Geography of Iraq. Official name: Republic of Iraq Natural Resources of Iraq

Republic of Iraq.

The name of the country comes from the Arabic “Iraq” - “coast” or “lowland”.

Capital of Iraq. Baghdad.

Area of ​​Iraq. 441800 km2.

Population of Iraq. 23332 thousand people

Location of Iraq. Iraq is a state in the South. In the north it borders with, in the east - with, in the south - with and, in the west - with and. In the south the state is washed by the Persian Gulf.

Administrative division Iraq. 16 governorates (provinces).

Iraqi form of government. Parliamentary republic.

Head of State of Iraq. The president.

Supreme legislative body of Iraq. Interim National Council, active since July 2004.

Higher executive agency Iraq. Government.

Major cities in Iraq. Mosul.

National language of Iraq. Arab.

Religion of Iraq. 60% profess Shiite Islam, 37% Sunni Islam, 3% are Christians.

Ethnic composition Iraq. 75% are Arabs, 15% are Turks and Turks.

Currency of Iraq. Iraqi dinar = 100 fils.

Climate of Iraq. Most of Iraq's territory lies in the continental zone. In central Iraq, summers are long and hot, and winters are short and cool. In the southernmost region, the climate is humid, tropical and temperatures often exceed + 50 °C. Precipitation in the mountains amounts to 500 mm per year, and in the southeast - 60-100 mm.

Flora of Iraq. The vegetation of the state is not very diverse. Among the rare trees in the south, the date palm stands out. On the mountain slopes, along with thorny bushes, there are single trees. Willow, tamarisk, and poplar grow along the banks of the rivers.

Fauna of Iraq. The following animal species predominate: cheetah, gazelle, antelope, lion, hyena, wolf, jackal, hare, bat, jerboa. Lives many birds of prey: vulture, owl, raven, hawk, buzzard. Waterfowl nest along the river banks. Lots of lizards.

Rivers and lakes of Iraq. The largest rivers are the Tigris with its tributaries, the Big Zab, the Little Zab and the Diyala, as well as. There are many lakes in Lower Mesopotamia.

Sights of Iraq. Iraq Museum with exhibits dedicated to the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Iraq Museum natural history, Abbasid Palace, Mirja Mosque, Iraqi War Museum in Baghdad. In Mosul - the Chandani Church and the Great Mosque, the Mosul City Museum. The mosque with a golden dome in Qedimein, the tomb of Ali (one of the main shrines of the Shiites) in Najif, the tomb of Hussein ibn Ali (a Muslim martyr) in Karbala. Numerous archaeological excavations are interesting, in which the history of countries comes to life. These are, for example, excavations of the cities of Dura-Europos, Nuffar, Nineveh - the capital of Assyria in the 8th-7th centuries. BC e. and etc.

Useful information for tourists

Due to the tense situation, the state is practically not visited by foreign tourists.

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 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 little.

The Republic of Iraq is the name that officially belongs to the country. This big country with different 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 is not for nothing that they gave this name to the city, because in translation it means “given by God.” 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 very ancient city, she was repeatedly subjected to various attacks. Basically, all the attractions located in the state are kept 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, erected 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 welcomes you, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristic customs and traditions.

First of all, this is expressed in relations between opposite sexes; women should pay special attention to their wardrobe. The body should be covered as much as possible, and the head should be covered with a scarf that could cover the face. In turn, men cannot wear trousers that would hug their legs; clothing should also cover as much as possible. The stronger sex cannot do without a veil covering the hands and ankles. It is worth noting that in relation to other Muslim countries, women here are given more privileges. An interesting tradition of local residents is to eat when it gets dark. However, don’t be so scared, this only applies during Ramadan.

Iraq is the capital of meat cooking, true gourmets can always be convinced of this. Lamb and beef are the main dishes. Having a unique recipe, Iranians can delight 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 cooking 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. A common alcoholic drink is

As you have already noticed, this is very interesting country, and it’s not for nothing that the capital of Iraq bears a sacred name.

