The main subdivision in Iraq is the 18 muhafazah, also known as governorates or provinces. Before 1976 they were called liwas, or banner).
Officially name: The Republic of Iraq
Capital: Baghdad
Largest city: Baghdad
Official language: Arabic, Kurdish
Government: Parliamentary republic
Although the data are not absolutely reliable, the government estimates that 76 percent of the people are Arab; 19 percent are Kurds; while Turkomans, Assyrians, Armenians, and other relatively small groups make up the rest.