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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.007319
AAVE 0.000004
ADA 0.002864
AED 0.002805
AFN 0.049259
AKT 0.000964
ALGO 0.005833
ALL 0.062446
AMD 0.276692
AMP 1.207185
ANG 0.001375
AOA 0.700855
APE 0.004553
APT 0.000966
AR 0.000171
ARB 0.003799
ARS 1.170312
ATOM 0.000439
ATS 0.009398
AUD 0.001101
AVAX 0.000070
AWG 0.001367
AXS 0.000583
AZM 6.492428
AZN 0.001298
BAKE 3.180607
BAM 0.001336
BAT 0.007436
BBD 0.001528
BCH 0.000002
BDT 0.093925
BEF 0.027551
BGN 0.001336
BHD 0.000287
BIF 2.302022
BMD 0.000764
BNB 0.000001
BND 0.000979
BOB 0.009148
BRL 0.003988
BSD 0.000764
BSV 0.000038
BSW 1.838695
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.010777
BTG 0.001155
BTN 0.073664
BTT 2,039.653232
BUSD 0.000762
BWP 0.010549
BYN 0.002296
BYR 14.949194
BZD 0.001537
CAD 0.001091
CAKE 0.000306
CDF 1.765527
CELO 0.007263
CFX 0.014165
CHF 0.000634
CHZ 0.045700
CLP 0.748404
CNH 0.005126
CNY 0.005121
COMP 0.000030
COP 2.505573
CRC 0.349896
CRO 0.011187
CRV 0.001994
CSPR 0.296295
CUC 0.000763
CUP 0.018291
CVE 0.075311
CVX 0.000328
CYP 0.000400
CZK 0.016683
DAI 0.000763
DASH 0.000013
DCR 0.000041
DEM 0.001336
DFI 1.154521
DJF 0.136208
DKK 0.005105
DOGE 0.008016
DOP 0.045720
DOT 0.000629
DYDX 0.005277
DZD 0.102114
EEK 0.010686
EGLD 0.000171
EGP 0.040210
ENJ 0.022849
EOS 0.007921
ERN 0.011457
ESP 0.113637
ETB 0.124700
ETC 0.000085
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000683
EURC 0.000682
FEI 0.000763
FIL 0.000728
FIM 0.004061
FJD 0.001722
FKP 0.000578
FLOW 0.024154
FLR 0.105734
FRAX 0.000770
FRF 0.004480
FTT 0.002987
GALA 0.307996
GBP 0.000578
GEL 0.001982
GGP 0.000578
GHC 89.550108
GHS 0.008955
GIP 0.000578
GMD 0.056576
GMX 0.000091
GNF 6.722625
GNO 0.000006
GRD 0.232723
GRT 0.025519
GT 0.000069
GTQ 0.005837
GUSD 0.000764
GYD 0.159656
HBAR 0.007404
HKD 0.005993
HNL 0.020554
HNT 0.001330
HOT 1.705907
HRK 0.005146
HT 0.021151
HTG 0.099947
HUF 0.251827
ICP 0.000235
IDR 13.703686
IEP 0.000538
ILS 0.002331
IMP 0.000578
IMX 0.004204
INJ 0.000101
INR 0.073664
IRR 1,332.110055
ISK 0.093695
ITL 1.322418
JEP 0.000578
JMD 0.120821
JOD 0.000542
JPY 0.120738
KAS 0.017886
KAVA 0.011089
KCS 0.000102
KDA 0.082197
KES 0.098371
KGS 0.066798
KHR 3.096703
KLAY 0.020255
KMF 0.336000
KNC 0.005427
KPW 0.686443
KRW 1.028520
KSM 0.000148
KWD 0.000236
KYD 0.000634
KZT 0.342566
LAK 17.215120
LBP 68.472015
LDO 0.001638
LEO 0.000086
LINK 0.000054
LKR 0.252424
LRC 0.072588
LRD 0.131163
LSL 0.012782
LTC 0.000011
LTL 0.002358
LUF 0.027551
LUNA 0.015052
LUNC 14.522526
LVL 0.000480
LYD 0.004888
MAD 0.007530
MANA 0.007519
MBX 0.025665
MDL 0.013637
MGA 3.403748
MGF 17.018740
MINA 0.004771
MKD 0.041829
MKR 0.000000
MMK 1.603402
MNT 2.749080
MOP 0.006173
MRO 0.306746
MRU 0.030675
MTL 0.000293
MUR 0.037004
MVR 0.011808
MWK 1.323478
MXN 0.013923
MXV 0.001580
MYR 0.003122
MZM 48.755503
MZN 0.048756
NAD 0.012782
NEAR 0.000157
NEO 0.000300
NEXO 0.000888
NFT 3,177.650013
NGN 1.013658
NIO 0.028063
NLG 0.001505
NOK 0.007382
NPR 0.117917
NZD 0.001366
OKB 0.000006
OMR 0.000294
ONE 0.005225
OP 0.005832
ORDI 0.000169
PAB 0.000764
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.002643
PEPE 173.946970
PGK 0.003431
PHP 0.047922
PI 0.008793
PKR 0.211492
PLN 0.002997
POL 0.007035
PTE 0.136924
PYG 4.459472
QAR 0.002780
QNT 0.000003
QTUM 0.000778
ROL 36.499613
RON 0.003650
RPL 0.000400
RSD 0.079802
RUB 0.064053
RUNE 0.000977
RVN 0.320263
RWF 1.128260
SAND 0.010463
SAR 0.002864
SBD 0.006163
SCR 0.010890
SDD 45.847202
SDG 0.458472
SEK 0.007703
SGD 0.000979
SHIB 129.412061
SHP 0.000578
SIT 0.163667
SKK 0.020575
SLE 0.017602
SLL 17.601897
SNX 0.003037
SOL 0.000006
SOS 0.435274
SPL 0.000127
SRD 0.028884
SRG 28.883848
SSP 4.363290
STD 16.876297
STN 0.016876
STX 0.001936
SUI 0.000627
SVC 0.006683
SYP 9.916807
SZL 0.012782
THB 0.025731
THETA 0.003373
TJS 0.007033
TMM 13.366490
TMT 0.002673
TND 0.002284
TOP 0.001835
TRL 37,548.215537
TRX 0.002277
TRY 0.037548
TTD 0.005176
TUSD 0.000763
TVD 0.001101
TWD 0.024291
TWT 0.001345
TZS 2.010219
UAH 0.034350
UGX 3.046436
UNI 0.000085
USD 0.000764
USDC 0.000763
USDD 0.000763
USDP 0.000764
USDT 0.000763
UYU 0.030762
UZS 8.995353
VAL 1.322418
VEB 66,229,147.290474
VED 0.662291
VEF 66,229.147290
VES 0.662291
VET 0.087871
VND 19.869485
VUV 0.091991
WAVES 0.002539
WEMIX 0.003910
WOO 0.056633
WST 0.002119
XAF 0.448000
XAG 0.000013
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.002067
XCG 0.001375
XCH 0.000485
XDC 0.023216
XDR 0.000564
XEC 94.019287
XEM 1.335883
XLM 0.003428
XMR 0.000001
XOF 0.448000
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.081500
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000507
XTZ 0.002325
YER 0.180557
ZAR 0.012782
ZEC 0.000001
ZIL 0.213147
ZMK 15.000558
ZMW 0.015001
ZWD 0.276420
ZWG 0.020444
ZWL 51.084441

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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.