Iraq

Iraq, known in ancient times as Mesopotamia, is one of the most significant lands in human history.

Insights

Capital
Baghdad
Total Pop
47,300,000
Male %
50.20%
Female %
49.80%
Age 18–34 %
~29%

Insights

Capital
Baghdad
Total Pop
47,300,000
Male %
50.20%
Female %
49.80%
Age 18–34 %
~29%

Insights

Primary Religion
Islam (Shia & Sunni)
Religion Division %
Muslim 95.9 %, Christian 1.6 %
Primary Language
Arabic / Kurdish
Social Media Users
40,100,000
Persecution Ranking
18
Overall Literacy %
79%

Historical Overview

Iraq, known in ancient times as Mesopotamia, is one of the most significant lands in human history. It is the cradle of civilization, where early writing, cities, and laws were formed, and where great empires such as the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian civilizations flourished. In the early centuries, Iraq also became a center of the Islamic world, shaping culture, science, and faith across the region. Christianity reached this land in the first century through the disciples of the Apostle Thomas, and the Church of the East grew into one of the oldest and most influential Christian movements, sending missionaries across Asia and contributing greatly to theology and learning.

Insights

Primary Religion
Islam (Shia & Sunni)
Religion Division %
Muslim 95.9 %, Christian 1.6 %
Primary Language
Arabic / Kurdish
Social Media Users
40,100,000
Persecution Ranking
18
Overall Literacy %
79%

Historical Overview

Iraq, known in ancient times as Mesopotamia, is one of the most significant lands in human history. It is the cradle of civilization, where early writing, cities, and laws were formed, and where great empires such as the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian civilizations flourished. In the early centuries, Iraq also became a center of the Islamic world, shaping culture, science, and faith across the region. Christianity reached this land in the first century through the disciples of the Apostle Thomas, and the Church of the East grew into one of the oldest and most influential Christian movements, sending missionaries across Asia and contributing greatly to theology and learning.

Current Status

Modern Iraq has been deeply wounded by decades of dictatorship, war, sectarian violence, and terrorism. Long-standing divisions between Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish communities continue to strain the nation, while economic collapse, corruption, and displacement have left millions living in poverty and uncertainty. The Christian population has been dramatically reduced due to persecution, forced migration, and violence, especially during the rise of the Islamic State. Converts from Islam and young believers face rejection, intimidation, and severe pressure to abandon their faith. Yet amid suffering, a faithful remnant of believers remains. Many Iraqis, disillusioned by extremism and conflict, are searching for truth, and an increasing number are opening their hearts to Christ. Even in great hardship, God’s redemptive work continues, bringing renewal, courage, and hope to His Church and to a nation longing for peace.

2025

2,332 Unique seekers
166 Gospel Presented
80 Professions of Faith
42 New Disciples

2026

1,986 Unique seekers
133 Gospel Presented
33 Professions of Faith
43 New Disciples

Testimonials

God is working through us to reach seekers’ hearts and transform their lives. All the names of the shared testimonies have been changed, concealing their identity to protect them.

Prayer

“When you pray, you join a global movement that strengthens underground churches, encourages new believers, and opens doors in unreached nations”.

Resources

eligion/Language Source: Iraq - Operation World

eligion/Language Source: Iraq - Operation World

Modern Iraq has been deeply wounded by decades of dictatorship, war, sectarian violence, and terrorism. Long-standing divisions between Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish communities continue to strain the nation

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