Iraq is a state located in the Middle East near the Tiber and Euphrates rivers and neighbors Turkey, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The country's name comes from the Arabic word for "coast". Iraq is clearly not the best territory for tourism, unless of course you are a fan of extreme recreation and are not afraid of unexpectedly coming under fire or being blown up by a mine forgotten by the Iraqi military.

Capital of Iraq?

The capital of the state of Iraq is Baghdad - a huge metropolis, rich in ancient architectural and cultural monuments, going back far into antiquity. In addition, it is the main transport hub of the entire state.

Official language?

There are two in the country official languages– Arabic and Kurdish. Only 20% of the population speak Kurdish and all of them are residents of Kurdistan. However, even they speak Arabic fluently. Many Iraqis speak fluent English and French. Sometimes you can even meet people speaking Russian.

Currency?

The national currency of Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). It is equal to 1000 fils. There are banknotes in circulation in the following denominations: 50, 250, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000 and 25000 dinars, and coins of 25, 50 and 100 dinars.
Moreover, 1 dollar is equal to approximately 1.168 dinars

Timezone?

We have no time difference with Baghdad. There was no change to daylight saving time this year.

Climate?

Iraq has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Summers here are usually hot and dry, and winters are warm and rainy. In the northern mountainous regions, winters are usually warm with frequent snowfalls and frosts. Lower Mesopotamia experiences hot summers and rainy winters with high humidity. In the South-Western region, summers are hot, winters are cool and it rarely rains.

Average monthly air and water temperatures in Iraq °C

What time of year is best to visit the country?

The most favorable time to visit Iraq is the so-called “off-season”, the period from late March to mid-November. At this time the temperature is the most comfortable, sunny and not hot.

Economic situation?

Agriculture accounts for about 11% of GDP. The main crops grown are wheat, barley, rice and date palm. However, the main source of income for the state is the oil and gas industry. Iraq is also rich in minerals: phosphorites, clay, asbestos, gypsum, sulfur, copper and zinc ores and many others.

Political situation?

The political situation in Iraq is characterized by tension and increased complexity. Despite the constant monitoring of peacekeeping groups, suicide attacks occur there constantly. And the victims of these attacks are often foreigners. Therefore, we advise you to think carefully before visiting the country and check current information on the situation.

Religious affiliation of the population?

The vast majority of the population professes the Islamic religion. Only 3% adhere to Christianity.

Customs rules and regulations?

When visiting Iraq, you must be aware of the following customs regulations:
The import and export of foreign currency is limited. We advise you to check this information before traveling, as the amount is constantly changing.
It is allowed to export personal belongings from Iraq, as well as goods purchased in the country.
It is prohibited to import into Iraq:
Currency of Israel
Drugs and some medications
Weapon
Pornographic materials
Meat and dairy products
It is also necessary to take an AIDS test before visiting the country.
It is allowed to import into the country: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, 1 liter of wine or other strong alcohol, 2 open bottles of perfume

Visa?

Citizens of Belarus do not need to apply for a visa to Iraq. To do this, you need to enter the country through the northern autonomy - Iraqi Kurdistan. In this case, you will be issued a 10-day visa upon arrival. Those wishing to extend their stay in Iraq can register with the police by paying in advance for this service.

What should you visit first?

If you still dare to spend your vacation in Iraq, we definitely recommend visiting the capital Baghdad. This is, first of all, the oldest city on the planet. Here you can stroll through the old quarters of the city, with its uneven streets, see ancient adobe houses, enjoy the beauty of cobblestone streets and three-story houses with quaint windows and doorways.
The most interesting sights are the Shia houses - Najaf and Karbala. These are places of pilgrimage for Shiites from all over the world, where you can see the tombs of Shiite temples.

Main tourist areas?

