Iraq

Capital: Baghdad

Sumer emerged around 6000 to 5000 BC and is regarded as the world's earliest civilisation, linked to writing, the wheel and early law codes.
The Ziggurat of Ur was built around the 21st century BC under King Ur-Nammu as a shrine to the moon god Nanna, and it is the best-preserved landmark at the site.
The Ishtar Gate, credited to Nebuchadnezzar II, was one of eight gates around Babylon and was decorated with bulls and dragons; a reconstruction is displayed in Berlin.
Lower Mesopotamia makes Iraq one of the world's largest date producers, and the fruit is eaten fresh, dried, or made into syrup.
Residents of the southern marshes live in mudhif reed houses, often reachable only by boat, and about 40 bird species visit the wetlands.

Cities