Iraq

Iraq is divided among Shia Arabs (the majority), Sunni Arabs, and Kurds in the autonomous north, plus smaller minorities. Arabic and Kurdish are official languages.

Islam is the dominant faith, split between a Shia majority and a Sunni minority, with ancient Christian and other communities much reduced by decades of conflict.

Society

Iraq has a young, fast-growing population and moderate literacy, but years of violence and weak services have left development uneven and many basic needs unmet.