The main tourism areas in Iraq are:
The capital of the state, Baghdad, is the largest city in the country. It seems to be divided into two parts,
That is Old Baghdad with narrow streets and pavements, as well as Modern Baghdad, where the a large number of cafes, cinemas, administrative buildings and foreign companies.
Basra is the second largest city after Baghdad. It is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf and is the main water artery Iraq. It resembles Venice with its many canals and bridges, and boats and feluccas are the main mode of transport here.
Mosul is the third most important city in Iraq. It is located in the north of the country.

Main attractions?

The main attractions of Iraq are the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon. At one time, majestic palaces and temples, hanging gardens and the Tower of Babel were built there. Only some parts of this ancient city have survived to this day, among them:
Winter and Summer palaces Nebuchadnezzar II, Processional Street, seven-tiered ziggurat, Ishtar Gate and the famous Babylonian Lion.
In addition to Babylon, it is also worth visiting the Sumerian city of Shur, the city of Ashur, the city of Hatra - the capital of the first Arab state, the great mosque of Askaria in the city of Samarra.

Holidays and festivals?

The main holidays in Iraq are: January 1 - New Year. Nine days later, Muslims celebrate another new year - this time a Muslim one.
Ashura Day is celebrated on January 19
March 19 is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
July 31st is the day of the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad
October 1 is the end of Ramadan.
The festival of sacrifice, Eid-Al Adha, is the very last festival of the year. The days of its celebration change every year.

National cuisine?

Iraqi cuisine is famous for its handmade barley and wheat flatbreads. Dishes containing dates, rice, vegetables and sour milk are also common. Burgul porridge is prepared from rice and washed down with sour milk. You can also find dishes with added meat. As a rule, it is lamb, beef or poultry. The most popular meat dishes are: kebabs, tikka, kibe, kuzi, dolma and kebab.
Iraq is also famous for its sweets. The most popular are pumpkin pudding, baklava, sweet candied citrus fruits, and stuffed dates.
The most common drinks are coffee and tea. The only alcoholic drink in Iraq is arak or aniseed vodka.

How much is it customary to tip in the country you are visiting?

It is not necessary to leave a tip in Iraq, as the 10% tax is already included in the bill.

Where can I exchange money?

Currency can be changed at the airport, hotels or bank. There are also illegal exchange offices, but the exchange rate there is unfavorable. And here credit cards We do not recommend taking them with you, as their maintenance is extremely difficult.

Until what time are shops, bars, cafes, restaurants open?

Shops and markets usually open at 8 am and stay open until 7 pm. Government offices close earlier - at 14:00.
Banks are open from Saturday to Wednesday from 8:00 to 12:30, on Thursdays - until 11:00. Friday is considered a day off. You should also remember that during the holy month of Ramadan, banks are open until 10:00

Crime situation?

If you find yourself in Iraq, we recommend that you move along the streets with caution, since after the war most of the buildings are in a dilapidated state and there is a risk of their collapse, and shells are still thundering in some areas of the country. And the crime level in the country is quite high, crime is developed.
The most stable situation is observed in this moment in northern Iraq in Kurdistan.

is a state located between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The southeastern part of the country borders the Persian Gulf. Like neighboring countries Iraq boasts large gas and oil reserves. The capital of Iraq has often been at the center of various historical events. Today, the country is experiencing events that do not contribute to the development of the tourism industry. Constant military conflicts and the presence of terrorism greatly influence the image of the country and the capital.

General information

Baghdad is a huge city, home to more than six million people. Many cultural institutions are concentrated here. The capital is located in the very heart of the state. The city was founded on the banks of the Tigris River. These places experience 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 back 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. It was later conquered by the Ottoman Empire, under whose rule it remained until the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the 20s of the twentieth century, the Iraq 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 state power except oil production and oil refineries. The 80s were a difficult period both for the capital and for the country as a whole. The state was drawn into the conflict in Persian Gulf. At the beginning of the 21st century, the Iraq War took place in the state, which led to the overthrow of the regime of Saddam Hussein. Although the city is gradually recovering, the situation is still tense.

