The Republic of Iraq (Arabic: الجمهورية العراقية, Al-Jumhuriyah Al-Iraqiyah), commonly known as Iraq (العراق, al-‘Irāq), is a Middle Eastern nation which occupies the majority of Mesopotamia. The modern day nation gains its roots following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War II, in which the British established a colonial presence in the area. Iraq became a republic in 1958 following the overthrow of the British-backed monarchy. Since 1979, the nation has been under rule of Saddam Hussein and the Ba'ath Party.