The official name is the Republic of Iraq (Jumhuriya al Iraq; Republic of Iraq). Located in Southwest Asia. The area is 435.05 thousand km2, the population is 23.117 million people. (2000). The official language is Arabic, in Iraqi Kurdistan - and Kurdish. The capital is the city of Baghdad (about 5 million people). The monetary unit is the Iraqi dinar (equal to 1,000 fils).
Member of the UN (since 1945) and its specialized organizations, the Arab League (since 1945), OPEC (since 1960), the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (since 1968), the OIC (since 1971), the Arab Monetary Fund (since 1978), and others.
Sights of Iraq
Geography of Iraq
Located between 38o45' and 48o45' east longitude, 29o05' and 37o22' north latitude. In the southeast, for 58 km, it is washed by the Persian Gulf. The Abdullah Strait separates the southern coast from the islands of Warba and Bubiyan (Kuwait). It borders: in the north - with Turkey, in the east - with Iran, in the southwest and south - with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, in the northwest and west - with Syria and Jordan.
By the nature of the relief, Iraq can be divided into four parts: mountainous (Iraqi Kurdistan) - in the north and northeast; the elevated plateau of El Jazeera (Upper Mesopotamia) - in the west; Mesopotamian lowland (Lower Mesopotamia, or Arabian Iraq) - in the center and in the south; the outskirts of the Syrian-Arabian plateau (desert region) - in the southwest.
The highest mountains (height over 3000 m) are located on the border with Turkey and Iran and in the interfluve of the Big and Small Zab. El Jazeera is an elevated plain, the average height is from 200 to 450 m above sea level. In the north, it is crossed by the Jebel Sinjar mountains (the highest point - 1463 m), running from the southwest to the northeast, and in the south - the Jebel Hamrin mountains (the highest point - 520 m). To the north of Baghdad, El Jazeera drops to the south and passes into a vast plain - the Mesopotamian lowland, its average height is 100 m. The desert plateau, including El Jazeera, is approx. 60% of the territory of Iraq, the mountainous region and the alluvial lowland (Arabic Iraq) - 20% each.
Iraq ranks second in the world after Saudi Arabia in terms of proven oil reserves (112 billion barrels, or 15.3 billion tons), which is approx. 10.7% of proven world reserves. The production cost is very low - on average, approx. 1-1.5 US dollars per 1 bbl.
Proven reserves of natural gas reach 3188 billion m3 (10th place in the world). 3/4 of them are concentrated in the gas caps of oil fields (associated gas). In Iraq, there are some of the world's largest deposits of native sulfur in the Mishrak region near the city of Mosul and phosphorus-containing ores (estimated at 10 billion tons), the largest in the Rutba region (Akashat, 3.5 billion tons) and in the Marbat region of approx. Baghdad. The bowels of Iraq also contain reserves of iron ore, chromium, copper, manganese, uranium, asbestos, gypsum, marble and other minerals. Exploration for minerals has been carried out only on 50% of the country's territory.
The most common soils are alluvial-meadow (along most of the Tigris River, along the entire course of the Euphrates and Shatt al-Arab rivers), gray soils (western and southwestern parts of the country, part of Upper Mesopotamia), chestnut (in the north, in the region of .Mosul) and mountain chestnut (in the mountains of Kurdistan).
Most of Iraq is located in the subtropical Mediterranean continental climate zone with hot, dry summers and warm, rainy winters. In the north there is a hot summer, but the average July temperature is not higher than + 35 ° C and a mild rainy autumn, precipitation from 400 to 1000 mm / year. In Upper Mesopotamia, dry hot summers (absolute maximum July + 50 ° C), mild rainy winters, rainfall - 300 mm / year. Lower Mesopotamia is located in the tropical zone, which occupies 70% of the territory of Iraq, the rainfall is from 50 to 200 mm / year. In the west and southwest of Iraq, the climate is desert, with precipitation reaching 100-120 mm/year. In July-August, southern winds (Arabian simum) prevail, in winter - northeast winds with hot fine sand, they reach special strength in February.
The largest rivers in the Middle East - the Tigris and Euphrates (in Arabic Ed-Dijla and El-Furat) - are the main sources of Iraq's surface waters. Approx. 80% of the total length of the Tigris (about 1400 km) and 44% of the Euphrates (about 1150 km). The Shatt al-Arab River is formed as a result of the confluence of the lower reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, its length is 187 km.
Most of the lakes are located in the south of the country. The most important of them are: Khor el-Hammar (an area of 2500 km2), Khor el-Khoveiza (on the territory of Iraq approx. 1200 km2), Khor-Saniya, Khor-es-Saadiya. In the center of Iraq there is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the world - Lake Tartar (Wadi-Tartar) (area 2710 km2, capacity - 85.4 km3); Lake Er-Razzaza (on maps in the USSR it is designated as Lake El-Milkh, capacity - 25.5 km3), Lake Habbaniya (capacity - 3.25 km3), in the north - Dukan reservoir (capacity - 6.8 km3) and Derbendi -Khan (capacity - 3.25 km3).
The main types of vegetation are semi-desert (west, south-west and south of the country), steppe (north and north-east of Iraq), swamp (south of Lower Mesopotamia), shrub (in the floodplain zone of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers) and woody (on northern and northeastern Iraq). The total forest area is 1776 thousand hectares, including 20 thousand hectares - gallery forests along the banks of the rivers (mainly poplar). Among cultivated plants, the main thing is the date palm, its plantations occupy the south of Iraq, the number of productive date palms in 1994 reached 12.6 million.
mammals and causing ankylostomiasis. The rivers of Iraq and the Persian Gulf are rich in fish. From domestic animals - horses (Arab horses predominate), cattle - buffaloes (the main draft animal), cows, sheep, goats, donkeys. In southern Iraq, one-humped Arab camels (dromedaries) are bred.
Population of Iraq
Iraqi population dynamics (million people): 1957 (census) - 6.299, 1965 - 8.047, 1977 - 12.0, 1987 - 16.335, 1995 (estimate) - 20.1, 2003 (estimate) - approx. 25.0. The decline in population growth in 1987-2000 is explained by the 1980-88 war between Iraq and Iran, Iraq's war against the multinational forces in 1991 and the introduction of economic sanctions against Iraq in August 1990 by the UN Security Council, which were in effect until May 2003, which caused a drop in the birth rate, an increase in the death rate of the population and a huge wave of emigration from the country. The number of emigrants from Iraq as of 2000 is estimated at 2-4 million people.
