Rahim Tabet | November 07, 2014 |
Iraq
|
Midle East
Iraq is located in the northeast of the Arab world and is part of the Asian continent. The country is almost entirely enclosed by other countries and it has 6 neighbors. Iraq is bordered to the north by the Taurus Mountains and Turkey, in the northeast and east it borders on the Zagros Mountains, Iran. In the southeast and south, the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait border, are the deserts of Syria and Jordan are in the west the boundary. Iraq has only in the southeast a narrow access to the Gulf and this access is wedged between the countries Kuwait and Iran, both of which are rich in oil. The name "Iraq" would be a derivative of "Uruk", are one of the oldest cities in the world.
Iraq has a total area of approximately 439,000 km² and is more than ten times as large than the Netherlands. Iraq has about 29 million inhabitants of the total population are Arabs, the largest group. Of the total Iraqi population, two-thirds live in the four major cities: Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and Kirkuk.
Iraq consists mainly of lowland landscape point of view. In the west and southwest of the country are vast arid deserts that 39% of the total area of Iraq fogging. The vital part of the Iraqi landscape is the sedimentatievlakte that the lowlands of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. These two rivers flow north of Baghdad in clear and valleys south of Baghdad, the landscape is mostly flat with marshes and mud flats. The mountain ranges of Turkey and Iran are in the north and northeast of the country and form about 21% of the total area. South of these mountains lies the rain-agricultural area of the Zagros Foreland, but contrary to what the name suggests this area, here is the fertility rate for agriculture, but low.
History
Iraq's history is very long and is perhaps one of the oldest in the world. Traditionally Iraqi state known as Mesopotamia, which is Greek for "Mesopotamia" and this name has been the country because of the two great rivers that flow through, namely the Tigris and Euphrates. The current Iraq was known in Biblical times. When included the area now known as Iraq roughly Babylonia and Assyria. The Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians, they founded the first cities and ended prehistory through the invention of writing. They have also made the first rules that made clear how large groups of people living together. On
The current form of the state and territory owes Iraq to the disintegration of the Ottoman / Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War. Because after Germany had been defeated in 1918 and the Sultan, divided France and Britain occupied territory and so came in 1920 the Iraqi state to state. This British mandate area was formed by the former Ottoman provinces of Baghdad, Basra and later the province of Mosul was also added. The British wanted to control this whole area because they sought an overland connection (between the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf) the important colony of India.
In 1921 the British put Prince Faisal, son of the sharif of Mecca, as king on the throne. In 1932 came to an end the British mandate and the kingdom Iraq was proclaimed, but behind the scenes the British remained in power. In the period 1936-1941 in Iraq seven military coups took place and the monarchy finally came in 1958 overthrown by the coup of a group of "Free Officers", with Brigadier Abdul Karim Qasim as a leader. The Iraqi Republic was proclaimed and Qasim became the first president of Iraq.
Power was in 1963 for the first time taken in Iraq by the Ba'th Party and dominated the Sunni Arab minority successive governments and armed forces. Iraq grew among the Ba'th rule into a symbol of Arab nationalism and the country was prosperous by the large presence of oil. In 1979, Saddam Hussein took power in Iraq and he was meanwhile become the most powerful man of the regime because it was transformed under his leadership Iraq after 1968 to a police state. Broke a year later, by an attempt by the regime of Saddam Hussein in order to strengthen the position of Iraq in the region, a war between Iraq and neighboring Iran. This war was only ended in 1988 with the signing of a cease-fire and the war cost a million lives.
After the war, Iraq sought to maximize oil exports to solve the economic problems of the country. But the price of oil was very low and Iraq held before the overproduction of neighboring Kuwait responsibility. In 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait after verbal threats did not have the desired effect. The United Nations (UN) announced in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait sanctions against Iraq off. The UN Security Council Resolution 678 gave the green light to all the (military) resources to put an end to the occupation of Kuwait. This culminated in the 1991 Gulf War and the international force succeeded in 'Operation Desert Storm' occupied Kuwait and Iraq invade, defeat the Iraqi army and agree to a cease-fire.
