The Republic of Iraq is a state in Southwest Asia. Its area is more than 435 sq. km. The population of Iraq is about 36 million.
Briefly about the state
In the north, the border of this country passes with Turkey, and in the west it borders on Syria and Jordan. In the southeast, the shores of the state are washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf - this can be visualized by finding Iraq on the map. It borders Iran to the east, but there are also disputed territories along the border that have not been officially established.
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad. This city is considered one of the largest administrative centers in the Middle East. In addition, it is an important transport hub. As we said before, the total population of Iraq varies between 36 million people, and of these, more than 6 million live in the capital.
By type of government, this state is a parliamentary republic of a federal structure. Divided Iraq into 18 provinces.
The state gained its independence in 1932. From 1979 to 2003, Saddam Hussein ruled the country. Throughout his presidency, the people of Iraqsuffered from hostilities, which, naturally, could not benefit economic growth and, as a result, improve living standards.
Geographic location
The country's territory is located in the Mesopotamian lowland, between the valleys of two large eastern rivers - the Tigris and the Euphrates. This place has been popular for a long time. It was here that one of the first human civilizations, the Sumerian, arose. Later, other states existed on these lands - Babylon and Assyria. In the 7th century, these states were conquered by the Arabs, and Islam spread here.
Looking at Iraq on a map, you can see that geographically it is divided into 4 natural regions.
- A large area of the country is located on the Mesopotamian lowland, in the northeast of which rises a low mountain system - Sinjar.
- From the north, the state encircles the Iranian Plateau. It is here that the highest point of the country is located - Mount Haji Ibrahim, with a height of 3,587 m.
- In the southwest there is a desert plateau - the Syrian Desert.
- Eastern part - El Jazeera plain.
Inland waters
The state of Iraq is not rich in the density of the river system, but two of the most important water arteries of the Middle East, the Tigris and the Euphrates, pass here. The waters of these rivers are used for irrigation as well as for energy production. Cascades of hydroelectric power stations were built on the rivers. In the northwest, both rivers merge into one single stream Shatt al-Arab, which opens to the Persian Gulf.
This waterway throughoutits channel is deep and navigable. In deserts, you can often find temporary streams that fill with water during the rainy season, but dry up in dry weather.
Climatic conditions in Iraq
The state is located in the subtropical climate zone, with hot summers and cold winters. The change of seasons of the year is also traced, but only two are pronounced: summer and winter. Summer in Iraq lasts from early May to October, winter from December to late March.
The state is characterized by low rainfall throughout the year. In summer, they are completely absent, which forces the population of Iraq to make the most of the water resources of the rivers. In winter, in the flat part, precipitation varies between 50-150 mm. Moving north, they increase and reach a maximum number of up to 1500 mm / year in the mountains.
Snowfalls and frosts are quite rare for Iraq. Average July temperatures are +32°С - 35°С, and average January temperatures are +16°С - 18°С.
A characteristic phenomenon for the state is the winds. In summer, hot winds blow from the northwest. They carry large masses of sand with them, creating sandstorms. This season is from May to July. At this time, such winds blow daily. In winter, their direction changes to the northeast.
Features of flora, fauna and soils
In the river valleys, the soil is quite fertile, but it requires constant additional irrigation. Here, the local population is mainly engaged in agriculture. In the southern regions - sandy soils, unsuitable forgrowing crops. In the eastern regions, most often, swampy.
Flora and fauna of the country does not indulge in diversity. Subtropical and tropical desert vegetation is widespread. Of the animals, gazelles, jackals and striped hyenas are found here. The poisonous cobra is ubiquitous. And there are a lot of fish in the rivers and lakes.
Population and form of government
The latest census showed that the population of Iraq is characterized by positive growth. However, due to military conflicts, of course, it can change dramatically.
Most of the locals are Arabs. In percentage terms, they are 75%, Kurds - 18%, and the remaining 7% are other nationalities (Armenians, Turkmens, Assyrians, etc.).
The official language of the country is Arabic. Kurdish is also widespread - along with Arabic it has the status of an official language. The majority of the country's population is Muslim (over 95%), and only 3% are Christians.
Iraq is a federal presidential republic. Representatives of the three communities of the Iraqi people sit in parliament - Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. The constitution of the state was recognized only in 2005, approved by a popular referendum.
Iraq's cities and economic development
There are 6 cities in Iraq, the population of which exceeds one million people. This, of course, is the capital, Basra, An-Najaf, Erbil and others. The provinces (governors) are divided into districts (kazy) and districts (nahii). Autonomous Okrug formed in the north of the countryKurdish.
Due to the constantly recurring wars, military conflicts, the economy of Iraq is in a deplorable state. The only stable industry is the oil industry. They transport "black gold" to neighboring states.