Birth rate in 1973-75 42.6‰; according to UN estimates, in 1990-95 38.4‰, in 1995-2000 - 36.4‰.
Mortality, according to UN estimates, was 10.4‰ in 1990-95, and 8.5‰ in 1995-2000. Child mortality (under the age of 1 year) in 1973-75 88.7 people. per 1000 newborns; according to UN estimates, in 1990-95 - 127, in 1995-2000 - 95.
Age structure of the population: 0-14 years old - 45.2%; 15-59 years old - 49.7%; 60 years and older - 5.1% (1987). Men 51.3%, women 48.7% (1994 est.).
Urban population and its share in the total population of the country (million people,%): 1970 (estimate) - 5.452 (57.8), 1977 - 7.646 (63.7), 1987 - 11.469 (70.2), 1994 (estimate) - 14.308 (71.5), 2000 (estimate) - 17.325 (75).
The proportion of illiterates among the population over the age of 9 is 27.4% (1987). The share of children and young people (aged 6 to 23 years) studying in educational institutions decreased in 1980-98 from 67 to 50%.
The published results of the population censuses in 1965, 1977 and 1987 do not contain information about its ethnic composition. According to estimates, in the total population: Arabs - 76-77%, Kurds - 18-20%, Turkomans, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Persians (Iranians), Armenians, Turks, Jews, etc. Languages: Arabic (Iraqi dialect, in which speaks most of the Arabs of Iraq, has been formed since the 7th century from the living speech of the Arabs under the influence of elements of the Aramaic, Persian and Turkish languages); Kurdish (Kurmanji and Sorani dialects).
Over. 95% of the population (Arabs, Kurds, Turkomans, Iranians, Turks) profess Islam, which is the state religion. The rest profess Christianity of various persuasions, Judaism and some residual forms of the ancient beliefs of the peoples of the Middle East. Most of the Muslims in Iraq belong to the Shia community (60-65% of all Muslims in the country and about 80% of Arab Muslims). The Shiite community in Iraq is the largest in the Arab countries and ranks third in the world after Iran and Pakistan. In addition to the Arabs, 30% of the Turkomans living in Iraq also belong to it; virtually all Iraqis are of Iranian origin (Persians). Most Shiites live in the south and east of the country, as well as in Baghdad. Most of the Shiites are rural residents, Shiites-townspeople live, in addition to the sacred Shiite centers of En-Nejaf and Karbala, and in such religious centers of Shiism as Kazimein (outskirts of Baghdad), Kufa, Samarra. The Shia population is represented by the Imami sects (the most numerous sect in Shiism) - approx. 90% of the country's Shiites, Sheikhs, Ali-Ilahi, Baha'is, Ismailis. Shiites are the most backward and traditionally oppressed part of the country's population. The spiritual leader of the Shiites of Iraq - Ayatollah lives in En-Najaf. Sunnis are the leading branch in the world of Islam, but in Iraq it ranks second in terms of the number of its adherents (about 30-35% of all Muslims in the country and less than 20% of the Arabs of Iraq). Such a ratio between the number of Sunnis and Shiites was carefully concealed by the authorities during the years of the Baath Party in power, the existing differences in the socio-economic situation between Sunnis and Shiites were obscured in every possible way. These differences have existed since the time of the Ottoman Empire. All leading positions in administrative bodies and in various sectors of the economy, officer positions in the army and police were primarily given to Sunnis (under the Baath - members of this ruling party). Sunnis live in the center and north of Iraq. The highest authority among the Sunnis is kady (qadi). Christians in Iraq from 800 thousand to 1 million people. (grade). Most of the Assyrians (Nestorians) belong to the Orthodox Church. Some of the Assyrians (Syro-Catholics) belong to the Catholics, the Chaldeans are former Nestorians who accepted union with the Catholic Church and obey the Pope, as well as Jacobite Arabs and Maronites. The number of Chaldeans and Assyrians, according to St. 600 thousand people A part of the Armenian community also belongs to the Catholics. The other part - the Gregorian Armenians recognize as their head the Catholicos of all Armenians in Etchmiadzin (Armenia). The total number of Armenians in the country in 2000 is approx. 30 thousand people Among the religious minorities professing residual forms of ancient beliefs, the most famous are the Yezidis (about 30-50 thousand people) and the Sabeans (several tens of thousands). The Jewish community, which unites professing Judaism, has approx. 2.5 thousand people, they live mainly in Baghdad and Basra. The Jewish community was once very influential in the business world of Iraq. However, since 1948 - the beginning of the Arab-Israeli wars - the vast majority of Jews left Iraq.
History of Iraq
Iraq is located in the interfluve of the Tigris and Euphrates (Greek - Mesopotamia, i.e. interfluve). Mesopotamia was the birthplace of the most ancient world civilizations: the Sumerian-Akkadian (3rd millennium BC), the Babylonian kingdom (21-6 centuries BC), ancient Assyria (3rd millennium - 7th century BC). BC.). In the 7th-8th centuries. AD Mesopotamia was conquered by the Arabs, Islam came here with them. Mesopotamia became part of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates (7-11 centuries AD). The Turkish sultan Suleiman the Magnificent subjugated all of Mesopotamia in 1534-46 and for almost 4 centuries it was one of the outskirts of the Ottoman Empire, which collapsed after the 1st World War. Of the three provinces of the former empire - Baghdad, Basra and Mosul - modern Iraq was formed, which, in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Council of the Entente and the mandate of the League of Nations, was ruled by Great Britain in 1920-32. In July 1921, the provisional government of Iraq elected Emir Faisal al-Hashimi as king, but the British high commissioner in Iraq remained the de facto leader of the country. In October 1932, after the abolition of the mandate, Iraq became formally an independent state and was admitted to the League of Nations.
The mandate regime left a heavy legacy - a backward economy, the omnipotence of feudal lords and usurers in the countryside, the poverty of millions of landless peasants in the countryside and workers, artisans, and the unemployed in the city, serious national and religious contradictions. After gaining independence, the country was ruled by proteges of the British - Prime Minister Nuri Said and Regent under the heir to the throne, Faisal, 2nd Emir Abdul Illah. Their dominance in the country was supported not only by the British, but also by local feudal lords and compradors.
