Cities and provinces

Governorates of Iraq

Iraq, officially known as the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. It has a rich cultural heritage and a complex history shaped by its strategic location at the crossroads of ancient civilizations.

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Administrative Divisions of Iraq

Iraq is divided into 19 governorates (muhafazat), each headed by a governor. These governorates are further subdivided into districts (qadhas), sub-districts (nawahi), and smaller administrative units. Each governorate has a capital city, which serves as its administrative center and often its largest city. Here is a detailed overview of the governorates and their respective capitals:

  1. Baghdad Governorate

    • Capital: Baghdad
    • Description: Baghdad is the capital city of Iraq and one of the largest cities in the Arab world. It is located along the Tigris River, historically known for its cultural and economic significance. The governorate of Baghdad also includes its metropolitan area and surrounding districts.

  2. Basra Governorate

    • Capital: Basra
    • Description: Basra is a major port city situated on the Shatt al-Arab river in southeastern Iraq, near the Persian Gulf. It is an important center for oil production and exports, contributing significantly to Iraq’s economy.

  3. Nineveh Governorate

    • Capital: Mosul
    • Description: Nineveh Governorate is located in northern Iraq, with Mosul as its capital. Mosul is historically known for its ancient Assyrian ruins and cultural heritage, although it suffered significant damage during recent conflicts.

  4. Erbil Governorate

    • Capital: Erbil
    • Description: Erbil, also known as Hewler, is the capital city of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and serves as a cultural and economic hub for the Kurdish region.

  5. Dohuk Governorate

    • Capital: Dohuk
    • Description: Dohuk is a city and the capital of Dohuk Governorate, located in the Kurdistan Region. It has a diverse population and is known for its historical sites and scenic landscapes.

  6. Sulaymaniyah Governorate

    • Capital: Sulaymaniyah
    • Description: Sulaymaniyah is a major city in the eastern part of Iraqi Kurdistan. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, academic institutions, and historical significance.

  7. Kirkuk Governorate

    • Capital: Kirkuk
    • Description: Kirkuk is a city in northern Iraq, historically contested due to its diverse ethnic and religious demographics. It is an important center for oil production and has a rich cultural heritage.

  8. Wasit Governorate

    • Capital: Kut
    • Description: Kut is a city located in eastern Iraq, serving as the capital of Wasit Governorate. It lies along the Tigris River and is known for its agricultural activities and historical sites.

  9. Babil Governorate

    • Capital: Hillah
    • Description: Hillah, or Babylon, is a city in central Iraq and the capital of Babil Governorate. It is situated near the ancient city of Babylon, known for its historical significance and archaeological remains.

  10. Anbar Governorate

    • Capital: Ramadi
    • Description: Anbar Governorate is located in western Iraq, known for its vast desert landscapes and strategic importance. Ramadi is its capital city, which has faced challenges due to conflict and insurgency.

  11. Saladin Governorate

    • Capital: Tikrit
    • Description: Tikrit is a city in northern Iraq and the administrative center of Saladin Governorate. It is known as the birthplace of Saddam Hussein and has historical significance dating back to ancient times.

  12. Diyala Governorate

    • Capital: Baqubah
    • Description: Baqubah is a city in eastern Iraq and the capital of Diyala Governorate. It lies along the Diyala River and has a diverse population, known for its agricultural production and historical sites.

  13. Najaf Governorate

    • Capital: Najaf
    • Description: Najaf is a city in central-southern Iraq, known as a center of Shia Islam and home to the shrine of Imam Ali. It is an important pilgrimage destination and a center of religious scholarship.

  14. Karbala Governorate

    • Capital: Karbala
    • Description: Karbala is a city in central Iraq, famous for the mausoleums of Imam Hussein and Abbas ibn Ali. It is a significant religious site for Shia Muslims and hosts millions of pilgrims annually.

  15. Maysan Governorate

    • Capital: Amarah
    • Description: Amarah is a city in southeastern Iraq and the capital of Maysan Governorate. It is known for its marshlands and agricultural activities, contributing to the regional economy.

  16. Qadisiyyah Governorate

    • Capital: Diwaniyah
    • Description: Diwaniyah is a city in central-southern Iraq, serving as the capital of Qadisiyyah Governorate. It is known for its historical significance and agricultural production.

  17. Dhi Qar Governorate

    • Capital: Nasiriyah
    • Description: Nasiriyah is a city in southern Iraq and the capital of Dhi Qar Governorate. It is located near the Euphrates River and is known for its archaeological sites and cultural heritage.

  18. Thi Qar Governorate

    • Capital: Nasiriyah

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