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 |