Info4Migrants Iraq Profile 2 AREA 437 072 km Population 36,004 million GDP per capita $6900 CURRENCY Iraki Dinar (IQD) Languages: ARABIC and KURDISH MAIN INFORMATION “Iraq - Location Map (2013) - IRQ - UNOCHA” by OCHA. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Iraq_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_IRQ_-_UNO- CHA.svg#mediaviewer/File:Iraq_-_Location_Map_ (2013)_-_IRQ_-_UNOCHA.svg Official Name: Republic of Iraq (Al-Jumhuriya al-Iraqi-ya). Location: Iraq is located in the Middle East, in the most northern part of the Persian Gulf, North of Saudi Arabia, West of Iran, East of Syria and South of Turkey. Capital: Baghdad Flag Climate: Mainly hot arid climate, mild cool winters, dry, hot summers with no clouds; heavy snowfalls are typical for the northern mountainous regions, located east from Syria and South of Turkey. Ethnic composition: Arab 75 – 80%, Kurdish 15 - 20%; Assyrians, Turkmen and others 5% Religion: Muslim 97%, Christian and others 3%, (Christian 0.8%, Hindu <1%, Buddhist <1%, Jewish <1%) Coat of Arms “Coat of arms (emblem) of Iraq 2008” by File:Coat_of_arms_of_Iraq.svg was by User:Tonyjeff, based on national symbol, with the help of User:Omar86, User:Kaf- ka1 and User:AnonMoos; further modifications by AnonMoos. Arabic script modified by User:Militaryace. - symbol adopted in July 2nd, 1965, with updates. Based 3 on File:Coat_of_arms_(emblem)_of_Iraq_2004-2007.svg with stars removed and text enlarged.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_arms_(emblem)_of_Iraq_2008.svg#mediaviewer/File:Coat_of_arms_(emblem)_of_Iraq_2008.svg FACTS ABOUT IRAQ Flag The Iraqi flag consists of three horizontal look-alike stripes in red, white and black with three green pentagrams, positioned on the white field. The phrase “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is great) written in Arabic is also positioned on the white field between the stars. Language According to the constitution of 2005 the two main languages in Iraq are Arab and Kurdish, which is official for the regions where a lot of Kurds live. Turkmen, Assyrian and Neo-Aramaic are also official languages in the areas where they are spoken. The two regional Arabic Dialects that are spoken are Mesopotamian (spoken by 11.5 million people) and North Mesopotamian (spoken by 5.4 million people). Other Photo by Getideaka at freedigitalphotos.net languages are Armenian, Azeri, Chaldean and Neo- Aramaic. Religion The constitution of 2005 guarantees the freedom of faith, but states that no law contradicting Islam, the state religion, can be passed. About 97% of the population are Muslim, 60-65% of them Shia, and 32-35% Sunni. Although the Shia constitute more than half of the population of the country for the most part of the 20th century, until 2005, they were excluded from the government of the country. Saddam Hussein’s Sunni regime systematically represses the Shia. In 1991 the Shia rebellion in South Iraq leads to mass executions and even after the end of Saddam Hussein’s regime the division between Sunni and Shia continues to affect the politics in the Photo by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee country. The Kurds are mainly Sunni, but are ethnically at freedigitalphotos.net different from the Arabs and do not possess such a belligerent mood. 4 FACTS ABOUT IRAQ Family and honor Family and honor are of utmost importance to Iraqis. Relatives and tribe have a significant political and social part. Families keep each of their members responsible for their actions as one wrong doing brings shame to the whole family. Loyalty to the family is more important than other social relationships, including business. Employing a relative is typical as they can be trusted. It is customary for a few generations to live in the same household. It is not always like that in the cities, although relatives usually live in the same street or in the same neighborhood. Capital In 2011 the population of Baghdad is almost 7 216 040 people, which makes it the biggest city in the Arab world after Cairo, Egypt and the second biggest in West Asia, after Tehran, Iran. Baghdad is located on the Tigris River. It was established in the 8th century, and became the capital of Abbasid Caliphate. Baghdad evolved into a significant cultural, commercial, and intellectual center for the Islamic world. Throughout the Middle Ages, Baghdad was considered to be the largest city in the world with an estimated population of 1,200,000 people. The city was largely destroyed at the hands of the Mongol Empire in 1258. The city fell into decline due to plagues and frequent change of rulers. With the recognition of Iraq as “Baghdad collage” by Collage by Kurtis. - w:Chris- an independent state (British Mandate of Mesopotamia) in tian Peacemaker Teams photograph, uploaded by 1938, Baghdad gradually regained some of its former Sherurcij.Photo taken by Robert Smith, transferred to Commons.Photo originally taken by a United States prominence as a significant center of Arab culture. Department of State employee, uploaded by Sherurcij. Original file uploaded to Flickr by Jim Gordon, subsequently transferred to Commons by Prioryman and reviewed by FlickreviewR bot.. