Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a West Asian country situated between the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, known as the ancient land of Mesopotamia. It is a diverse nation with Arab and Kurdish populations, where Arabic and Kurdish are the main languages, and Islam is the majority religion. With its capital Baghdad as a major cultural and economic center, Iraq is a strategically important country with a Shia-majority government and complex relationships with its neighbors like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Historically a cradle of civilization, Iraq's modern economy is heavily reliant on oil, and the country is facing significant environmental challenges, especially climate change.