Iraq is a state in the Near East and borders Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran and the Persian Gulf. With about 41 million inhabitants and its large oil reserves, it is one of the most important countries in the Arab world. Iraq looks back on a long history and was once the center of the Mesopotamian advanced civilizations. Among the country's most important sites are the ancient sites of Babylon, Ur and Nimrud, as well as the modern city of Baghdad. However, the country has been marked by conflict and instability for many years, especially since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