The period after World War II was marked by an upsurge in the national liberation movement. The activity of political parties, which expressed the interests of the working class, the petty bourgeoisie and the national bourgeoisie, increased. Despite the establishment by N. Said of the regime of the most severe dictatorship, resistance to the anti-people policy of the ruling circles grew. The participants in the national liberation movement directed their efforts towards Iraq's withdrawal from the Baghdad Pact (1955), and in October-November 1956 a powerful wave of demonstrations swept here condemning the aggression of Great Britain, France and Israel against Egypt. The national liberation movement finally took shape in 1957, when the National Unity Front (FNU) was created, which included the Iraqi Communist Party (ICP), the National Democratic Party (NDP), the Baath Party (Iraqi Arab Socialist Renaissance Party - PASN) and the Independence Party . The FNE program provided for the removal of the feudal-monarchist clique from power, the withdrawal of Iraq from the Baghdad Pact and the provision of constitutional democratic freedoms to the population. The program of the Front was approved by the mass patriotic organizations, trade unions, and also by the underground organization "Free Officers", created in the Iraqi army in May 1956.
The revolution of July 14, 1958, abolished the feudal-monarchist regime. In place of the monarchy, the Republic of Iraq was proclaimed. The first republican government was headed by the leader of the Free Officers organization, which became the vanguard of the armed coup in the capital, Brigadier Abdel Kerim Kasem. During the first year of its existence, the republic achieved significant success in domestic and foreign policy: Iraq withdrew from the Baghdad Pact, liquidated foreign military bases, denounced agreements with the United States on military and economic issues, and restored diplomatic relations with the USSR. In July 1958, the Provisional Constitution was adopted, proclaiming the equality of all citizens before the law, for the first time women were given equal rights with men, the activities of public organizations and trade unions were legalized, the purge of the state apparatus began, and key figures of the monarchist regime were put on trial.
In September 1958, the agrarian reform law began to be implemented, undermining the foundations of the semi-feudal exploitation of the peasants. In 1959, the Provisional Plan was approved, and in 1961, the first five-year plan for the development of the national economy. In order to reduce its dependence on Western capital, Iraq withdrew from the sterling bloc and established control over the activities of foreign companies, including the multinational Iraq Petroleum Company (IPK). Trade and economic ties were established with the socialist countries, primarily with the USSR. These states began to assist Iraq in the development of the national economy, mainly in the sphere of industry, infrastructure and in the training of national personnel.
In September 1961, the regime of A.K.Kasem started a war against the Kurdish people in the north of the country. This war continued intermittently for 30 years - until 1991. On February 8, 1963, the regime of A.K. Qasem was overthrown as a result of an armed coup organized by the Baath Party, the Arab Nationalist Movement and the military group of Colonel A.S. Aref.
The new supreme body of power - the National Revolutionary Command Council (NCRC) appointed A.S. Aref as the country's president, but the actual power was in the hands of extremist Baath leaders, who occupied key positions in the NCRC and the government. During the first period of being in power (February-November 1963), the PASV showed itself to be the most severe repressions unleashed against the communists and other democratic forces of the country. As a result, approx. 5 thousand people, and more than 10 thousand were thrown into prisons and concentration camps. Almost the entire leadership of the ICP, including its general secretary, Salam Adil, was destroyed.
After the liquidation of its opponents, the Baath regime began in June 1963 a war of extermination against the Kurds, during which the civilian population of Kurdistan was subjected to violence and ill-treatment. The anti-popular political course of the ruling regime, its utter inability to solve the most important problems of the country plunged Iraq into a deep economic crisis. All R. 1963 all political parties and groups that participated in the overthrow of Qasem, refused to ally with the PASV. On November 18, 1963, the Baathists were removed from power in a military coup. A.S.Aref took over the posts of the President of the country, the Chairman of the NSRK and the Commander-in-Chief. The short period of A.S. Aref's tenure in power, and after his death in a plane crash in 1966, of his brother, General Abdel Rahman Aref, who previously held the post of chief of the general staff of the Iraqi army, is characterized by a struggle within the ruling bloc. Trying to bring the country out of the crisis, the government expanded cooperation with the UAR, normalized relations with the USSR, and tried to normalize relations with the Kurds. On July 14, 1964, under the influence of supporters of the development of Iraq along the path of the UAR, laws were passed on the nationalization of large enterprises in industry and trade, all banks and insurance companies, including branches of foreign banks and insurance companies. However, in reality, the most important problems related to the democratization of society, the Kurdish issue and the economy have not been resolved. A.R.Aref unsuccessfully tried to maneuver between the various forces of the opposition. On July 17-30, 1968, the Ba'ath Party again came to power in Baghdad, carrying out a coup d'état with the help of the army. A.R. Aref was removed from the presidency. To govern the country, the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) was established, headed by brigadier Ahmed Hassan al Bakr, the general secretary of the Iraqi Baath, who simultaneously held the post of president of the republic.
The activities of the PASV leadership in 1968-2003, which took into account its sad experience of a short reign of the country, can be summarized in several important areas: 1) strengthening the social base of the ruling party; 2) strengthening the financial and economic base for the socio-economic development of the country and for strengthening the strength of the regime; 3) the solution of all remaining major political problems (Kurds, communists, Shiites, the activities of bourgeois and nationalist parties and movements) with the aim of their maximum weakening and neutralization; 4) the creation of an authoritarian regime of personal power of President S. Hussein, who in November 1969 became the second person in the state and the party; 5) expansion of Iraq's influence in the Middle East, turning the country into a regional superpower.
With the coming to power of the Ba'ath Party, the "Ba'athization" of the officer corps of the army (completed by the beginning of 1970) and all civilian units of the state apparatus began to be carried out. The expansion and renewal of the social base was also carried out at the expense of the working people, the intelligentsia, and university students. The activities of trade unions were placed under the control of the Baath, new Baathist mass organizations were created, as well as "people's councils" and "people's army" (armed detachments of the party, personally subordinate to S. Hussein).
In 1972-75 the Ba'ath nationalized the multinational IPK and its subsidiaries in Mosul and Basra. By this, she took full control of the main natural wealth of the country - oil. In addition to the foreign policy significance of this move, the nationalization of the IPK led to a huge increase in the power of the PASV due to a sharp increase in world oil prices. In 13 years (1968-80) Iraq's revenues from oil exports increased by almost 55 times - from 476 million to 26.1 billion US dollars. This gave the Ba'ath a degree of financial power and independence that none of the previous governments of Iraq had, with a small group of members of the SRC, among whom was the deputy chairman of the SRC, S. Hussein, turned out to be the stewards of finances. With such a solid financial base, the Baath was able to solve a number of important social issues related to improving social security, expanding free medical care, and creating one of the most advanced in the 1970s. in the Arab world education system.
