Iraq: Introduction

Iraq is a country in the Middle East bordering the Persian Gulf. Neighboring countries include Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Turkey. Iran has a strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf. Two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, run through the center of Iraq, flowing from northwest to southeast. The government system is a parliamentary republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. Iraq has a mixed economic system which includes some private freedom, combined with weak centralized economic planning and government regulation. Iraq is a member of the League of Arab States (Arab League).