Governorates (Muhafazat) Map of Iraq

Iraq, officially known as the Republic of Iraq, is a country located in Western Asia, sharing borders with Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. Iraq is historically significant as the cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations such as Sumer, Akkad, and Babylon. It is also home to two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, which have shaped its geography, culture, and economy.

Administratively, Iraq is divided into 18 governorates, also referred to as muhafazat, and the autonomous Kurdistan Region, which consists of three of these governorates. Baghdad, the capital city, is the largest city in Iraq and serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the nation. Each governorate reflects Iraq’s diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious communities, with significant populations of Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Assyrians, and other groups.

Major Governorates and Regional Significance

Baghdad Governorate: The heart of Iraq, Baghdad is the capital and largest city, playing a central role in politics, culture, and economy.
Basra Governorate: Located in the south, Basra is a vital port city and the center of Iraq’s oil exports.
Nineveh Governorate: Home to the ancient city of Mosul, Nineveh is known for its historical significance and diverse population.
Anbar Governorate: The largest governorate by area, Anbar is located in western Iraq and is known for its vast desert regions.
Sulaymaniyah Governorate: Part of the Kurdistan Region, Sulaymaniyah is a cultural and economic hub in the northeast.
Dhi Qar Governorate: Known for its archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Ur, Dhi Qar is culturally rich.
Erbil Governorate: Another key region in the Kurdistan area, Erbil is home to the historic Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

List of Iraq’s Governorates with Capitals, Areas, and Major Cities

Iraq is divided into 18 governorates, each with its own administrative, cultural, and historical significance. These governorates vary in size and population, reflecting Iraq’s diverse geography and communities. The table below provides a detailed overview of each governorate, including its capital city, area, and major urban centers.

S No.	Governorate	Capital City	Area (sq. km)	Region	Major Cities
1.	Al-Anbar	Ramadi	138,501	Western Iraq	Ramadi, Fallujah
2.	Al-Basra	Basra	19,070	Southern Iraq	Basra, Zubair
3.	Al-Muthanna	Samawah	51,740	Southern Iraq	Samawah, Rumaitha
4.	Al-Najaf	Najaf	28,824	Southern Iraq	Najaf, Kufa
5.	Al-Qadisiyyah	Diwaniyah	8,153	Southern Iraq	Diwaniyah, Afak
6.	Babil	Hillah	6,468	Central Iraq	Hillah, Musayyib
7.	Baghdad	Baghdad	734	Central Iraq	Baghdad
8.	Dohuk	Dohuk	6,553	Northern Iraq	Dohuk, Zakho
9.	Diyala	Baqubah	17,685	Eastern Iraq	Baqubah, Khanaqin
10.	Dhi Qar	Nasiriyah	12,900	Southern Iraq	Nasiriyah, Shatrah
11.	Erbil	Erbil	15,074	Northern Iraq	Erbil, Shaqlawa
12.	Karbala	Karbala	5,034	Southern Iraq	Karbala, Hindiyah
13.	Kirkuk	Kirkuk	9,679	Northern Iraq	Kirkuk, Hawija
14.	Maysan	Amarah	16,072	Southern Iraq	Amarah, Ali al-Gharbi
15.	Nineveh	Mosul	37,323	Northern Iraq	Mosul, Sinjar
16.	Salah al-Din	Tikrit	24,751	Northern Iraq	Tikrit, Samarra
17.	Sulaymaniyah	Sulaymaniyah	17,023	Northern Iraq	Sulaymaniyah, Halabja
18.	Wasit	Kut	17,153	Eastern Iraq	Kut, Numaniyah