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baghdad_collage. png#mediaviewer/File:Baghdad_collage.png 5 FACTS ABOUT IRAQ Hospitality The hospitality has its origins buried deep in the Arab and Muslim culture. Guests are treated as Kings who deserve continuous care. According to the Islam tradition a guest can stay at your home for up to three days, and you can ask them in advance about the purpose of their visit and when they are going to leave. An invitation for a visit is considered a great honor and must not be declined. Cuneiform The oldest known writing system appeared in Iraq around 3200 BC. It is known as Cuneiform script and uses about 600 symbols, instead of an alphabet, where every symbol is a syllable or a separate word. Saddam Hussein Saddam Hussein (1937 – 2006) is the fifth president if Iraq, from 16.07.1979 to 09.03.2003. He is the leading member of the revolutionary Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, which combines Arabic nationalism and Arabic socialism. Saddam played a key role in the coup of 1968 (later became known as the revolution of July 17th), after which the party came to power in Iraq. Saddam officially became president in 1979, although he had ruled the country for a few years already. He oppressed the Shia movements and the Kurds who tried to bring down the government and managed to remain in power through the war with Iran and the Gulf War. In 2003 a coalition lead by the USA and Great Britain attacked Iraq to overthrow Saddam’s rule, on the allegations of possession of weapons of mass destruction and ties with Al Qaida. The trial against Saddam was held during the temporary Iraqi government. He was found guilty and executed on the 30.12.2006. “Bill of sale Louvre AO3765” by Marie-Lan Nguyen (2009). Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bill_ of_sale_Louvre_AO3765.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Bill_of_sale_Louvre_AO3765.jpg 6 “Iraq, Saddam Hussein (222)” by Original uploader was 172 at en.wikipedia - Transfered from en.wikipedia From Iraqi state television.. Licensed under Public Do- main via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iraq,_Saddam_Hussein_(222).jpg#mediaviewer/File:Iraq,_Saddam_Hussein_(222).jpg PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 1 January: New Year’s Day 1 May: Labor Day follow Allah's (God's) Iraq participates in the The 1st of May is celebrated command to sacrifice his traditional international as Labor Day almost all son Ishmael. celebrations for the first day around the world. of the Gregorian calendar. 3 October: Iraqi national 14 July: Republic Day holiday – Independence Variable date in winter: 14 July 1958 is the day the Day Milad Un Nabi Hashemite monarchy was In 1932 after the agreement The birth of the Islamic overthrown in Iraq by popular between Iraq and Great prophet Muhammad. forces led by Abdul Karim Britain, Iraq gains its Kassem, who became the independence. 6 January: Armed Forces Day nation's new leader. Annual celebration of the Variable date in autumn or Variable date in the creation of the Iraqi army on winter: New Year summer: Eid al-Fitr (3 days) 06.01.1921. according to the Islamic The end of the fasting during calendar Ramadan month is The first year according to 21 March: Nowruz celebrated. the Islamic calendar begins (celebrated only by the in 622 AD when Kurds) 27 July: 1991 Shia uprisings Muhammad moved from Nowruz marks the first day in Iraq Mecca to Medina. of spring and the beginning Commemoration of the Shia of the year according to the uprising against Saddam Variable date in autumn: Persian calendar. Hussein’s regime in 1991. Ashura For Shias this is a day of 9 April: Liberation Day 8 August: Armistice Day atonement, they wear End of Saddam Hussein’s The end of the war with Iran mourning clothes and avoid regime. is celebrated (1980-1988), any form of entertainment. known as the First Gulf War. For Sunnis this is a day of joy 17 April: FAO Day and celebrations with the Commemoration of the day Variable date in autumn: Eid al-Adha (4 days) family and friends in honor of the Food and Agriculture of Allah’s victory. Organization. An Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to 7 SHORT HISTORY • Iraq has been part of the Ottoman Empire, and during World War I is occupied by Great Britain. • In 1920 Great Britain receives the mandate from the League of Nations to rule Iraq.