Geographical position and Climate of Iraq
Iraq is situated in the Middle East, bordered by six countries: Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. The country has a small coastline along the Persian Gulf. It encompasses the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which flow through the heart of the country.
Iraq’s climate can be categorized as primarily desert with mild to cool winters and dry, hot, cloudless summers. The northern regions of Iraq, including the mountainous areas of Kurdistan, experience colder winters with occasional heavy snowfalls and cooler summer temperatures. In contrast, the south experiences some of the highest summer temperatures in the world.
Brief history of Iraq
Iraq, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, is a country with a rich and complex history that dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is known as the birthplace of writing, agriculture, and law.
Around 3000 BCE, city-states like Ur, Uruk, and Babylon began to flourish, and the Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian empires emerged as powerful centers of culture and governance. In the 6th century BCE, the region came under Persian control, followed by conquests by Alexander the Great and later the Roman Empire.
The Islamic Golden Age saw Baghdad become a center of knowledge, trade, and culture in the 8th century CE. Over the subsequent centuries, Iraq was part of various Islamic empires, including the Abbasids, the Mongol-led Ilkhanate, and the Ottoman Empire.
In the aftermath of World War I, the modern state of Iraq was established under British mandate. It gained independence in 1932 but experienced political instability, coups, and conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s and the Gulf War in 1991.
The 2003 US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime, leading to years of violence and unrest. Despite ongoing challenges, Iraq continues to rebuild and develop its identity in the 21st century.
Religion
The predominant religion in Iraq is Islam, with the majority of Muslims identifying as either Shia or Sunni. The Shia Muslims constitute about 60-65% of the population, primarily located in the south and east of the country, including Baghdad. Sunni Muslims make up approximately 32-37%, living mostly in the central and western regions.
Iraq also has a diverse range of minority religious communities, including Christians (such as Chaldeans, Assyrians, Armenians, and Syriac Catholics), Yazidis, Sabean-Mandeans, Kaka’i, Baha’is, and a small number of Jews. These groups have contributed to the rich tapestry of Iraqi culture and history but have faced challenges and persecution, particularly in recent decades.
Language
The official language of Iraq is Arabic, which is used in government, media, and education. Kurdish is also an official language in the autonomous region of Kurdistan, located in northern Iraq.
Places to visit in Iraq
Before you visit Iraq
Travel to Iraq
Travelers can get to Iraq through several means, primarily by air and land. Here are the common ways to enter the country:
By Air
- International Flights: The primary entry point by air is through Baghdad International Airport (BGW). Other significant airports include Erbil International Airport (EBL) in the Kurdistan region and Basra International Airport (BSR) in the south.
- Regional Carriers: Many Middle Eastern airlines offer flights to Iraq, including Iraqi Airways, the national carrier.
With car or bus
- Border Crossings: Iraq shares borders with Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. There are established border crossings with these countries, but their accessibility may vary due to security conditions.
- Turkey: The Habur border crossing is commonly used to enter the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
- Iran: Several crossings like Mehran, Parvizkhan, and Shalamcheh link Iran to various parts of Iraq.
- Jordan: The Trebil border crossing connects Jordan to Iraq.
- Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Syria: While there are border crossings from these countries, they might be less frequently used or subject to restrictions.
By Sea
- Umm Qasr Port: Although less common for passenger travel, Iraq is accessible via its port at Umm Qasr on the Persian Gulf, which mainly handles cargo.
Before planning a trip to Iraq, it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories, visa requirements, and security conditions. Some regions, particularly outside of the Kurdistan area, may have specific risks that necessitate additional precautions or could impact travel plans.