Basic moments

Iraq, like many neighboring countries in South-West Asia, is one of the earliest outbreaks cultural development humanity. Sites of the Old Stone (Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan) and New Stone (settlements of Jarmo, Hassuna, etc.) centuries were discovered here. Already in ancient times, the Mesopotamian lowland was considered the breadbasket of a vast region of Asia. On the territory of Iraq there were such powerful ancient states as Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. The ethnic composition of Iraq is relatively homogeneous. Approximately 80% of the population are Arabs, 18% are Kurds, as well as Persians, Turks, Assyrians, Armenians, and Turkmens. Some Arabs and Kurds retain tribal divisions. There are more than a hundred nomadic, semi-nomadic and sedentary tribes in the country.

The vast majority of the population of Iraq (96%) are Shiite and Sunni Muslims, 3% are Christians, 1% are Yezidis, Mandaeans, and Jews. There are two holy Shiite cities in Iraq - Najaf and Karbala, where the tombs of Shiite imams are preserved and where Shiites around the world make pilgrimages. The basis of the country's economy is the oil industry. About 60% of the population lives in cities. The largest city is the capital of Iraq. Other large industrial cities are Basra, Mosul, Erbil, Kirkuk.

Cities of Iraq

All cities in Iraq

Sights of Iraq

All sights of Iraq

Story

In ancient times, on the territory of Iraq (Mesopotamia, or Mesopotamia), there were the states of Akkad, Babylonia, Assyria, and others. With the advent of the 7th century. Arabic and Islam spread to Arab territory. Since the 30s. XVII century to the end 1st World War as part of the Ottoman Empire; By the end of the war, Mesopotamia was occupied by English troops. In 1921, the Kingdom of Iraq was created as a British dependent kingdom. From 1922 (actually from 1920) to 1932, Iraq was a British mandate. In 1958 it was proclaimed a republic. At the end of 1979, relations with Iran worsened, which in 1980-88. took the form of an armed conflict (a truce was reached in 1988).

In August 1990, Iraq carried out an armed takeover of Kuwait; In February 1991, it was defeated by a multinational military force led by the United States and withdrew its troops from Kuwait. After Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the world community imposed trade and economic sanctions and established a sea, land and air blockade of Iraq. The war and its consequences caused serious damage to Iraq.

In 2000, Saddam Hussein broke off relations with the UN and expelled international inspectors from the country. Despite the fact that Hussein agreed to return them under the threat of military intervention, in March 2003 the United States began military operations against Iraq and three weeks later occupied the entire country. A military administration has been appointed to govern Iraq. A transitional government was formed from representatives of the local population, performing mainly representative functions. After the overthrow of Hussein, contradictions between the main groups of the population - Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds - intensified.

By the end of 2008, attacks on international forces and Iraqi police had all but ceased. Terrorist acts continue, as a result of which civilians suffer. Some of the rebels have been legalized and are receiving salaries as members of the so-called “Sunni militia.” The commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Resistance, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, remains underground and remains elusive despite all efforts to capture him.

On March 7, 2010, parliamentary elections were held, but as a result of behind-the-scenes fighting over the election results, the parliament did not meet and the government was not formed. Only on November 10 was it possible to reach a fragile agreement regarding the distribution of power in the country between parties and groups.

Climate and weather

The north of Iraq has a subtropical climate, while the south has a tropical climate. Due to the fact that the climate here is sharply continental, summers in the country are extremely hot and winters are cold (especially in the north). On average, in the summer season the air temperature is about +40 °C, but often reaches +50 °C. In winter, the average temperature most often fluctuates between +4...+16 °C, although in the north it sometimes drops to –10 °C.

Precipitation mainly falls in the northeast of the country (November - February). In the summer season there is practically no rain, but the air humidity is quite high. In addition, sand and dust storms sometimes occur in summer.

Nature

Iraq lies in southwest Asia, in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which is called Mesopotamia. In southeastern Iraq, a narrow strip of the Shatt al-Arab estuary opens to the Persian Gulf. Most of the country is flat terrain in the Mesopotamian lowland, where the main cities and agricultural areas are concentrated. The plains of the Shatt al-Arab River are quite swampy and abound in many lakes (the largest is El Hammar).

