In 2003, U.S.-led coalition forces invaded and occupied Iraq, overthrowing the government and triggering an insurgency and sectarian violence during the Iraq War, which ended in 2011. From 2013 to 2017, Iraq faced another major conflict with the rise and defeat of the Islamic State. Discover Iraq. Explore Iraq facts, culture, history & comprehensive country profile with maps, statistics & research resources for students & travelers. Iraq is a country in southwestern Asia. During ancient times, lands that now constitute Iraq were known as Mesopotamia. The modern nation-state of Iraq was created following World War I from the Ottoman provinces of Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul. The capital city is Baghdad. Some two decades after a shaky political transition, Iraq today is a country “at peace, with increased security and a clear determination to win the battle of development,” says the UN resident... Reuters.com is your online source for the latest Iraq news stories and current events, ensuring our readers up to date with any breaking news developments Physical map of Iraq showing major cities, terrain, national parks, rivers, and surrounding countries with international borders and outline maps. Key facts about Iraq. Learn about the political instability in Iraq, where it began, and the latest developments with the Center for Preventive Action's Global Conflict Tracker.