The main subdivision in Iraq is the 18 muhafazah, also known as governorates or provinces. Before 1976 they were called liwas, or banner).
The culture of Iraq is diverse. About 75% of the Iraqi people are Arab.
As the “Cradle of Civilisation” Iraq has a long educational heritage. However, the educational system in Iraq has suffered along with all other sectors due to chronic shortages of resources resulting from the UN sanctions imposed on the country when it invaded neighboring Kuwait in 1990/91. Iraqi schools have little or no access to books, supplies, equipment or any other resources.