Shortly after the withdrawal from Kuwait came Shiite Arabs in the south and subsequently the Kurds in the north massive revolt. The regime of Saddam Hussein managed to gain control of the country back again, first in step by step until it was in Iraqi Kurdistan a Safe Haven set up and a wider No-Fly Zone for the Iraqi Air Force was proclaimed. In 1991 the Republic of Iraq actually fell in two.
In the meantime, Iraq was a prosperous country reverted to a developing country, where people lived at subsistence level. In 1995 adopted a resolution by the UN Security Council, which formed the basis for the "Oil-for-Food program. That meant that it could again export oil under strict supervision of the UN Iraq. The revenues from this oil exports could use Iraq to import humanitarian goods, including food and medicine. This all happened under strict control of the UN.
The sanctions regime against Iraq would be lifted until the country could prove not to be weapons of mass destruction in their possession. The Iraqi regime was therefore obliged to allow UN weapons inspections. In 1998, Iraq refused it even further to work with. In 2002, the weapons inspections in Iraq resumed under great international pressure.
Extremely oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein was in the spring of 2003 with a military action led by the United States ended. This military action was the final result of the fact that Iraq did not comply with the years Security Council resolutions that the country called to disarm.
After the fall of the regime of Saddam Hussein was followed by a period of complete chaos in Iraq. There was a vacuum in Iraq for both the structured exercise of political power and the maintenance of public order and safety. The American-British occupation force was not large enough to fill the resulting vacuum completely. In May 2003 the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) led by US envoy Paul Bremer was given the administrative responsibility for the reconstruction of Iraq, the reform of public authorities and creating stability and security. The existing economic sanctions applicable until then to Iraq were lifted.
The political process among Iraqis was encouraged by the CPA and commitment led to the creation of an Iraqi interim administration in July 2003. This board consisted of 25 representatives of the main political parties and other prominent Iraqis.
On December 13, 2003 the good news that Saddam Hussein was arrested after a manhunt, came so did the US administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, the day known.
In June 2004, adopted by the UN Security Council resolution which political schedule was included that would ensure that a democratically elected government in Iraq was taking office late 2005. Power was also in this month transferred from the CPA to the Iraqi interim government and sovereignty was restored in Iraq in this way. Iraq entered a new phase in the process of rebuilding the country and there was a new Iraqi constitution drawn up, which was approved after a national referendum and new elections were held in late 2005.
The Americans had after the capture of Saddam Hussein handed him over to the Iraqi authorities aanspanden a lawsuit against the former dictator. Saddam After a long and difficult process eventually sentenced to death for mass murder. He was hanged on December 30, 2006. The execution took place in the capital Baghdad, just before formal Islamic feast began.
In 2007 it remains very restless in Iraq and are numerous bombings committed. Moreover, there are still plenty of fighting between US forces and Al Qaeda fighters and why the US sends more troops to Iraq. In July 2008 the first Prime Minister Maliki indicated that it may be possible to eventually withdraw US troops from Iraq. In November 2008 the Iraqi parliament approves the security treaty which stipulates that all troops in the United States in late 2011 must have left Iraq. The provincial election in February 2009 won by Maliki. In May 2009 decided to hold parliamentary elections on January 30, 2010. These elections will end in March 2010 instead, but unfortunately they did not clear coalition.
Population and culture
Iraq, like many developing countries, an artificial political entity in which the population is a composition of many different nations. Of the total population in the country is 77% Arab, 19% Kurd, Turkmen 2% and 2% belongs to minority groups such as the Persians and Armenians. The Kurds live in the mountainous regions of northern Iraq, the Turkmens live in the northeast of the country and the middle and south of Iraq is populated by Arabs.
Iraq is a big gap between life in the city and rural life. City dwellers and villagers live literally in different worlds. Islam while in the cities a major impact on daily life. The population lives in rural areas partly still tribal and Islamic laws are often there by traditional customs and practices prevalent. The strong concentration of different population groups in certain parts of the country and the separate establishment in the cities do not add to intensive contacts between the different population groups.
The Iraqi population is naturally very welcoming, as hospitality is one of the virtues that are important in Islam. One should be generous towards guests and a good host making sure also that everyone is constantly good care. Be small gifts, candy or flowers further appreciated, but these are not extracted in the presence of the guest.
