Iraq

Iraq stretches from the mountains of Kurdistan in the north to the Shatt al-Arab waterway in the south, where the Tigris and Euphrates join before meeting the Persian Gulf. Fertile river valleys support wheat, date palms, and pomegranate orchards, while the Mesopotamian Marshes shelter water buffalo, reeds, and migratory birds. Western deserts include rocky plateaus and oil fields, and northern peaks gather winter snow that melts into spring floods. Baghdad, the capital, sits on the Tigris River with bridges, universities, and busy book markets along Mutanabbi Street.

Mesopotamia is often called the cradle of civilization because the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians developed writing, law codes, and astronomy here. Cities like Ur, Babylon, and Nineveh left ziggurats, clay tablets, and winged bull statues. Later, Islamic scholars in Baghdad's House of Wisdom translated Greek texts, charted stars, and advanced medicine. In the 20th century, Iraq gained independence from British administration, became a republic in 1958, and has since experienced wars, sanctions, and efforts at democratic reform. Museums preserve artifacts despite looting and conflict, and archaeologists continue to map newly discovered sites.

Iraq today is a federal parliamentary republic with a president, prime minister, and Council of Representatives elected by citizens. The constitution recognizes the Kurdistan Region with its own parliament and security forces. Provincial councils manage water, roads, and health clinics, while community leaders coordinate aid distribution in displaced-person camps. The government works with international partners to rebuild power grids, schools, and hospitals damaged by conflict.

The economy relies on oil exports, agriculture, construction, and small industries. Refineries in Basra and Baiji process crude oil, and new pipelines aim to diversify export routes. Farmers in the Tigris-Euphrates plain grow rice, vegetables, and dates using canals built since ancient times. Craft cooperatives revive carpet weaving, copper etching, and musical instrument building. Engineers deploy solar panels in rural clinics, and youth-run startups design educational apps and robotics clubs to spark innovation.

Iraqi culture celebrates literature, music, and hospitality. Families gather for masgouf grilled fish, lamb stews, and cardamom coffee. Poets recite verses at cafes, and children read folktales of Sinbad and Ali Baba. Marsh Arab communities travel by canoe through reed mazes, while Kurdish festivals feature dabka line dances and colorful dresses. Despite challenges, artists host film festivals, librarians rebuild archives, and environmental teams re-flood drained marshes to restore biodiversity and livelihoods.