Governorates of Iraq: Overview and Divisions

Iraq is administratively divided into governorates, also known as provinces. As of 2022, there are 19 governorates in Iraq. Each governorate is further subdivided into districts and sub-districts, with Baghdad, the capital city, functioning both as a governorate and a special administrative region.

1. Baghdad Governorate: Baghdad is not only the capital city but also a governorate in its own right. It is the largest city in Iraq and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. Baghdad Governorate is further divided into districts such as Karkh and Rusafa, each with its own administrative structure.

2. Basra Governorate: Located in the southern part of Iraq, Basra Governorate is known for its oil wealth and strategic importance due to its access to the Persian Gulf. Basra city, the governorate’s capital, is Iraq’s main port city and a hub for oil exports.

3. Nineveh Governorate: Nineveh Governorate is situated in northern Iraq and has Mosul as its capital. Mosul is historically significant and was once one of the largest cities in Iraq before suffering significant damage during the recent conflicts. Nineveh Governorate is culturally diverse, with a mix of Arab, Kurdish, and Assyrian populations.

4. Erbil Governorate: Erbil, also known as Hewlêr in Kurdish, is the capital city of Erbil Governorate. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and serves as the de facto capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The governorate is known for its ancient citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Dohuk Governorate: Dohuk is the capital city of Dohuk Governorate, which is located in the northwestern part of Iraq. It is part of the Kurdistan Region and is known for its scenic landscapes, including mountains and valleys. The governorate has a significant Kurdish population.

6. Sulaymaniyah Governorate: Sulaymaniyah, often abbreviated as Slemani, is the cultural and economic hub of eastern Kurdistan Region. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historical sites, and educational institutions. The governorate’s capital, Sulaymaniyah city, is one of the largest cities in Kurdistan Region.

7. Kirkuk Governorate: Kirkuk Governorate is located in northern Iraq and is known for its diverse population, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians. Kirkuk city, the capital, has historically been a contested area due to its oil wealth and ethnic diversity.

8. Anbar Governorate: Anbar Governorate is located in western Iraq and is the largest governorate in terms of land area. It includes cities such as Ramadi and Fallujah, which have been affected by conflicts in recent years. Anbar is known for its desert landscapes and tribal culture.

9. Salah ad Din Governorate: Salah ad Din Governorate is situated in central Iraq and is named after the famous Muslim military leader Salah ad-Din (Saladin). The governorate includes cities like Tikrit, the birthplace of Saddam Hussein, and has a mix of Sunni Arab and Turkmen populations.

10. Wasit Governorate: Wasit Governorate is located in eastern Iraq, bordering Iran. Its capital is Al Kut, a city known for its agricultural activities and historical significance. Wasit is predominantly Shia Arab in population.

11. Babil Governorate: Babil Governorate is located south of Baghdad and is known for its fertile agricultural land. Its capital, Al Hillah, is an ancient city with historical significance dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. Babil is predominantly Shia Arab.

12. Diyala Governorate: Diyala Governorate is located northeast of Baghdad and is known for its diverse population, including Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen. Its capital, Baqubah, has been a site of ethnic and sectarian tensions but also has historical significance.

13. Maysan Governorate: Maysan Governorate is located in southeastern Iraq, near the border with Iran. Its capital is Amarah, a city known for its marshlands and archaeological sites. Maysan is predominantly Shia Arab in population.

14. Najaf Governorate: Najaf Governorate is located south of Baghdad and is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, with the shrine of Imam Ali located there. Its capital, Najaf city, attracts millions of pilgrims each year and is an important religious and educational center.

15. Karbala Governorate: Karbala Governorate is also a significant religious center for Shia Muslims, with the shrine of Imam Hussein located there. Its capital, Karbala city, hosts millions of pilgrims annually during the Arba’een pilgrimage.

16. Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate: Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate is located in central-southern Iraq, with Al Diwaniyah as its capital. The governorate’s name refers to the historical Battle of al-Qādisiyyah, a pivotal battle during the Muslim conquest of Persia.

17. Dhi Qar Governorate: Dhi Qar Governorate is located in southern Iraq, with Nasiriyah as its capital. The governorate is known for its archaeological sites, including the ancient Sumerian city of Ur. Dhi Qar has a predominantly Shia Arab population.

18. Muthanna Governorate: Muthanna Governorate is located in southern Iraq, bordering Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Its capital is Samawah, a city known for its agricultural production and proximity to the Euphrates River. Muthanna is predominantly Shia Arab in population.

19. Sinjar Governorate: Sinjar Governorate is located in northwestern Iraq, near the border with Syria. Its capital is Sinjar city, which has historically been inhabited by Yazidis and other minority groups. The governorate is known for its diverse ethnic and religious communities.

These governorates play a crucial role in Iraq’s administrative structure, each contributing to the country’s political, cultural, and economic landscape. They reflect Iraq’s diverse ethnic and religious composition and often have unique historical and cultural significance.