Islam is the official religion in Iraq and the majority of the Iraqi population, about 95%, depends therefore this religion. Although Islam is the largest religion in the country, the Iraqi constitution allows for freedom of religion and any form of religious discrimination prohibited. So Christian and other minorities are simply tolerated in Iraq.
Although 95% of the population is Muslim, there are some two tendencies within Islam, namely the Shiites (60% of the population) and Sunnis (35% of the population). This split can be traced back to the early years of Islam, because after the death of the Prophet Mohammed in 632 formed within the world community of Muslims follow a conflict between the two currents over who had him go.
Iraqi calendar, which consists of twelve months and is based on a lunar year, is strongly influenced by Islam. A great deal of value in Iraq attached to religious festivals and national holidays. The fasting month of Ramadan is probably the most famous Muslim festival. During this month, it is forbidden between sunrise and sunset for Muslims to eat or drink (some groups, such as the sick and pregnant women, are exempt). After sunset enjoyed an exuberant atmosphere until late in the evening of a great meal with various dishes and sweets. Ramadan is traditionally closed with Eid al-Fitr, Eid.
The most important religious feast Eid al-Adha Feast ie the Slaughter. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of the pilgrimage to Mecca is made, exactly two months and ten days after Ramadan. This festival reminded the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael), because on this day Muslims commemorate God gave permission to slaughter a sheep instead of his son to cut the throat to him. On this day it is tradition that Muslims in the world one or more sheep slaughtering over and give some of the meat to the needy.
Language
The official language in Iraq is Arabic. What exactly is meant by 'Arab' is, however, is not easy to explain. Arabic is the mother tongue of about 130 million people, is used in 21 countries Arab states as the official language and is also in some countries a minority language. Modern Standard Arabic is a standardized language used in the Arab world as an official language. The informal Arabic, the language used in everyday life varies greatly from country to country and there are many accents of Arabic in intercourse. And dialects Modern Standard Arabic, which is also taught in schools, should therefore be used when visiting another country.
The Kurdish alongside Arabic in autonomous areas accepted as an official language. By Iraqi minorities such as Turkmen and Armenians also spoken. Their own language Iraq is considered English as a second language.
Visa
For a visit to Iraq, you need a visa.
Price
The average price level in Iraq is comparable to that of the Netherlands.
The currency of Iraq the Iraqi Dinar.
Medical Information
The level of health care in Iraq is reasonable, but late, as in other developing countries, sometimes desired. Most hospitals are located in major cities and these are often the best. It is extremely important to own medication with you, because drugs are only very difficult to obtain in Iraq. Bring a small personal journey pharmacy, is therefore recommended.
Vaccinations
Specific vaccinations are not required for Iraq. Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory only in Iraq if you were prior to your trip to Iraq in a yellow fever area. Furthermore, regardless of the length of stay vaccination against DTP and hepatitis A are recommended if you are traveling to Iraq. Also typhoid vaccination if the trip lasts longer than two weeks, and is recommended for stays longer than three months, it is wise to get any vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. Always contact the Public Health Service, Tropical Doctor or Travel Clinic for current advice.
Safety
A new government in late December 2010 in Iraq took office and since that time, the security situation in the country has improved considerably. If you're traveling to Iraq, you recommended well informed to make the current situation in the country. It is also advisable political and / or religious demonstrations, rallies and public meetings to avoid. Furthermore, you must be on your guard when you are visiting government and government agencies.
The security forces in the country (police and army) have the right to any authoritarian act. It is therefore advised the instructions they give, strictly follow and not to cause unnecessary trouble. Furthermore it is forbidden to take pictures of police, military, government buildings, bridges, factories and embassies.
Terrorism
There are in Iraq terrorist and extremist organizations active. Their aggression is now mainly focused on the Iraqi politicians and wealthy businessmen and national security forces. These terrorist and extremist groups also commit still bombings in Iraq and regular projectiles are further fired at the International Zone in Baghdad.
If travelers are careless, foreigners have the opportunity to be an opportunity target. It is therefore important places where large numbers of people together to avoid, because this may be the opportunity to get involved significantly lower in an attack.
