Iraq

Facts and Figures about Iraq

Iraq flag

Location

Iraq is situated in the northwest end of the Arabian Gulf, covering an area of 438.317 Square Kilometers. Iraq is bordered on the north by Turkey, on the east by Iran, on the southeast by the Arabian Gulf, on the south by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and on the west by Syria and Jordan. Its highest point of elevation is the peak Halgurd in Kurdistan, at 3611 meters and its lowest point is at sea level.

There are two major rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, running north to south. The two rivers converge in the Shatt al Arab at Qurna which legend assumes to be the Garden of Eden.

Land Boundaries

Total 3631 km, Iran 1458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 242 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 331 km Coastline 58 km.

Population

The population of Iraq is approximately 24.6 million of which about six million inhabit the capital Baghdad. Other major cities are Basra (1.5 million), Erbil (1.3 Million), Mosul (1.2 million), and Karkuk (535.000). The population growth estimated to be 2.78% (2003).

Infant Mortality Rate

62.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth

Total population: 66.52 years male: 65.54 years female: 67.56 years

Nationality

noun: Iraqi(s)

adjective: Iraqi

Religions

Islam, Christianity, Ezedi, Mandanite, Jewish.

Languages

Arabic and Kurdish (official), Assyrian, Syrial, Armenian, Torkman, English is widely spoken.

Literacy

Age 15-45 can read and write

Total population: 89%

Male: 90%

Female: 88%