The western regions of the country are occupied by sandy, pebble and gravelly deserts and semi-deserts, which are separated from Mesopotamia by a tectonic ledge. There are plateaus and hills everywhere, as well as dry river beds. In the north of the country, the Tigris River flows and the El Jazeera plateau rises, and a little to the east stretches the Hamrin mountain range. To the west of the Tigris Valley is the narrow Sinjar ridge. The highest point of the country is the Chik-Dar peak, which is located near the border with Turkey, but officially the most high points The mountains of Kuh-i Haji Ibrahim and Gundah-Jur are considered to be Iraq's mountains.

Almost all areas suitable for vegetation are occupied by agricultural crops, or are saline and desertified. Therefore, the natural environment here has been preserved only in some desert and foothill areas of the country.

Attractions

The territory of modern Iraq is one of the centers of formation of the entire civilization, where the legendary cultures of Parthia, Mesopotamia, Assyria, Sumer, Persia and Akkad originated. In addition, there is still an ancient city here (XIX-XVIII centuries BC), as well as the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf. Therefore, it is not surprising that Iraq is a very interesting and unexplored place, the sights of which deserve special attention.

The main archaeological site of Iraq is the ruins of Babylon, which is recognized as the oldest city on the planet. At its height, huge temples and palaces were built here, as well as other structures, including the famous Hanging Gardens and the Tower of Babel. Only a few fragments of the former greatness of Babylon have survived to this day: the Winter and Summer Palaces of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Processional Street with the world's first asphalt road, the seven-tiered ziggurat, the Ishtar Gate and the famous Babylonian Lion. Unfortunately, merciless time turned all other buildings and houses into dust. By the way, around the ruins of the city there is a monumental country residence of Saddam Hussein.

In addition, there are many other remarkable places: the Sumerian city of Ur, the ancient city of Ashur, the capital of the first Arab state of Hatra, the city of Stesiphon with the imperial palace complex, ancient capital Islamic world Samarra with Great Mosque Askaria and the Al-Malwiyya minaret, as well as many other archaeological sites.

It is also worth mentioning Kurdistan, which is considered an ethnic province of Iraq and has autonomous status. Its capital is the city of Erbil, which is also recognized as one of the oldest cities in the world.

Kitchen

In major Iraqi cities there are many colorful restaurants where you can try authentic national cuisine of this country. It is based on meat and rice, and since Muslims do not eat pork, dishes here are prepared from lamb, beef and poultry. The most popular dishes here include kebabs, tikka (pieces of lamb on skewers), kibbe (meat with raisins, nuts and spices), kuzi (whole fried lamb), dolma and different types kebab. Fish dishes are extremely rare, but some establishments serve “masguf” (fish shawarma). Most often served as a side dish traditional dishes from vegetables and rice, as well as from beans and lentils. It is worth saying that in local cuisine Spices play an important role, so all dishes here are hot and spicy.

Local sweets deserve special mention, which are simply excellent here. First of all, we recommend paying attention to “shirini” (pumpkin pudding), “baklava” (puff pastry with nuts and honey), “g”shur-purtagal” (sweet candied citrus fruits), “plau-akhmar” (red rice with raisins and almonds) and stuffed dates.

Wash down all these delights with carbonated drinks, tea or strong coffee with sugar and milk. The only local alcoholic drink is arak aniseed vodka.

Accommodation

In Iraq, for obvious reasons, the hotel business is practically non-existent. Moreover, even before the war, the country was not a tourist center, but after numerous terrorist attacks and armed conflicts, the prospects for the development of tourism were completely postponed indefinitely. The only pleasant exception here is Iraqi Kurdistan, which has been relatively stable for a long time.

Here, in recent years, in a number of cities (Sulemaniya, Erbil, Zakho, Duhok, etc.) numerous hotels have been opened at various levels of prices and comfort. Moreover, they are represented by both luxury hotels in the mountains (from $300) and simple budget hostels (from $10).

