Iraq
Iraq
- Capital
- Baghdad
- Population
- 40,222,503
- Region
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic, Kurdish
Southern Iraq is home to the Mesopotamian Marshes, a unique ecosystem often cited as the probable site of the biblical Garden of Eden. Within this aquatic landscape, the Ma'dan people have built intricate floating islands and arched dwellings entirely out of giant reeds for thousands of years. This architectural style, known as mudhif, utilizes ancient weaving techniques that date back to the Sumerian era. Many of these marshes were drained during the late 20th century but are currently undergoing an ambitious restoration project to preserve their biodiversity.
Currency
The official currency is the Iraqi dinar, denoted by the ISO code IQD. Interestingly, before the 1990s, the high-quality notes were printed in the United Kingdom and were famously known as 'Swiss dinars' because the printing plates were originally of Swiss origin.
Flag symbolism
The flag features the Pan-Arab colors of red, white, and black, which have roots in different historical Islamic caliphates. Red represents the courage and struggles of the past, white symbolizes the bright future and peace, and black serves as a reminder of the Abbasid Caliphate's legacy. Centered in the white band is the Takbir, the phrase 'Allahu Akbar,' written in green Kufic script. Green is traditionally associated with Islam and was chosen for the script to represent the national faith and identity.
Emblem history
The national emblem of Iraq features the Eagle of Saladin, a powerful golden symbol associated with 20th-century Pan-Arabism. On the eagle's chest is a shield that depicts the vertical stripes of the Iraqi national flag, including the green Kufic script. In its talons, the eagle grips a scroll inscribed with the country's official name in Arabic. This design was formally updated in 2008 to reflect changes in the flag's script while maintaining the historical silhouette originally adopted in the mid-1960s.