Transportions
Getting into the country
Currently it is very difficult to enter Iraq. Most traffic is prohibited to Iraq due to sanctions imposed by the United Nations. Iraq has a number of international airports where occasionally arriving traffic. In the capital Baghdad is the Baghdad International Airport (formerly Saddam International Airport). Other international airports in Iraq Basra International, International Erbil, Najaf International and Sulaimaniyah International. From the Netherlands go there are no direct flights to Iraq, but you can fly to Iraq via Amman (Jordan), Istanbul (Turkey), Frankfurt (Germany) and Vienna (Austria).
For domestic air traffic in the airports of Mosul, Kirkuk and Basra especially important. But from the airport in Baghdad domestic flights possible.
Iraq overland achieve through a zesbaanse expressway 1,200 kilometers long and other main roads passable. In the south connects the expressway zesbaanse Baghdad via Basra to Kuwait and in the west with Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. The other main roads provide a connection with Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The boundaries are however strictly monitored so you should keep this in mind if you want to come in Iraq over land.
Iraq is also accessible by train, because there is a train between Gaziantep in southern Turkey and Mosul in northern Iraq.
Transport in the country
Domestic flights into Iraq between the major cities of the country and they are executed by the national airline Iraqi Airways. Furthermore, Iraq has a good road network, which is at some points even call modern. And this road network is generally well maintained. Among several towns and villages in Iraq do ride taxis, but you have to be very careful with it. You can also travel by train in Iraq because there is a railway through the country making the large cities of the country are connected.
Flora & Fauna
In Iraq, we find all the characteristics of subtropical plains and mountain areas back. Thus, the plant world in Iraq modest and not very diverse. The major root cause of this is that the country is largely desert. The date palm is a tree that you often find in the Iraqi landscape. This palm is in fact resistant to large amounts of water and high salinity in the soil. In southern Iraq marshes where you will find many lush marsh grasses, such as papyrus, lotus and reeds.
As a result of extensive deforestation and excessive hunting, the fauna in Iraq in recent years greatly depleted. Especially the large mammals in the country have to pay for it because there is much hunted these animals. This example, has led to the extinction of the Mesopotamian lion and the Arabian ostrich is eradicated. In the dry areas of the country still live reindeer herds like buffalo, antelopes, gazelles, zebras and giraffes. In Kurdistan come some deer for, like the deer and the Arab mouflon (wild sheep small). Well you're likely to be smaller mammals in the country to see, such as jackals, wolves, hyenas, rabbits and hares.
Are also in Iraq see many birds of prey such as the buzzard, the owl, the raven and the vulture. Geese, ducks, partridges and grouse are other birds which occur in Iraq.
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| Mosul Dam |
Iraq has a total area of approximately 439,000 km² and is more than ten times as large than the Netherlands. Iraq has about 29 million inhabitants of the total population are Arabs, the largest group. Of the total Iraqi population, two-thirds live in the four major cities: Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and Kirkuk.
Iraq consists mainly of lowland landscape point of view. In the west and southwest of the country are vast arid deserts that 39% of the total area of Iraq fogging. The vital part of the Iraqi landscape is the sedimentatievlakte that the lowlands of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. These two rivers flow north of Baghdad in clear and valleys south of Baghdad, the landscape is mostly flat with marshes and mud flats. The mountain ranges of Turkey and Iran are in the north and northeast of the country and form about 21% of the total area. South of these mountains lies the rain-agricultural area of the Zagros Foreland, but contrary to what the name suggests this area, here is the fertility rate for agriculture, but low.
History
Iraq's history is very long and is perhaps one of the oldest in the world. Traditionally Iraqi state known as Mesopotamia, which is Greek for "Mesopotamia" and this name has been the country because of the two great rivers that flow through, namely the Tigris and Euphrates. The current Iraq was known in Biblical times. When included the area now known as Iraq roughly Babylonia and Assyria. The Sumerians, Assyrians and Babylonians, they founded the first cities and ended prehistory through the invention of writing. They have also made the first rules that made clear how large groups of people living together. On
The current form of the state and territory owes Iraq to the disintegration of the Ottoman / Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War. Because after Germany had been defeated in 1918 and the Sultan, divided France and Britain occupied territory and so came in 1920 the Iraqi state to state. This British mandate area was formed by the former Ottoman provinces of Baghdad, Basra and later the province of Mosul was also added. The British wanted to control this whole area because they sought an overland connection (between the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf) the important colony of India.