Entertainment and relaxation

Due to the acute military-political situation, the entertainment and tourism industry in Iraq is practically absent. Of course, in major cities There are restaurants, gyms, sports clubs and stadiums, but not too many. The main way to spend leisure time in this country is visiting ancient sights and studying its culture. First of all, it is worth taking an excursion to the holy cities of the Shiites - Karbala and An-Najaf, where the tombs of Shiite imams are kept. Also, while in Iraq, you can’t help but explore the numerous archaeological sites ancient Babylonia, Akkad, Persia, Assyria, the Seleucid state and other ancient kingdoms. In addition, a real treasure trove of local culture are the colorful street markets that exist in every city. Also popular among foreign tourists are such pastime options as fishing and pigeon hunting.

Iraq's official holiday is Friday. On this day, as well as during religious and national holidays, most shops and institutions are closed here. It is worth noting that the Iraqi calendar is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, as a result of which the dates of many holidays are constantly changing. The main holidays of the country are Eid al-Adha (festival of sacrifice), New Year according to the Islamic calendar, Revolution Day, Ashura, Mulud (birthday of the Prophet), Republic Day, Armistice Day and Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan).

Purchases

To buy original oriental souvenirs, tourists are advised to go to the bustling Iraqi markets. Although in big cities(for example, in), they are quite expensive. Therefore, it is better to purchase memorable souvenirs in provincial towns. The first thing you should pay attention to is aromatic seasonings and spices, the choice of which is simply enormous. Also notable are the variety of pottery, tea and tobacco. In addition, souvenirs that relate to the regime of Saddam Hussein, for example, all kinds of goods with the image of the dictator, are extremely popular. If you set out to purchase jewelry, then it is recommended to buy them in specialized trade pavilions. Moreover, it is always necessary to clarify where they were produced, since imported jewelry is also available for sale.

All shops in Iraq are open from Saturday to Thursday from 09:00 to 19:00, and markets are open early in the morning and late in the evening. Payment is made in Iraqi dinar. You can pay with foreign currency in duty-free shops in the capital, but only with your passport.

Transport

Domestic flights between major cities in Iraq are carried out by Iraqi Airways. Main airport country is located in . Bus services have still not been restored after the war, so buses only run between the largest cities. In other cases, the only way to travel around the country is by minibuses.

Urban public transport operates in all major Iraqi cities and is represented by old buses without any amenities. Taxis are found everywhere, and in some cities they are the only means of transportation. The average cost of travel within the city is low ($2–3), but trips to the suburbs are quite expensive.

Car rental is only available in the largest cities. However, this service is not aimed at tourists, since it is unlikely that a foreigner will be able to navigate normally through the numerous military posts.

Connection

Telecommunications in Iraq are in a dilapidated state; wired communication lines are mainly used only by government agencies and the military. Civilian communication lines are very unstable, and pay phones are extremely rare. Therefore, international calls here can only be made from hotels.

Cellular communication is carried out using the GSM 900 standard, which is currently the most common method of communication. Roaming with Iraqi cellular companies is available to subscribers of large Russian operators only through the networks of other cellular companies in the region.

Internet cafes operate in all major cities; an hour of session costs from $0.8 to $1.2.

Safety

In terms of security, the situation in Iraq is extremely ambiguous. On the one hand, here in all major populated areas Representatives of coalition forces, as well as local police and army, are present. However, they perform their functions so uncompromisingly that they often pose the same danger as terrorists. On the other hand, they do not provide any protection for tourists, since they only control areas with military personnel and government buildings. The remaining parts of the cities and rural areas are under the control of ethno-religious groups, which obey only their leaders.

In addition, one of the main dangers in Iraq is mines and unexploded ordnance, as well as explosive devices that are deliberately planted by terrorist groups. In certain areas of the country, skirmishes between resistance forces and government troops are frequent. All tourists are strongly advised not to approach military bases, government buildings and infrastructure, as most often they are the target of terrorist attacks.

