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: 2026-06-09
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.010812
AAVE 0.000012
ADA 0.004593
AED 0.002803
AFN 0.047862
AGIX 0.008425
AKT 0.001226
ALGO 0.008378
ALL 0.062991
AMD 0.281279
AMP 1.441096
ANG 0.001374
AOA 0.700702
APE 0.006242
APT 0.001185
AR 0.000404
ARB 0.009491
ARS 1.103840
ATOM 0.000439
ATS 0.009102
AUD 0.001083
AVAX 0.000115
AWG 0.001366
AXS 0.000824
AZM 6.487435
AZN 0.001297
BAKE 1.045916
BAM 0.001294
BAT 0.008016
BBD 0.001526
BCH 0.000004
BDT 0.093638
BEF 0.026684
BGN 0.001294
BHD 0.000287
BIF 2.276258
BMD 0.000763
BNB 0.000001
BND 0.000983
BOB 0.005285
BRL 0.003972
BSD 0.000763
BSV 0.000064
BSW 2.320132
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.010414
BTG 0.002316
BTN 0.072992
BTT 2,852.407343
BUSD 0.000763
BWP 0.010281
BYN 0.002140
BYR 14.960843
BZD 0.001536
CAD 0.001065
CAKE 0.000579
CDF 1.764349
CELO 0.012877
CFX 0.016998
CHF 0.000609
CHZ 0.029717
CLP 0.704647
CNH 0.005175
CNY 0.005174
COMP 0.000043
COP 2.741276
CRC 0.351932
CRO 0.012557
CRV 0.003876
CSPR 0.334815
CUC 0.000763
CUP 0.020228
CVE 0.072942
CVX 0.000623
CYP 0.000387
CZK 0.016008
DAI 0.000764
DASH 0.000021
DCR 0.000063
DEM 0.001294
DFI 0.935366
DJF 0.135720
DKK 0.004944
DOGE 0.008957
DOP 0.044350
DOT 0.000798
DYDX 0.005800
DZD 0.102048
EEK 0.010350
EGLD 0.000264
EGP 0.039807
ENJ 0.025481
EOS 0.012142
ERN 0.011448
ESP 0.110062
ETB 0.121140
ETC 0.000110
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000661
EURC 0.000661
FEI 0.000764
FIL 0.001000
FIM 0.003933
FJD 0.001694
FKP 0.000572
FLOW 0.028692
FLR 0.107723
FRAX 0.000769
FRF 0.004339
FTT 0.002636
GALA 0.296446
GBP 0.000572
GEL 0.002026
GGP 0.000572
GHC 90.189259
GHS 0.009019
GIP 0.000572
GMD 0.056087
GMX 0.000135
GNF 6.682856
GNO 0.000008
GRD 0.225402
GRT 0.038710
GT 0.000120
GTQ 0.005816
GUSD 0.000764
GYD 0.159540
HBAR 0.009499
HKD 0.005981
HNL 0.020383
HNT 0.001883
HOT 2.502249
HRK 0.004984
HT 0.007141
HTG 0.099797
HUF 0.235410
ICP 0.000334
IDR 13.880038
IEP 0.000521
ILS 0.002240
IMP 0.000572
IMX 0.005604
INJ 0.000139
INR 0.072992
IRR 1,049.587083
ISK 0.094860
ITL 1.280818
JEP 0.000572
JMD 0.120373
JOD 0.000541
JPY 0.122310
KAS 0.023707
KAVA 0.017392
KCS 0.000119
KDA 0.110805
KES 0.098725
KGS 0.066738
KHR 3.066836
KLAY 0.020748
KMF 0.325431
KNC 0.006365
KPW 0.686867
KRW 1.159470
KSM 0.000213
KWD 0.000236
KYD 0.000635
KZT 0.370662
LAK 16.816897
LBP 68.786080
LDO 0.002910
LEO 0.000081
LINK 0.000097
LKR 0.257002
LRC 0.058570
LRD 0.139280
LSL 0.012586
LTC 0.000018
LTL 0.002284
LUF 0.026684
LUNA 0.014642
LUNC 11.019757
LVL 0.000465
LYD 0.004858
MAD 0.007062
MANA 0.011623
MBX 0.027117
MDL 0.013282
MGA 3.205435
MGF 16.027177
MINA 0.018130
MKD 0.040771
MKR 0.000001
MMK 1.602425
MNT 2.731993
MOP 0.006160
MRO 0.306814
MRU 0.030681
MTL 0.000284
MUR 0.036522
MVR 0.011796
MWK 1.325004
MXN 0.013316
MXV 0.001510
MYR 0.003102
MZM 48.731783
MZN 0.048732
NAD 0.012586
NEAR 0.000373
NEO 0.000357
NEXO 0.000975
NFT 2,856.745062
NGN 1.039133
NIO 0.028015
NLG 0.001458
NOK 0.007227
NPR 0.116842
NZD 0.001312
OKB 0.000011
OMR 0.000294
ONE 0.517523
OP 0.008142
ORDI 0.000254
PAB 0.000763
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.002649
PEPE 275.196090
PGK 0.003344
PHP 0.046999
PI 0.005940
PKR 0.212512
PLN 0.002804
POL 0.010021
PTE 0.132616
PYG 4.672696
QAR 0.002778
QNT 0.000011
QTUM 0.001112
ROL 34.684825
RON 0.003468
RPL 0.000581
RSD 0.077646
RUB 0.055704
RUNE 0.002189
RVN 0.177206
RWF 1.119085
SAND 0.015120
SAR 0.002862
SBD 0.006130
SCR 0.010582
SDD 45.809682
SDG 0.458097
SEK 0.007193
SGD 0.000983
SHIB 163.463728
SHP 0.000572
SIT 0.158519
SKK 0.019928
SLE 0.017409
SLL 17.408869
SNX 0.003170
SOL 0.000012
SOS 0.435634
SPL 0.000127
SRD 0.028584
SRG 28.584248
SSP 3.598115
STD 16.371937
STN 0.016372
STX 0.004223
SUI 0.001025
SVC 0.006678
SYP 0.084370
SZL 0.012586
THB 0.025098
THETA 0.005090
TJS 0.007130
TMM 13.354716
TMT 0.002671
TND 0.002231
TON 0.000444
TOP 0.001818
TRL 35,196.168609
TRX 0.002346
TRY 0.035196
TTD 0.005170
TUSD 0.000764
TVD 0.001083
TWD 0.024070
TWT 0.002047
TZS 2.002323
UAH 0.034063
UGX 2.880137
UNI 0.000306
USD 0.000763
USDC 0.000763
USDD 0.000764
USDP 0.000764
USDT 0.000764
UYU 0.030728
UZS 9.178321
VAL 1.280818
VEB 43,098,322.807706
VED 0.431008
VEF 43,100.764697
VES 0.431008
VET 0.157642
VND 20.094064
VUV 0.091058
WAVES 0.003012
WEMIX 0.002948
WOO 0.058368
WST 0.002077
XAF 0.433907
XAG 0.000011
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.002066
XCG 0.001374
XCH 0.000371
XDC 0.024898
XDR 0.000560
XEC 142.481211
XEM 1.435434
XLM 0.003873
XMR 0.000002
XOF 0.433907
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.078936
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000662
XTZ 0.003158
YER 0.182115
ZAR 0.012586
ZEC 0.000002
ZIL 0.249907
ZMK 13.524475
ZMW 0.013524
ZWD 0.276207
ZWG 0.020457
ZWL 51.115526

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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.