In 1921 the British put Prince Faisal, son of the sharif of Mecca, as king on the throne. In 1932 came to an end the British mandate and the kingdom Iraq was proclaimed, but behind the scenes the British remained in power. In the period 1936-1941 in Iraq seven military coups took place and the monarchy finally came in 1958 overthrown by the coup of a group of "Free Officers", with Brigadier Abdul Karim Qasim as a leader. The Iraqi Republic was proclaimed and Qasim became the first president of Iraq.
Power was in 1963 for the first time taken in Iraq by the Ba'th Party and dominated the Sunni Arab minority successive governments and armed forces. Iraq grew among the Ba'th rule into a symbol of Arab nationalism and the country was prosperous by the large presence of oil. In 1979, Saddam Hussein took power in Iraq and he was meanwhile become the most powerful man of the regime because it was transformed under his leadership Iraq after 1968 to a police state. Broke a year later, by an attempt by the regime of Saddam Hussein in order to strengthen the position of Iraq in the region, a war between Iraq and neighboring Iran. This war was only ended in 1988 with the signing of a cease-fire and the war cost a million lives.
After the war, Iraq sought to maximize oil exports to solve the economic problems of the country. But the price of oil was very low and Iraq held before the overproduction of neighboring Kuwait responsibility. In 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait after verbal threats did not have the desired effect. The United Nations (UN) announced in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait sanctions against Iraq off. The UN Security Council Resolution 678 gave the green light to all the (military) resources to put an end to the occupation of Kuwait. This culminated in the 1991 Gulf War and the international force succeeded in 'Operation Desert Storm' occupied Kuwait and Iraq invade, defeat the Iraqi army and agree to a cease-fire.
Shortly after the withdrawal from Kuwait came Shiite Arabs in the south and subsequently the Kurds in the north massive revolt. The regime of Saddam Hussein managed to gain control of the country back again, first in step by step until it was in Iraqi Kurdistan a Safe Haven set up and a wider No-Fly Zone for the Iraqi Air Force was proclaimed. In 1991 the Republic of Iraq actually fell in two.
In the meantime, Iraq was a prosperous country reverted to a developing country, where people lived at subsistence level. In 1995 adopted a resolution by the UN Security Council, which formed the basis for the "Oil-for-Food program. That meant that it could again export oil under strict supervision of the UN Iraq. The revenues from this oil exports could use Iraq to import humanitarian goods, including food and medicine. This all happened under strict control of the UN.
The sanctions regime against Iraq would be lifted until the country could prove not to be weapons of mass destruction in their possession. The Iraqi regime was therefore obliged to allow UN weapons inspections. In 1998, Iraq refused it even further to work with. In 2002, the weapons inspections in Iraq resumed under great international pressure.
Extremely oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein was in the spring of 2003 with a military action led by the United States ended. This military action was the final result of the fact that Iraq did not comply with the years Security Council resolutions that the country called to disarm.
After the fall of the regime of Saddam Hussein was followed by a period of complete chaos in Iraq. There was a vacuum in Iraq for both the structured exercise of political power and the maintenance of public order and safety. The American-British occupation force was not large enough to fill the resulting vacuum completely. In May 2003 the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) led by US envoy Paul Bremer was given the administrative responsibility for the reconstruction of Iraq, the reform of public authorities and creating stability and security. The existing economic sanctions applicable until then to Iraq were lifted.
The political process among Iraqis was encouraged by the CPA and commitment led to the creation of an Iraqi interim administration in July 2003. This board consisted of 25 representatives of the main political parties and other prominent Iraqis.
On December 13, 2003 the good news that Saddam Hussein was arrested after a manhunt, came so did the US administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, the day known.
In June 2004, adopted by the UN Security Council resolution which political schedule was included that would ensure that a democratically elected government in Iraq was taking office late 2005. Power was also in this month transferred from the CPA to the Iraqi interim government and sovereignty was restored in Iraq in this way. Iraq entered a new phase in the process of rebuilding the country and there was a new Iraqi constitution drawn up, which was approved after a national referendum and new elections were held in late 2005.
The Americans had after the capture of Saddam Hussein handed him over to the Iraqi authorities aanspanden a lawsuit against the former dictator. Saddam After a long and difficult process eventually sentenced to death for mass murder. He was hanged on December 30, 2006. The execution took place in the capital Baghdad, just before formal Islamic feast began.