Business

The basis of Iraq's economy is oil production, and the country ranks third in the world in terms of the number of guaranteed reserves of this natural resource. State-owned companies South Oil Company (SOC) and North Oil Company (NOC) have a monopoly on the development of all oil fields in Iraq.

In addition, previously there were well developed Agriculture, service sector and industry. However, after the war, Iraq's reconstruction is extremely slow, and the revival of its economy is only possible with the help of foreign investment. The greatest potential here is in the processing and construction industries, as well as tourism.

Real estate

Some time ago, the Iraqi real estate market was completely closed to foreign citizens, but today the situation has changed. Now foreigners, relying on the official decree of the authorities, have the opportunity to buy almost any object here. First of all, new amendments to the legislation are aimed at developing the residential sector in Iraq. In addition, non-residents of the country received the right to purchase land.

The procedure for registering the purchase of local real estate is accompanied by the payment of duties and taxes, the amount of which depends directly on the value of the purchased object. Minimum cost apartments are 10–13 thousand $ and, with rare exceptions, exceed 40 thousand $. Such a low cost is explained both by external conditions and by the low quality of the buildings themselves. Average house prices are approximately twice the cost of apartments.

Since Iraqi legislation is based on the Koran, tourists here are strongly encouraged to observe general Islamic norms of culture and morality. Women are required to wear modest clothing that covers the entire body, and men are prohibited from wearing T-shirts and shorts in holy places. You should not openly drink alcohol in public places, and you should not smoke in public. In addition, it is not customary here to eat while walking or to look directly into the face of the person who is eating. Moreover, while eating, the soles of your feet should not be pointed in any direction.

The official holiday is Friday; nothing is open on this day. If you are invited to visit local residents, it is advised to buy a small gift (flowers, sweets, etc.).

It is also worth noting that tourists who are not representatives of international humanitarian organizations or journalists are treated quite friendly here and they try not to deceive them too much. But to do this, you will have to constantly demonstrate that you are a simple tourist who just wants to learn about the history and culture of Iraq.

Visa information

To enter the territory of Iraq, Russian citizens will need to obtain a visa, for which they must contact the Consular Section of Iraq in Moscow (Pogodinskaya St., 12). Moreover, the set of documents and conditions for issuing visas change quite often, so before submitting passports you need to consult the embassy.

It must be borne in mind that most often people travel to Iraq in organized groups, and the Russian Foreign Ministry does not recommend independent travel in a country where quite recently there was a serious military conflict.

Policy

According to the 2005 constitution, Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic based on the consensus of the three main ethno-religious communities of the Iraqi people: Shia Arabs, Sunni Arabs and Kurds. Under Saddam Hussein's regime, Sunnis were a privileged minority, and after his overthrow they found themselves in opposition.

Almost only Shiite Arabs and Kurds participated in the elections to the Constituent Assembly held in January 2005. Sunni Arabs boycotted the elections. Naturally, only Shiites and Kurds were represented in the Constituent Assembly, while Sunnis were practically excluded from the political life of the country.

In the fall of 2005, Sunni parties called on their supporters to reject the draft of a new constitution put to a referendum on October 15. Sunnis said the new constitution was imposed on them by Shiites and Kurds and that the document undermined the country's state and territorial unity. In their opinion, the federalization of Iraq, enshrined in the project, provides the opportunity for the Kurds in the north and the Shiites in the south to have a virtual monopoly on oil revenues.

Thanks to the intervention of the Arab League, the largest Sunni group, the Islamic Party of Iraq, agreed to support the draft constitution. In turn, the Shiites and Kurds promised to create a parliamentary commission to finalize the controversial points of the document.

In the parliamentary elections - the National Assembly, held on December 15, 2005, the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance won (128 parliamentary seats in the 275-seat parliament). The Shias, however, were unable to become the majority faction as in the previous interim legislature. The two largest Sunni parties received 55 seats, and the Alliance of Kurdish Parties received 53 seats. The remaining seats were distributed among smaller parties of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The government is formed by the largest parliamentary faction and is headed by the prime minister.