In 1970, the Baath invited the ICP to recognize its (Baath) leading role in the government of the country and in the activities of mass organizations. In July 1973, the ICP joined the Progressive National Patriotic Front (PNPF) as a partner of the Baath, depriving itself of the opportunity to publicly criticize the actions of the ruling party. In 1978, when the alliance with the ICP was no longer needed by the Baath (the problems of the Kurds and the nationalization of the "IPK" were practically resolved), S. Hussein declared the communists of Iraq to be foreign agents, repressions were launched against them, 31 communist officers were executed. The IKP was forced to go underground, and the PPPF practically disintegrated. The problem of the Kurds was "resolved" by the adoption of the law of March 11, 1974 on Kurdish autonomy. Such a "solution" did not suit the Kurds of Iraq at all. Ethnic cleansing began in Iraqi Kurdistan - instead of Kurds, Arabs from the southern regions were resettled to the north of the country. In the 2nd floor. 1970s From Iraqi Kurdistan, St. 700 thousand people, destroyed from 1975 to 1988 approx. 4 thousand Kurdish villages.
With rigidity, the problem of Shiites was also “resolved”. In March 1980, several tens of thousands of Iraqi Shiites of Iranian origin were deported to Iran. In the same year, on the orders of S. Hussein, the spiritual head of the Shiites of Iraq, Ayatollah Muhammad Bakr al-Sadr and his sister, were executed. Before these events in the 1970s. Shiites were brutally suppressed in the south of the country.
In July 1979, S. Hussein completely seized power in the country, depriving President A.Kh. al-Bakr of all posts. S. Hussein's real and potential competitors were shot - a third of the members of the SRK. Only those who were able to unquestioningly obey their leader were left alive.
In order to strengthen the power of Iraq in the region and his own influence in 1980, S. Hussein unleashed a war with Iran, which lasted 8 years. During the war, Iraq lost approx. 200 thousand people and more ok. 300,000 were injured, and the external debt amounted to $80 billion.
In August 1990, S. Hussein unleashed a new war - against Kuwait, declaring it the 19th province of his country. This led to military operations of the multinational forces of 33 countries against Iraq in January-February 1991. An economic blockade was established against Iraq by the decision of the UN Security Council, which lasted until April 2003. During the blockade, St. 1.5 million Iraqis.
In recent years, the US authorities have demanded from the leadership of Iraq to allow UN inspectors, who were expelled from this country in 1998, to check the presence or absence of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or equipment for their production in Iraq. Iraq has consistently refused these demands. After a series of warnings against Iraq from the United States, on March 18, 2003, US President D. Bush in an ultimatum demanded that S. Hussein leave Iraq within 48 hours. S. Hussein publicly rejected this demand. On the morning of March 20, 2003, D. Bush announced the start of a military operation against Iraq called "Shock and Awe." The armed forces of the United States, Great Britain and Australia participated in it. During the operation, which lasted 3 weeks, the number of countries participating in the coalition increased to 45.
China, France, the Federal Republic of Germany and India expressed their concern over the start of the war against Iraq. President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin condemned this military operation. Poland sent troops from European countries to help the US-British coalition. On May 1, 2003, D. Bush announced the end of the war in Iraq. Baghdad was completely captured by US troops on April 9th. The PASW of Iraq was outlawed.
Before the start of the war in the United States, the "Bureau for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance to Iraq" was created, transformed into the Interim Coalition Administration in Iraq. It included 23 ministries. Each is led by an American who has 4 Iraqi consultants. In May 2003, former US State Department official Paul Bremer was appointed as the new head of the Interim Administration. An Iraq Development Fund was established with separate accounts held at the Central Bank of Iraq. Proceeds from the sale of Iraqi oil will have to go to the accounts of the Fund and be distributed until the formation of the government of Iraq by the Interim Administration.
The US plans to transfer power from the Interim Administration to the government of Iraq in 3 stages. Initially, the US military authorities will transfer cities one by one to the administration of the Interim Administration. At the second stage, power will pass into the hands of the Iraqi Interim Administration, in which representatives of the Iraqi opposition will occupy key posts, but on decisive issues the US will have the last word. The third stage involves the adoption of a new Constitution, elections to the Iraqi parliament and the transfer of all power functions to the Iraqis (except for the ministries of internal affairs and defense - they will be transferred to the Iraqis later).
A temporary division of the country into 3 zones (sectors) of responsibility is planned: the USA, Great Britain and Poland. Peacekeepers from other countries are attached to help the peacekeeping contingents of these three states. It is planned to deploy peacekeepers from 23 countries in the Polish sector (including 1,650 from Ukraine, sent in July 2003 to the area of the city of Al-Kut, south of Baghdad).
In August 2003, there were 139,000 US troops in Iraq, 11,000 from the UK and approx. 10 thousand from other 18 states. US military personnel will be present in all zones.
The US Interim Administration allowed local elections to be held in Iraq. In July 2003, the Iraqi Provisional Governing Council (ACC) was formed in Baghdad, consisting of 25 people representing all major population groups - Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, and former secular immigrants. On September 1, 2003, the MCA, in agreement with the Interim Coalition Administration in Iraq, appointed the first cabinet of ministers. The cabinet includes 25 ministers: 13 Shiites, 5 Sunni Arabs, 5 Sunni Kurds, 1 Turkoman and 1 Assyrian Christian. On June 1, 2004, Sunni Ghazi al Yawar, a member of the WSC since July 2003, was appointed to the presidency of Iraq. Shiite Ayyad Alawi, a member of the WCC, who founded the Iraqi National Accord movement in exile in 1991, was appointed prime minister.
In August 2003, the recruitment of Iraqi citizens into the new national army began. It is supposed to bring its number up to 40 thousand people. within 3 years. The task is to protect military facilities, power plants, and escort food cargo. The armed detachments of the two leading Kurdish parties - the KDP and the PUK, which, together with the United States, participated in the battles against the army of Saddam Hussein, will eventually join the new Iraqi army.
Economy of Iraq
The modern economy of Iraq is a typical example of a national economy that exists within the framework of a totalitarian regime and a command-administrative system. As a result of the introduction of sanctions by the UN Security Council, economic growth rates have been declining since 1991. If in 1965-73 the average annual GDP growth rate reached 4.4%, in 1974-80 - 10.4%, then after the imposition of sanctions and the actual cessation of oil exports, GDP production began to decline sharply. The average annual rate of decline in GDP in 1989-93 (in 1980 prices) reached minus 32.3%. Later, according to the UN, growth resumed and the average annual rate in 1995-2003 was 8.3%, which was mainly due to the restoration of the oil industry. In 2002, GDP reached (in 1995 prices) 4112 billion US dollars, and GDP per capita (in the same prices) - 165.5 US dollars.