In 2007 it remains very restless in Iraq and are numerous bombings committed. Moreover, there are still plenty of fighting between US forces and Al Qaeda fighters and why the US sends more troops to Iraq. In July 2008 the first Prime Minister Maliki indicated that it may be possible to eventually withdraw US troops from Iraq. In November 2008 the Iraqi parliament approves the security treaty which stipulates that all troops in the United States in late 2011 must have left Iraq. The provincial election in February 2009 won by Maliki. In May 2009 decided to hold parliamentary elections on January 30, 2010. These elections will end in March 2010 instead, but unfortunately they did not clear coalition.
Population and culture
Iraq, like many developing countries, an artificial political entity in which the population is a composition of many different nations. Of the total population in the country is 77% Arab, 19% Kurd, Turkmen 2% and 2% belongs to minority groups such as the Persians and Armenians. The Kurds live in the mountainous regions of northern Iraq, the Turkmens live in the northeast of the country and the middle and south of Iraq is populated by Arabs.
Iraq is a big gap between life in the city and rural life. City dwellers and villagers live literally in different worlds. Islam while in the cities a major impact on daily life. The population lives in rural areas partly still tribal and Islamic laws are often there by traditional customs and practices prevalent. The strong concentration of different population groups in certain parts of the country and the separate establishment in the cities do not add to intensive contacts between the different population groups.
The Iraqi population is naturally very welcoming, as hospitality is one of the virtues that are important in Islam. One should be generous towards guests and a good host making sure also that everyone is constantly good care. Be small gifts, candy or flowers further appreciated, but these are not extracted in the presence of the guest.
Islam is the official religion in Iraq and the majority of the Iraqi population, about 95%, depends therefore this religion. Although Islam is the largest religion in the country, the Iraqi constitution allows for freedom of religion and any form of religious discrimination prohibited. So Christian and other minorities are simply tolerated in Iraq.
Although 95% of the population is Muslim, there are some two tendencies within Islam, namely the Shiites (60% of the population) and Sunnis (35% of the population). This split can be traced back to the early years of Islam, because after the death of the Prophet Mohammed in 632 formed within the world community of Muslims follow a conflict between the two currents over who had him go.
Iraqi calendar, which consists of twelve months and is based on a lunar year, is strongly influenced by Islam. A great deal of value in Iraq attached to religious festivals and national holidays. The fasting month of Ramadan is probably the most famous Muslim festival. During this month, it is forbidden between sunrise and sunset for Muslims to eat or drink (some groups, such as the sick and pregnant women, are exempt). After sunset enjoyed an exuberant atmosphere until late in the evening of a great meal with various dishes and sweets. Ramadan is traditionally closed with Eid al-Fitr, Eid.
The most important religious feast Eid al-Adha Feast ie the Slaughter. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of the pilgrimage to Mecca is made, exactly two months and ten days after Ramadan. This festival reminded the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael), because on this day Muslims commemorate God gave permission to slaughter a sheep instead of his son to cut the throat to him. On this day it is tradition that Muslims in the world one or more sheep slaughtering over and give some of the meat to the needy.
Language
The official language in Iraq is Arabic. What exactly is meant by 'Arab' is, however, is not easy to explain. Arabic is the mother tongue of about 130 million people, is used in 21 countries Arab states as the official language and is also in some countries a minority language. Modern Standard Arabic is a standardized language used in the Arab world as an official language. The informal Arabic, the language used in everyday life varies greatly from country to country and there are many accents of Arabic in intercourse. And dialects Modern Standard Arabic, which is also taught in schools, should therefore be used when visiting another country.
The Kurdish alongside Arabic in autonomous areas accepted as an official language. By Iraqi minorities such as Turkmen and Armenians also spoken. Their own language Iraq is considered English as a second language.
Visa
For a visit to Iraq, you need a visa.
Price
The average price level in Iraq is comparable to that of the Netherlands.
The currency of Iraq the Iraqi Dinar.
Medical Information
The level of health care in Iraq is reasonable, but late, as in other developing countries, sometimes desired. Most hospitals are located in major cities and these are often the best. It is extremely important to own medication with you, because drugs are only very difficult to obtain in Iraq. Bring a small personal journey pharmacy, is therefore recommended.