The Shiites believed that they would be able to form a government without taking into account the opinions of other groups of the population, but the United States demanded the formation of a government of national unity with the following scheme of division of posts: the prime minister of the country (a key position under the Iraqi constitution) is a Shiite, the president is a Kurd, and the chairman of parliament is a Shiite. Sunni. These officials' two deputies must complement their superior. This means, for example, that one vice-presidential post will always be reserved for Shiites and Sunnis.

The American demand displeased the Shiites, especially Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, but the Americans managed to convince them of the need for such an approach. And in April 2006, Ibrahim al-Jaafari had to give up his post to Jawad (Nuri) al-Maliki, who had the support of Muqtada al-Sadr and the spiritual leader of Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Economy

Iraq's economy is based on oil exports.

The economy of Iraq developed very dynamically and rapidly in the 70s of the 20th century. Funds from the sale of oil and gas. that Iraq received were enormous. After Saddam Hussein came to power and the start of the Iran-Iraq War, the country's economy began to degrade and quickly fell into decline. At the same time, the standard of living of the ordinary population decreased. After the Gulf War, the economy deteriorated further. Gradually, the economy began to rise from nothing in the 90s, but the second war with the United States completely undermined the country's economy.

Iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world. Iraqi state-owned companies North Oil Company (NOC) and South Oil Company (SOC) have a monopoly on the development of local oil fields. They report to the Ministry of Oil. Iraq's southern fields, managed by SOC, produce about 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for almost 90% of all oil produced in Iraq.

Culture

Iraq is home to various ethnic and religious groups whose traditions have influenced Iraqi culture. The Muslim worldview and philosophy underlie the life of society.

Education system

The state provides universal free secular education at all stages - from kindergarten to university. Primary schooling is compulsory for all children from the age of six. It lasts for 6 years and ends with exams, based on which students move to secondary school. Secondary education includes two three-year levels. In 1998, secondary schools educated approx. 71% boys and 46% girls of the corresponding age. After graduating from high school, young people can enter technological institutes or universities. In higher educational institutions preference is given to humanities education. Their graduates often go to work in government agencies. Humanities universities also train specialists in creative professions. The language of instruction is Arabic, with the exception of the northern regions, where in the first grades of primary school education is conducted in Kurdish. English language taught from fifth grade. There are six universities in Iraq: three in and one each in Basra, Mosul and Erbil. There are also 19 technological institutes. In 1998, more than 70 thousand students studied at higher educational institutions in the country.

According to data at the beginning of 1998, approx. 80% of the population.

Literature and art

Poetry is considered the most highly valued form of creative expression in Iraq. This is truly folk literature, addressed not only to the educated or wealthy strata. Less popular art. The country's painters and sculptors are searching for modern artistic forms that would reflect the traditions and culture of Iraq. The art of ornamentation and calligraphy is especially developed. Many modern artists create in the style of abstractionism, surrealism, cubism, and symbolism, although their works are not without national features. One of the most famous innovative artists of recent times is Javad Salim, whose work has received international recognition.

Dramatic performances usually carry a socio-political message. Most often, plays by Iraqi playwrights are staged, although performances based on scripts by European authors (both classical and modern) are regularly performed on stage. There are several thriving theatres, the Modern Theater being particularly successful. Certain efforts are being made to revive folk music and dance. Among the mass audience, the most popular songs are in colloquial Arabic. Jalil Bashir and some other composers write music for traditional Arabic instruments such as the udd (lute) and the qanun (zither).

Museums and libraries

The Iraqi Museum houses rare archaeological collections. Together with its large library, this institution represents a major center for scientific archaeological and historical research. In addition, the capital has the Museum of Arab Antiquities, museums of modern art, ethnographic and natural history. All major cities in Iraq have libraries. The largest collections are located in the Public Library. There are also public rural libraries.