The number of economically active population in 1997-99 was 6 million people. In 1992, 14% were employed in agriculture, 19% in industry, and 67% of the economically active population in the service sector. There are no data on unemployment in Iraq, but since the imposition of UN sanctions, the number of unemployed has increased significantly due to the fall in industrial production, a sharp reduction in government spending and inflation. In 1989 inflation in Iraq reached 45%, in 1991 it jumped to about 500%. In 1991-95, according to the FAO, food prices rose 4,000 times. The resumption of oil exports from Iraq brought inflation down to around 70% in 2000.
Sectoral structure of the economy in terms of the share of industries in GDP (UN estimate, 2002, %, 1995 prices; in parentheses - 1989 data at 1980 prices): agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing - 30.5 (6.9); mining and manufacturing industry - 9.8 (60.8); production of electricity, gas and water supply - 1.0 (1.1); construction - 4.7 (4.8); trade, restaurants and hotels - 16.6 (6.7); transport, communications and warehousing - 19.3 (4.0); finance and insurance - 5.0 (4.1); real estate and business services - 5.2 (2.2), public and personal services - 5.9 (10.0); import duties and other articles - 2.1.
In the industry of Iraq, the main role belongs to oil production (54.7% of the total GDP in 1989), the export earnings of which brought up to 95% of the total income in foreign currency. The cessation of oil exports by decision of the UN Security Council in August 1990 led to a drop in its production.
Taken in Ser. 1970s the course in the development of the industry towards the diversification of production and import substitution slowed down in 1980 due to the start of the Iran-Iraq war. During the war years, the state sought to increase output at existing enterprises and reduce imports due to lack of currency. Under these conditions, such new industries as mechanical engineering, chemistry and petrochemistry, metallurgy, and paper production developed in Iraq. On the new technical basis, such existing ones in the beginning also developed. 1960s industries such as the production of building materials, food, textiles.
After the 1991 war, the electric power industry in Iraq had to be restored almost completely, since the main blow of the multinational forces was aimed at disabling power plants and power lines. The total installed capacity of 30 power plants in the country at the beginning. 1991 amounted to 9552 thousand kW, of which 56% of the capacity accounted for thermal power plants, approx. 26% - at hydroelectric power stations and 17.6% - at gas turbine stations. During the bombing, 21 power plants were destroyed or damaged. On horseback In 1996, the power of operating power plants reached 5,500 thousand kW. Electricity generation reached 30.3 billion kWh in 1998.
Despite the difficulties and obstacles caused by UN sanctions, agriculture in the 1990s. increased its contribution to GDP. Of the approximately 8 million hectares of land suitable for cultivation, 4-5 million hectares are cultivated, approx. 3/4 of cultivated land is occupied by wheat and barley. The shortage of cereals, according to the FAO, amounted to 5.4 million tons in 1993 and increased in subsequent years. The production of grains and vegetables fell by 1/3 due to the destruction of irrigation systems, lack of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural machinery and equipment. In 1996, 1300 thousand tons of wheat and barley, 797 thousand tons of dates were produced, in 2000 - much less: 384.226 and 400 thousand tons, respectively. At the same time, the volume of livestock production in 1996-2000 increased from 16 thousand tons of sheep and goat meat and 38 thousand tons of poultry meat to 27 thousand and 50 thousand tons, respectively.
Large offshore oil terminals Al Bakr and Khor el Amaya (Al Amik) with a design capacity of 1.6 million barrels. per day, located in the region of the oil export port of Fao, on the coast of the Persian Gulf, serve the export of oil through the southern borders. The main oil pipelines of Iraq: the main "strategic" oil pipeline El-Hadita-Er-Rumaila (length - 665 km, throughput - 44 million tons / year in the north and 50 million tons / year - in the south) allows you to export oil both through southern ports , and through the ports of Turkey, Syria and Lebanon using the Kirkuk-Keyhan port (Turkey), El-Hadita-Banias (Syria) and El-Hadita-Tripoli (Lebanon) oil pipelines. The Baghdad-Basra oil product pipeline has a length of 545 km (designed to pump 1.5 million tons / year of oil products to the regions of the center and south of the country).
The total length of railways with a gauge of 1435 mm was in con. 1990s OK. 2500 km. The Iraqi railway network consists mainly of three lines: Baghdad-Kirkuk-Erbil; Baghdad-Mosul-Yarubiya (Tell Kochek), linking Iraq with the railway system of Turkey and Syria and having access to the railways of Europe; Bagda-Basra-Umm-Qasr. In 2000, traffic was resumed along the Mosul-Aleppo line.
The length of all highways in the country amounted to con. 1990s St. 45 thousand km. Roads are laid mainly in the meridian direction. The best roads lead from Baghdad to the borders of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Iran. Major highways: Baghdad Diwaniya-Basra; Baghdad-Kut-Amara-Basra; Basra-Umm-Qasr; Basra Safwan (to the border with Kuwait); Baghdad-Mosul-Tell-Kochek - the border with Syria; Baghdad-Mosul-Zakho - border with Turkey: Baghdad_Khanekin and Baghdad-Kirkuk-Erbil-Ravanduz - border with Iran. After the imposition of sanctions, the "road of life" was called the Baghdad-Ramadi-Rutba highway - the border with Jordan. It was through Amman and this highway that goods from abroad arrived in Iraq, mainly from Europe, America, and the Russian Federation due to the closure of Iraqi airports after the start of sanctions. An important role is played by the highway Damascus-Abu-Kemal-El-Hadita-Ramadi-Baghdad.
The country has four international airports - in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and Samawa.
After 1991, Iraq established direct telephone and telex communications with other countries using the Intersat and Arabsat satellite communication systems. All R. 1990s 4% of the population of the country were provided with telephone communications (55 automatic telephone exchanges) (in 1989 - 6.5%).
