About Iraq:
Known as the “Cradle of Civilization”, Iraq is home to ancient Mesopotamia, with historic sites like Babylon and Ur. Modern Iraq was formed after World War I from Ottoman territories. It gained independence in 1932. Iraq borders Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. It spans about 169,235 square miles (438,317 square kilometers), roughly the size of the U.S. state of California, with diverse landscapes including the Mesopotamian plains, Tigris and Euphrates rivers, deserts, and mountains in the north.
Recent history of Iraq includes the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, which toppled Saddam Hussein, leading to years of conflict, insurgency, and the rise of ISIS. Iraq continues to face political instability and reconstruction challenges.
As of 2025, the estimated population of Iraq is approximately 44 million. The country is ethnically diverse, with Arabs the majority at around (75-80%), Kurds (15-20%), and smaller groups like Turkmen and Assyrians.
The country is predominantly Muslim (60-65% Shia, 30-35% Sunni). Approximately 1% of Iraq’s population is Christian, according to multiple reports. The current Christian population is estimated to be around 250,000, down significantly from pre-2003 estimates of 800,000 to 1.4 million.
Catholic places of interest in Iraq:
Iraq has significant Catholic sites, including churches, cathedrals, and monasteries, many with deep historical and religious significance. The Chaldean Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in Iraq. The Chaldean Catholic Church is an Eastern Rite Catholic Church with its roots in the ancient Church of the East, particularly in Mesopotamia, which is modern-day Iraq. It is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
Alqosh: Rabban Hormizd Monastery: Another historic monastery with a significant walking area.
Baghdad: Chaldean Church of Mary Mother of Sorrows, Saint Joseph Chaldean Cathedral, Melkite Cathedral of St. George and St. Nicholas, Latin Cathedral of Saint Joseph and St. Therese of the Infant Jesus.
Bakhdida: (Qaraqosh): Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Al-Tahira Cathedral), Bakhdida (Qaraqosh): A Syriac Catholic cathedral that was severely damaged during the Islamic State’s occupation. It has been recently restored and was visited by Pope Francis in 2021.
Ninevah Plains: Mar Matti Monastery: One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.
Traveling to Iraq
Most people travel to Iraq by air, primarily to Baghdad (airport code BGW) or Erbil (airport code EIA) as the main international airports. Visas are generally required.
As of August 2025, several governments, including those of the United States, Canada, and Australia, have issued “Do Not Travel” advisories for Iraq due to the volatile security situation.