Religions in Iraq
Discover the rich religious diversity and sacred heritage of Iraq, home to ancient faiths and holy sites
Religious Diversity in Iraq
Iraq is home to diverse religious communities, with Islam being the predominant faith, alongside ancient Christian, Yazidi, and Mandaean communities.
Islam
95-97%The dominant religion in Iraq, with both Sunni and Shia communities
Branches/Denominations
• Shia Islam (60-65%)
• Sunni Islam (32-37%)
Holy Places
NajafKarbalaBaghdad (Kadhmiya)Samarra
Iraq is home to some of the holiest sites in Shia Islam
Christianity
1-3%Ancient Christian communities with various denominations
Branches/Denominations
• Chaldean Catholic
• Assyrian Church
• Syriac Orthodox
• Armenian Apostolic
Holy Places
BaghdadErbilDohukQaraqosh
One of the oldest Christian communities in the world
Yazidism
<1%Ancient monotheistic religion practiced mainly by Kurdish Yazidis
Branches/Denominations
• Traditional Yazidi
Holy Places
Lalish TempleSinjar
Unique ancient religion with pre-Islamic roots
Mandaeism
<1%Gnostic religion that reveres John the Baptist
Branches/Denominations
• Traditional Mandaean
Holy Places
Southern Iraq marshlandsBaghdad
One of the oldest surviving Gnostic religions