To the beginning 2003 The Central Bank of Iraq acted on behalf of the state by issuing currency, exercising banking control and managing the currency. The main commercial bank - Rafidain Bank, founded in 1941, the largest in the Arab East in terms of deposits and total assets, acted in the interests of the state, performing those functions that the central bank does not perform. It had 228 branches in Iraq and 10 branches abroad. In 1988, the Rashid Bank was formed to compete with the Rafidain Bank. In 1991, during the liberalization of the banking sector, 4 new banks were formed: Al-Ittimad, Baghdad, Iraqi Commercial and Private Banks. There were 4 state specialized banks: agricultural cooperation (founded in 1936, 47 branches) for medium and long-term lending to agriculture; industrial (founded in 1940, 8 branches) - lending to state and private industrial companies; a real estate bank (founded in 1949, 27 branches) to issue loans for housing construction and conventional construction; socialist (1991) - the issuance of interest-free loans to civil servants and veterans of the war with Iran. The stock exchange was opened in Baghdad in March 1992 in connection with the government's plans to privatize state-owned enterprises.
The structure of Iraq's external debt (creditors and the amount of debt in billions of US dollars): Russian Federation - 8.0; France - 8.0; Paris Club (without the participation of the Russian Federation and France) - 9.5; Central Europe - 4.0; Persian Gulf countries - 55; commercial creditors - 4.8; international institutions - 1.1; others (undefined) - 26.1. Total - 116.5 billion dollars.
Science and culture of Iraq
Education in Iraq is built according to the following system: primary - 6 years, incomplete secondary - 3 years, complete secondary - 3 more years, i.e. only 12 years old. There are also secondary vocational and pedagogical educational institutions. In the 1994/95 school year, there were 8,035 primary schools in Iraq with 3 million children. In 2635 junior and senior secondary schools (all data for 1994/95 and do not include data on Iraqi Kurdistan) - 1.1 million people studied. 110 thousand people studied in 274 secondary vocational schools and colleges. 189 thousand people studied at 11 state universities and several technical universities, incl. 50.7 thousand studied at Baghdad University, and 53.3 thousand people. - in technical universities. In addition, there are three universities in Iraqi Kurdistan: the largest one is in the city of Erbil (Salah ad-Din University). In con. 1990s it had 11 faculties, 7050 students. The general management of education is carried out by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
In addition to universities, scientific activity is carried out by the Organization for Scientific Research, the Atomic Energy Commission, and the Iraqi Academy of Sciences (established in 1940; it studies Arab culture—history, literature, language, poetry, and folklore).
In Iraq - a country of ancient culture - there are rich museums. The most famous of them are located in Baghdad: the Iraqi Museum, which exhibits samples of the culture of the peoples and states of Mesopotamia from the Stone Age to the 7th century. AD; museum of Islamic culture; museum of Arab monuments "Khan-Marjan"; weapons museum; Museum of Contemporary Iraqi Art. In Mosul, there is a large historical museum rich in monuments (exhibits from Nineveh, Nimrud, El-Hadar). In total, there were 27 museums in the country in 1994.
The most important monuments of Islamic culture, well preserved in Iraq, are mosques (mostly active) and mausoleums - both Shiite and Sunni, for example, the Golden Mosque, the mosque-mausoleum of Imam Abu Hanif in Baghdad, the mausoleums in Karbala, Najaf, Samarra.
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brief information
Iraq is often called "the cradle of human civilization", which is one hundred percent true. It was on the territory of modern Iraq in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that the Sumerian civilization was formed 5 thousand years ago. Unfortunately, it is not very safe for tourists to visit this country now. the socio-political situation there has not yet stabilized. However, we are sure that everything will change soon, and foreigners will again be able to see the historical monuments of Ancient Sumer and Uruk, as well as walk safely through the streets of Baghdad.
Geography of Iraq
Iraq is located in the Middle East. Iraq borders Syria to the northwest, Turkey to the north, Jordan to the southwest, and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south. The Persian Gulf is located in the southeast of Iraq. The total area of this country is 437,072 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 3,650 km.
Iraq occupies the territory of the Mesopotamian lowland. In the southwest of Iraq is the Syrian Desert, in the north is the Armenian Highlands, and in the northeast is the Iranian Highlands. The highest peak in the country is Mount Haji Ibrahim, whose height reaches 3,587 meters.
The two largest rivers of the East, the Tigris and the Euphrates, flow through the territory of Iraq.
Capital
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad, which is now home to more than 6 million people. Archaeologists say that the settlement of people on the site of modern Baghdad existed already 3 thousand years ago. The city of Baghdad itself was built in 762 AD.
Official language
Iraq has two official languages - Arabic (belongs to the Semitic group of the Afro-Asian language family) and Kurdish (the northwestern subgroup of the Iranian group of the Indo-European language family).
Religion
About 95% of the population of Iraq are Muslims (65% are Shiite Muslims and 30% are Sunni Muslims).
State structure of Iraq
According to the current Constitution of 2005, Iraq is a parliamentary republic (this country is considered a federation). Parliament in Iraq (National Assembly) is bipartisan - it consists of the Council of Unions and the Council of Representatives.
The main Iraqi political parties are the United Iraqi Alliance, the Alliance of Kurdish Parties and the Islamic Party of Iraq.
Climate and weather
The climate, in most of the territory of Iraq, is hot, arid with a noticeable subtropical influence. The average annual air temperature is +22.8C. The highest average air temperature in August is +44C, and the lowest is in January (+4C). The average annual rainfall is 156 mm.
Sea in Iraq
Iraq has 58 km of coastline on the Persian Gulf, which is part of the Arabian Sea.
Rivers and lakes
The two largest rivers of the East, the Tigris and the Euphrates, flow through the territory of Iraq. Thanks to these rivers, Iraq, unlike other countries in Western Asia, has agricultural land.
History of Iraq
On the territory of modern Iraq (Mesopotamia), in the fertile valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the Sumerian civilization was born a long time ago. It is considered the earliest civilization in the world. It was in ancient Sumer that the first written language appeared.
In ancient times, Iraq was part of the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian kingdom, the Persian kingdom. Iraq was conquered by the troops of Alexander the Great, Parthians and Roman legionnaires.
In the 7th century, Iraq was conquered by the Arabs, who brought Islam with them. In the 8th century, the Arabs made Baghdad the capital of their Caliphate.
In the middle of the XIII century, Iraq was invaded by the Tatar-Mongol, and in 1401 this country was conquered by the troops of Tamerlane. In the XVI century, most of the territory of modern Iraq became part of the Ottoman Empire.
Only in 1921, on the initiative of Great Britain, the Kingdom of Iraq was formed, which was under the British protectorate (under the mandate of the League of Nations). The independence of the Kingdom of Iraq was proclaimed in 1932. In 1958, the rule of kings was destroyed in Iraq, and the country became a Republic.
