Independence:
October 3, 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration);
Adjacent Countries: Iran (east), Jordan
(west), Kuwait (southeast), Saudi Arabia (south), Turkey (north); Click
Here for a map
Government: Republic; Capital:
Baghdad Chief of State: President SADDAM Hussein (since 16 July 1979) Head of Gov't: Prime Minister SADDAM Hussein (since 29 May 1994)
Population (July 2001 est.):
23,331,985
Infant mortality rate (2001 est.):
60.05 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth (2001 est.): Total Population: 66.95 years Male: 65.92 years Female: 68.03 years
Ethnic groups: Arab - 75%-80% Kurdish - 15%-20% Turkoman, Assyrian or other - 5%
Religions: Muslim - 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%) Christian or other - 3%
Languages: Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian,
Armenian
Literacy: (definition: age 15 and over can
read and write)(1995 est.) Total Population: 58% Male: 70.7% Female: 45%
