Country
Iraq
Explore historical and projected climate data, climate data by sector, impacts, key vulnerabilities and what adaptation measures are being taken. Explore the overview for a general context of how climate change is affecting Iraq.
Country Summary
This page presents high-level information for Iraq's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020. Climate zone classifications in the map below use observed, historical data (sourced from the Climate Research Unit [CRU]) and are derived by applying the Köppen-Geiger climate classification methodology. This classification divides climate into five primary climate groups, which are divided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five primary groups are A (tropical), B (dry), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). All climates, except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation sub-group (second letter). It is important to understand the different climate contexts that exist within a country as well as the surrounding region when analyzing current climates and projected change. Climate classifications are identified by hovering your mouse over the legend. A narrative overview of Iraq's country context and climate is provided following the visualizations.
Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification, 1991-2020
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The Republic of Iraq is a country in southwestern Asia and is topographically divided into four regions: the great Mesopotamian alluvial plains of the Tigris; the Euphrates Rivers; the mountains in the north and east; and the desert in the south and west. Over 40% of the country is desert and is sparsely populated due to harsh weather conditions. In many parts of the country, good quality water is sparse due to salinity. Desertification and water scarcity due to river flow fluctuations render Iraq vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Iraq's population is nearly 40 million as of 2020. Iraq’s economy is mainly driven by its oil and gas sector, followed by the agriculture sector.
Impacts from the climate change, such as increases in temperatures and decreases in rain, are expected to effect Iraq’s water resources, the agriculture sector, its biodiversity, and the health sector.