Saddam Hussein becomes President of Iraq in 1979 as a result of a military coup.
On January 17, 1991, the United States, together with its allies, decided to restore the independence of Kuwait (it was captured by Iraq in 1990), and invade this country. The so-called. "First Gulf War". This war continues until February 1991. Kuwait's independence has been restored.
On March 20, 2003, the US, supported by its allies, invades Iraq and conquers the country. Saddam Hussein is captured and after a while he is executed.
Now Iraq is a country where Sunni Muslims oppose Shiite Muslims, and the Kurds in the north of the country are fighting for secession and the creation of an independent Kurdistan.
culture
Most Asian countries and some European countries borrowed elements of their cultural traditions from Iraq. This is not surprising given that Iraq is considered "the cradle of human civilization."
The dominant religion in Iraq is Islam, and therefore there are widespread religious holidays (Ramadan, etc.).
Iraqi cuisine
We can safely say that the cuisine of Iraq was formed under the strong influence of Iranian and Turkish culinary traditions. The main foodstuffs in Iraq are rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products, fruits.
- "tikka" - lamb fried on a spit;
- “kuozi” - whole fried lamb, which is stuffed with various fillings;
- "kibbe" - meat with nuts and raisins;
- "kibbe-batata" - beef stew with potatoes;
- "Baryani" - pilaf with meat and raisins;
- "cube" - pies with different fillings.
Traditional soft drinks are yogurt, coffee and tea.
In Iraq, Muslim laws regarding the consumption of alcohol are strictly observed. Drinking alcohol is allowed only in some hotels of international chains. During Ramadan, smoking and drinking alcohol in public places is not allowed.
However, in Iraq there is a tradition of drinking aniseed vodka (“arak”), which is also typical for some other countries of the East.
Sights of Iraq
Iraq has experienced many wars, as a result of which many unique historical and architectural monuments were destroyed. However, some historical monuments were destroyed in peacetime (for example, if it was necessary to build a highway). However, there are still many interesting sights left in Iraq. The top ten Iraqi attractions, in our opinion, may include the following:
- Ruins of the ancient city of Babylon
- Abassid Palace in Baghdad
- Hussein Mosque in Karbala
- Minaret of Souq al-Ghazal in Baghdad
- El Mahayam Mosque in Karbala
- Mausoleum of Imam Ali in Najaf
- Golden Mosque in Baghdad
- Mausoleum of Sitt-Zumurrud-Khatun in Baghdad
- Abassid Palace in Samarra
- Fortress in Kirkuk
Cities and resorts
The largest Iraqi cities are Mosul, Basra, Erbil, Karbala, Najaf, Kirkuk, and, of course, Baghdad. As for resorts, there are none in Iraq yet.
Souvenirs/Shopping
Foreigners from Iraq bring folk art, silver and jewelry, various sweets, ceramics, towels and tablecloths as souvenirs.
Office Hours
is a state located between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The southeastern part of the country borders on the Persian Gulf. Like neighboring countries, Iraq boasts large gas and oil reserves. The capital of Iraq - - very often was at the center of various historical events. Today, there are events in the country that do not contribute to the development of the tourism industry. Constant military conflicts and the presence of terrorism greatly affect the image of the country and the capital.
General information
Baghdad is a huge city with more than six million people. Many cultural institutions are concentrated here. The capital is located in the heart of the state. The city was founded on the banks of the Tigris River. These areas have a hot climate with little rainfall. The capital is characterized by a long summer, which begins in May and ends in October. Due to this climate, Baghdad cannot boast of lush vegetation. These are mainly date palms, as well as reeds and reeds in the coastal zone.
Development of the capital
The first settlement was formed on the site of Baghdad in the ninth century BC. The city itself was founded only in 762. Within a few centuries, the city became a center of trade. There was a huge market here. Baghdad gradually became the economic center of the entire Middle East.
The fifteenth century was tragic for the city. It was then that Tamerlane came here with his army. Baghdad was sacked and many buildings destroyed. Later it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, under whose rule it remained until the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the 1920s, the Iraqi Museum was founded here, where they began to collect collections illustrating the history of Assyria and Ancient Babylon.
In the early 70s, mass nationalization took place in the capital. Everything came under the power of the state, except for oil producing and oil refineries. The 80s were a difficult period for both the capital and the country as a whole. The state was embroiled in a conflict in the Persian Gulf. At the beginning of the 21st century, the Iraqi War took place in the state, which led to the overthrow of the regime of Saddam Hussein. Despite the fact that the city is gradually recovering, the situation is still tense.
Once again, hearing the name of Saddam Hussein, the words "political instability", "American troops" and others, only one country immediately comes to mind - Iraq. And it is very sad that associations with this country are far from being connected with its customs, traditions or culture. Let's imagine that we are hearing about the existence of this country for the first time and study it a bit.
The Republic of Iraq, this is the name officially belongs to the country. This is a large country with various nationalities, but mostly eastern ones dominate here - Arabs, Turks, Persians and others.
The capital of Iraq is the wonderful city of Baghdad. Since all Muslims are believers, it was not in vain that they gave this particular name to the city, because in translation it means “God-given”. This wonderful city has an excellent location, which is famous for its fertile soil and, importantly, includes many trade routes.
The capital of Iraq is a very ancient city, it has been repeatedly attacked. Basically, all the attractions located in the state stores on their territories. The country is famous for its rich historical world, ancient culture and numerous architectural works, one of which is the famous Golden Mosque. Many tourists also highlight the beautiful buildings of educational institutions, built in the 12th century.
As for the culture of this country, it differs significantly from the usual European one. Therefore, before the capital of Iraq greets you, you need to familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions characteristic of it.
First of all, this is expressed in the relationship between opposite sexes, women should pay special attention to their wardrobe. The body should be as closed as possible, and the head should be covered with a scarf that could cover the face. In turn, men cannot wear trousers that would fit their legs, clothes should also cover as much as possible. The strong sex cannot do without a veil covering the hands and ankles. It is worth noting that in relation to other Muslim countries, women are given more privileges here. An interesting tradition of the locals is eating when it gets dark. However, do not be so scared, this only applies to the time of Ramadan.
Iraq is the capital of meat cooking, true gourmets can always be convinced of this. Lamb and beef are the main courses. Owning a unique recipe, the Iranians can please you with the famous "tika" in the form of small pieces of lamb roasted on a spit. Basically, you will be offered rice or vegetables with herbs as a side dish. All kinds of seasonings play a huge role here, without which the preparation of meat dishes is not possible. Iranians are very hospitable people, as evidenced by the presence of various sweets in the house. Every meal is accompanied by drinks, especially tea and coffee. The most common alcoholic drink is
As you have already noticed, this is a very interesting country, and it is not for nothing that the capital of Iraq bears a sacred name.
