذرة باقرتە بالیسان باوەخۆشێن باوەنوور بجیل بحار بدرة برطلة بروانة بشیر بعشيقة بعقوبة بغداد بلد بلدروز بلدية المشخاط بنگرد بنەسڵاوە بەحرکە بەردەڕەش بەردەقارەمان بەرزنجە بەرمیزە بەستۆڕە بەکرەجۆ بيجي بیارە بیستانه‌ ی گه‌وره‌ بێستانەی گەورە پیرزین پیرمام پیرەمەگروون پێنجوێن تازە خورماتو تاسڵووجە تكريت تل أسقف تل عوينات تلعفر تلكيف تلول الناصر تەقتەق تەکیەی جەباری تەکیەی کاکەمەند تەوێڵە تۆبزاوه‌ جبارة جرف الصخر جسان جلولاء چڕە چەمچەماڵ چوارتا چوارقوڕنە چۆمان حاجی ئۆمەران حاجیاوە حديثة حصيبة حطين حمام العليل خاڵخاڵان خان بني سعد خان ڕۆستەم خانصور خانقين خدران خضر الياس خەبات خەرابە خەلەکان خەلیفان خور الزبير خورماڵ دارەتوو دارەتوو دارەشەکران داقوق دبي دەربەندیخان دووکان دیبەگە دینارتە دێگەڵە راوة ربيعة زاوية زرباطية زمار زندانەی گەورە زەڕایەن زەلان زوروفا زیارەت زیلکان ڕانیە ڕزگاری ڕەواندز ڕووڤیا ژاراوا سامراء سبع البور سدة الهندية سرقلعة سرێشمە سعدية سفوان سکتان سليمان بيك سلێمانی سمێلان سنجار سنوني سەرکەپکان سەرکەوتن سەرگەڕان سەرگەڵوو سەروچاوە سەنگاو سەنگەسەر سەید سادق سورداش سوق الشيوخ سومر سۆران سيد دخيل سیتەک سیدەکان سیروان سێگردکان سێوسێنان شاريا شاوێس شط العرب شکارتە شەقڵاوە شەمامک شوان شۆڕش شيخ سعد شێخ تەوێڵ شێروان مەزن طهراوة طهراوة جديدة طوز خورماتو عانة عفك عكاشات عكيكة علي الشرقي علي الغربي عەربەت عويجيلة عين سفني غماس فايدة قادرکەرەم قالاوە ٤٠٥ قبيلة آل نصرالله قرة تبة قزانية الجديدة قضاء الفجر قلعة سكر قلعة صالح قەرەداغ قەرەھەنجیر قەسرۆک قەسرێ قەڵادزێ قوشته‌په‌ قوشتەپە قۆرەتوو قيارة كبيسة كرامة كربلاء كركوك كرمة بني سعيد كفري كميت كنعان کەسنەزان کەلار کەلەکچی کەڵەک کەورگۆسک کوڵەجۆ کۆڕێ کۆیە گاپیلۆن گردەسێن گڵێجاڵ گەرمک گەڵاڵە گوێڕ لەیلان ماوەت مدينة الجواهري مدينة امباير السكنيه معسكر أشرف مفرق زنكورة مندلي منصورية الجبل مەخموور مەزنێ مەلا قەرە مەهەتێ مەیدان مێرگەسۆر ناحية الشافعية ناحية الطار ناحية الفضلية ناحية سومر ناحية عون ناحية ميسلون ناحية واسط القديمة ناحیة السیبة ناڵپارێز نفر هبهب هيت ھەریر ھەڵشۆ ھەڵەبجە ھەڵەبجەی تازە ھەولێر ھیران ھێرۆ واسط وانة وەرتێ يثرب یایچی ܥܢܟܒܐ / عەنکاوە

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Iraq needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Iraq?
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad.
What currency does Iraq use?
Iraq uses the Iraqi dinar (ع.د) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Iraq?
The official language(s) of Iraq include Arabic, Aramaic, Sorani.
What is the population of Iraq?
Iraq has a population of approximately 46,118,793 people.
What region is Iraq in?
Iraq is located in Asia, specifically in the Western Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Iraq?
The international dialing code for Iraq is +964.
What time zones does Iraq observe?
Iraq observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in Iraq?
The local time in Iraq is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Iraq?
Iraq covers a total area of 438,317 km².
How many states or provinces does Iraq have?
Iraq is divided into 38 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Iraq in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Iraq in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Iraq?
Visa requirements for citizens of Iraq vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.