The main subdivision in Iraq is the 18 muhafazah, also known as governorates or provinces. Before 1976 they were called liwas, or banner).
Iraq religion is Islam. Muslims (those who practice Islam) account for a whopping 97% of the Iraqi population. However, the Catholic Religion is allowed to practice in Iraq. This year 2008, Christmas was a recognized holiday.
Iraqi cuisine has changed and evolved since the time of the Babylonians, Sumerians and Assyrians. The cuisine has been influenced by those ancient civiliSations, which also had influence Greek and Persian cuisines. With the coming of Islam and the spread of Arab culture, which influenced the region, the food was enhanced to combine old and new sets of tastes.