Iraq, the official name - the Republic of Iraq - a state in the Middle East, in the Mesopotamian lowland, in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Capital: Baghdad
Currency: Iraqi dinar
Official languages:
Arabic language, Kurdish languages.
Form of government:
Federal Republic, Parliamentary Republic, Republic, Parliamentary Republic
Official languages:
Arabic language, Kurdish languages
This state is officially called the Republic of Iraq (Iraq). It is located in the Middle East, in the valley of two large rivers, known to everyone from school - the Tigris and the Euphrates. The capital of Iraq is the city of Baghdad.
Currency :
The currency of Iraq is the Iraqi dinar. Today, its exchange rate against the dollar is very low.
Official language :
Iraq: language of communication and official - Arabic and Kurdish.
Flag :
The flag of Iraq is a rectangular panel consisting of three horizontal stripes. The top one is red, the middle one is white and the bottom one is black. On the white stripe, the inscription "Allah Akbar" (God is great) is applied in green.
The Republic of Iraq is a very ancient place. The first ancient state on the territory of Iraq arose around the 4th millennium BC. and was called the Sumerian kingdom. In the III - the middle of the I millennium BC, this territory was under the rule of Babylon and the Assyrian kingdom.
Modern Iraq- This is a Muslim state, where the mining sector of the economy is mainly well developed. Also, its coastal cities are centers of international trade. Iraq is a state that has repeatedly experienced difficult times of unrest and economic decline.
Iraq today is trying to follow a non-Muslim model of governance. Naturally, this causes many conflicts to flare up. Iraq is a country with strong vestiges of a patriarchal community, divided by religious intolerance between Shiites and Sunnis.
Main museums
countries are distinguished by rich collections of exhibits. relating to the history of ancient Mesopotamia.
The main museum city in Iraq is Baghdad. It is worth looking at the Swords of Cadisia here. The city of Mosul has a museum that contains many exhibits from the Assyrian period of history. It is also worth seeing the ruins of the last fortress gates of Baghdad, the former al-Mustansiriya University, founded in 1232, the Abbasid Palace, the Mirdija Mosque.
In the city of Najaf is the tomb of the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad himself. This is one of the shrines of the Shiites. The city of Babylon (Iraq) has preserved part of the medieval buildings.
Before the arrival of the Americans, tours to Iraq were quite accessible to the Russians.
National cuisine of the country Iraq:
Traditional Iraqi cuisine is dominated by wheat and barley cakes, dates, rice, vegetables, and sour milk.
Sometimes fish dishes are prepared here. However, fish is much more expensive than meat, and the meat is prepared on holidays.
Iraqi cooking has absorbed not only the art of the ancient inhabitants of this area, but also the traditions of many nomadic tribes. At the beginning of the meal, kebabs, egg dishes, tortillas and sour-milk products are usually served.
This is followed by soup and a main course, most often using meat and rice, then dessert. Any meat is used for food, except for pork - for religious reasons. In Iraq they drink tea, coffee, and from alcohol - aniseed vodka arak.
Iraq weather conditions:
The weather in Iraq is typical of a continental climate. Snow falls in the mountains in the north in winter. In the central part, summer is hot and long.
Temperatures in Baghdad average 9°C in January and around 33°C in July. The hottest and most humid climate is in the south. Most of the precipitation is in the northern regions of Iraq.
Administrative divisions of the country Iraq:
Iraq is divided into 18 provinces: Baghdad, Salah al-Din, Diyala, Wasit, Maysan, Basra, Dhi-Qar, Muthanna, Qadisiyah, Babil, Karbala, Najaf, Anbar, Ninewa, Dahuk, Erbil, Tamim, Sulaymaniyah.
Resorts and tourist places in Iraq:
Holidays in Iraq, as we have already mentioned, are not the safest and most comfortable pastime. However, a certain percentage of people regularly visit Iraq for one reason or another, mostly on the basis of religious tourism or pilgrimage. Many hotels in Iraq were destroyed or ceased to function during the war, and are currently being restored.
Landmarks of Iraq:
Due to the almost complete lack of tourist infrastructure, excursions in Iraq are not easy to find, but still possible. The territory of present-day Iraq is one of the cradles of modern civilization. Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, was once one of the richest cities in the world.
Today, much of the former splendor lies in ruins. However, even the tragic events of recent years have not prevented Iraq from becoming one of the most interesting places in Asia and throughout the world from an archaeological and cultural point of view.
A tour to Iraq is the choice of those people who are ready, despite the inconvenience and risk, to go on a journey to the ancient culture and the ruins of ancient cities.
Tips for tourists in Iraq:
If you still managed to get a visa, be extremely careful while traveling, because the situation in Iraq at the moment is not the most favorable. When renting a car, be prepared to stand in long traffic jams due to frequent checks and searches of cars.
Plastic cards in Iraq are not accepted almost anywhere - the banking system is only being restored after the last war.
VISA
A visa to Iraq is required because a visa regime is provided for citizens of Ukraine.
Required documents:
- Questionnaire.
- 2 photographs (for women under 30 - always in a headscarf).
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from the territory of Iraq).
- Host invitation.
Processing time – about 7 business days.
Registration cost – about 50 US dollars - tourist visa; about 60 US dollars - single entry visa; about 150 US dollars - multiple entry visa.
Features of the visa to Iraq:
Before starting the trip, citizens of Ukraine must apply to the Iraqi Ministry of Internal Affairs with a request to obtain permission to enter the country.
If you have an Israeli mark in your passport, then entry into the country is prohibited.
Iraqi Kurdistan is a de facto independent Kurdish-majority state located in northern Iraq, bordering Turkey and Iran. When entering the territory of Kurdistan, an Iraqi visa is not officially required. A temporary visa giving the right to stay in Kurdistan for 2 months can be obtained directly at Erbil Airport, or at the border crossing from Turkey. To do this, you must have a valid passport and pay a visa fee of $ 20 - $ 50 (the amount of the fee often changes). With this temporary visa, you can also enter the territory of Iraq itself, however, there may be some difficulties with representatives of the central authorities of the country, who periodically restrict entry (they have no legal right to do this). When staying in the country on a temporary visa for more than 10 days, you must register at the local police station.
