Iraq

The word “Iraq” means a country in the Middle East, officially the Republic of Iraq, with Baghdad as its capital and largest city. In plain terms, the country home to ancient Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates.

“Iraq” is pronounced ih-RAHK (/ɪˈɹɑːk/ in IPA).

Here is “Iraq” used in a sentence: “Iraq sits between Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.”

“Iraq” is a name.

The word “Iraq” comes from Arabic. Borrowed from Arabic العراق (al-ʿirāq).

“Iraq” is a fairly common word in modern English.

They are two separate neighbouring countries, often confused because of their similar names. Iraq lies to the west, with Baghdad as its capital and Arabic widely spoken. Iran sits to the east, is larger, has Tehran as its capital, and its main language is Persian. The two share a border but differ in history, language, and culture.

The capital of Iraq is Baghdad, which is also the country's largest city. Set on the River Tigris, it has been a major centre of trade, learning, and culture for well over a thousand years, and today it remains Iraq's political and economic heart.

Arabic is the main and most widely spoken language in Iraq, and it is an official language. Kurdish is also official and is spoken across the north. Smaller communities speak other languages too, reflecting the country's varied history and mix of peoples.

Iraq is a country in the Middle East, in western Asia. It borders Iran to the east, Turkey to the north, Syria and Jordan to the west, and Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to the south. It has a short coastline on the Persian Gulf in the southeast.