IRAQ

IRAQ

Iraq is a state located in the north of the Arabian Peninsula, washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. Territory area – 437 sq. km. The capital is Baghdad. The official languages ​​are Arabic and Kurdish.

Iraq is a federal republic with a bicameral parliament. Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. The constitution, adopted in a popular referendum, proclaims Islam as the official religion and the basis of legislation.

The fertile region of Mesopotamia in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is one of the earliest centers of the cultural development of mankind. At different times on this territory there were such powerful states as Akkad, Babylon, Assyria, the Arab Caliphate, the Ottoman Empire. After the collapse of the latter at the beginning of the twentieth century, the proclamation of the Kingdom of Iraq begins the independent history of the country.

Population

The population of Iraq is over 40 million people. Approximately 80% of the population are Arabs, 18% Kurds, as well as Persians, Turks, Assyrians, Armenians, etc. There are more than a hundred nomadic and sedentary tribes in the country.

About 95% of residents are Muslims. Social life is largely determined by Islamic traditions; at the same time, calendar rituals dating back to pre-Islamic times associated with the beginning of field work, harvesting, etc., are preserved. Traditional clothing is generally close to the North Arabian Bedouin costume.

Economy

Iran is an agrarian country with developed animal husbandry; cereals, grains and vegetables are actively cultivated. The economy is also based on the production and export of oil and gas. Industrial development of such minerals as phosphorites, sulfur, gypsum, talc, asbestos, table salt, iron, copper, nickel and other ores is underway. The growth of industrial production and GDP in recent (post-war) years was 3-10% per year. The processing and construction industries, as well as tourism, have the greatest potential for the coming years.

Transport

The total length of the country’s highways is about 45 thousand km, the length of the railway network is more than 2 thousand km. Intercity bus service is gradually being restored; air service is developed between major cities. Several seaports operate. The main public transport in Iraqi cities are buses and taxis.

Interesting

The climate in Iraq is continental, with dry and hot summers and cool winters, subtropical in the north, tropical in the south. Forests cover only 2% of the country’s area.

The main archaeological site of Iraq is the ruins of Babylon, which is recognized as the oldest city on the planet. One of the most ancient cities is the capital of the country Baghdad.

Since 2016, the production and sale of alcoholic beverages has been prohibited in the country.

The national currency is the Iraqi dinar.

GMT: +3 hours.