Iraq has 18 governorates (called muhafazat in Arabic), the primary administrative divisions that organise the country's government, services, and elected councils. While English speakers often search for the "states" of Iraq, the correct term is governorate or province. Each is led by a governor and an elected provincial council, and together they cover everything from the deserts of the west to the mountains of the Kurdish north.
The 18 Governorates of Iraq
Here is the complete list of all 18 governorates, spanning the Arab-majority centre and south, the disputed northern oil regions, and the autonomous Kurdistan Region:
- Anbar
- Babylon (Babil)
- Baghdad
- Basra
- Dhi Qar
- Diyala
- Duhok
- Erbil
- Karbala
- Kirkuk
- Maysan
- Muthanna
- Najaf
- Nineveh
- Qadisiyyah (Al-Qadisiyyah)
- Saladin (Salah ad-Din)
- Sulaymaniyah
- Wasit
Each governorate is further subdivided into districts (qadaa) and then sub-districts (nahiya), creating several layers of local administration beneath the provincial level.
The Largest and Most Populated
Anbar is by far the largest governorate by area, sprawling across the arid western frontier toward Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Its vast desert expanse covers roughly a third of Iraq's territory, yet it is sparsely populated relative to its size. At the opposite extreme, Baghdad is the smallest by area but the most populous, home to the capital city and many millions of residents packed into a comparatively tiny footprint along the Tigris.
This contrast captures Iraq's settlement pattern well: people cluster along the great rivers — the Tigris and Euphrates — and around historic urban centres, while the western and southwestern deserts remain thinly inhabited. The fertile river corridors of the south and centre, by comparison, support dense farming communities and ancient cities.
The Kurdistan Region
Three northern governorates — Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah — together form the core of the autonomous Kurdistan Region. Unlike the rest of Iraq, this region has its own elected parliament, prime minister, and armed forces (the Peshmerga), with Erbil serving as its capital. The arrangement is enshrined in Iraq's constitution, giving the region a level of self-rule unusual among the country's provinces.
Beyond these three, the status of some northern areas — most notably the oil-rich governorate of Kirkuk — has long been disputed between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdish authorities. These "disputed territories" are a recurring feature of Iraqi politics and explain why maps of the region's effective control can differ from the formal governorate boundaries.
How the System Works and Has Changed
The governorate framework Iraq uses today traces back to administrative reorganisation in the 20th century, when older Ottoman-era provinces (vilayets) were reshaped into modern divisions. The number and names of provinces have shifted over the decades as boundaries were redrawn and some units were renamed.
Several governorate names carry deep historical and religious weight. Najaf and Karbala are among the holiest cities in Shia Islam, drawing millions of pilgrims each year. Babylon takes its name from the ancient city near the Euphrates, while Nineveh recalls the great Assyrian capital near modern Mosul. Saladin (Salah ad-Din) is named after the famed 12th-century Muslim leader. These names link Iraq's modern map directly to thousands of years of Mesopotamian and Islamic history.
Under Iraq's federal constitution, governorates that are not part of a region hold significant powers of their own, and the law allows provinces to organise into larger regions if their populations vote to do so — though, to date, Kurdistan remains the only such region. For a fuller picture of the country's geography, history, and culture, see our iraq country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Iraq have states or provinces?
Iraq does not use the term "states." Its primary administrative divisions are 18 governorates (muhafazat), which function much like provinces. The word "state" is simply a common English search term for these divisions.
What is the capital of Iraq?
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and also the name of the country's smallest but most populous governorate. It sits on the Tigris River in the centre of the country and is the seat of the federal government.
Which is the largest governorate in Iraq?
Anbar is the largest governorate by land area, covering a huge stretch of western desert bordering Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Despite its size, it has a relatively small population compared with the densely settled river provinces.
How many governorates are in the Kurdistan Region?
The autonomous Kurdistan Region is built around three governorates — Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah — with Erbil as its capital. The region governs itself through its own parliament and security forces while remaining part of Iraq.