Vaccinations
Specific vaccinations are not required for Iraq. Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory only in Iraq if you were prior to your trip to Iraq in a yellow fever area. Furthermore, regardless of the length of stay vaccination against DTP and hepatitis A are recommended if you are traveling to Iraq. Also typhoid vaccination if the trip lasts longer than two weeks, and is recommended for stays longer than three months, it is wise to get any vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. Always contact the Public Health Service, Tropical Doctor or Travel Clinic for current advice.
Safety
A new government in late December 2010 in Iraq took office and since that time, the security situation in the country has improved considerably. If you're traveling to Iraq, you recommended well informed to make the current situation in the country. It is also advisable political and / or religious demonstrations, rallies and public meetings to avoid. Furthermore, you must be on your guard when you are visiting government and government agencies.
The security forces in the country (police and army) have the right to any authoritarian act. It is therefore advised the instructions they give, strictly follow and not to cause unnecessary trouble. Furthermore it is forbidden to take pictures of police, military, government buildings, bridges, factories and embassies.
Terrorism
There are in Iraq terrorist and extremist organizations active. Their aggression is now mainly focused on the Iraqi politicians and wealthy businessmen and national security forces. These terrorist and extremist groups also commit still bombings in Iraq and regular projectiles are further fired at the International Zone in Baghdad.
If travelers are careless, foreigners have the opportunity to be an opportunity target. It is therefore important places where large numbers of people together to avoid, because this may be the opportunity to get involved significantly lower in an attack.
Transportions
Getting into the country
Currently it is very difficult to enter Iraq. Most traffic is prohibited to Iraq due to sanctions imposed by the United Nations. Iraq has a number of international airports where occasionally arriving traffic. In the capital Baghdad is the Baghdad International Airport (formerly Saddam International Airport). Other international airports in Iraq Basra International, International Erbil, Najaf International and Sulaimaniyah International. From the Netherlands go there are no direct flights to Iraq, but you can fly to Iraq via Amman (Jordan), Istanbul (Turkey), Frankfurt (Germany) and Vienna (Austria).
For domestic air traffic in the airports of Mosul, Kirkuk and Basra especially important. But from the airport in Baghdad domestic flights possible.
Iraq overland achieve through a zesbaanse expressway 1,200 kilometers long and other main roads passable. In the south connects the expressway zesbaanse Baghdad via Basra to Kuwait and in the west with Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. The other main roads provide a connection with Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The boundaries are however strictly monitored so you should keep this in mind if you want to come in Iraq over land.
Iraq is also accessible by train, because there is a train between Gaziantep in southern Turkey and Mosul in northern Iraq.
Transport in the country
Domestic flights into Iraq between the major cities of the country and they are executed by the national airline Iraqi Airways. Furthermore, Iraq has a good road network, which is at some points even call modern. And this road network is generally well maintained. Among several towns and villages in Iraq do ride taxis, but you have to be very careful with it. You can also travel by train in Iraq because there is a railway through the country making the large cities of the country are connected.
Flora & Fauna
In Iraq, we find all the characteristics of subtropical plains and mountain areas back. Thus, the plant world in Iraq modest and not very diverse. The major root cause of this is that the country is largely desert. The date palm is a tree that you often find in the Iraqi landscape. This palm is in fact resistant to large amounts of water and high salinity in the soil. In southern Iraq marshes where you will find many lush marsh grasses, such as papyrus, lotus and reeds.
As a result of extensive deforestation and excessive hunting, the fauna in Iraq in recent years greatly depleted. Especially the large mammals in the country have to pay for it because there is much hunted these animals. This example, has led to the extinction of the Mesopotamian lion and the Arabian ostrich is eradicated. In the dry areas of the country still live reindeer herds like buffalo, antelopes, gazelles, zebras and giraffes. In Kurdistan come some deer for, like the deer and the Arab mouflon (wild sheep small). Well you're likely to be smaller mammals in the country to see, such as jackals, wolves, hyenas, rabbits and hares.
Are also in Iraq see many birds of prey such as the buzzard, the owl, the raven and the vulture. Geese, ducks, partridges and grouse are other birds which occur in Iraq.
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