Created by Alex Craver

 Iraq is in the middle east  The 2 major rivers are the Euphrates and the Tigris. Both of which run into the Persian Gulf.  Major cities are Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Kirkuk, Irbil  Iraq is mostly desert. To the north east it becomes more mountainous closer to Iran. Northern Iraq is mountainous.  Total area of 438,317 sq km  Land= 437,367 sq km & water= 950 sq km

 Bagdad is the capital of Iraq.  The highest point is an unnamed peak with a height of 3,611m  Lowest point is the Persian Gulf at 0m  Natural hazards can occur such as dust storms, sandstorms and floods.

 Iraq is mostly desert.  Cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers  Northern mountains can have brutally cold winters with heavy snows.  The melting snow that runs off the mountains causes extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq.

 Iraq is now a parliamentary democracy.  Iraq is comprised of 18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah) and 1 region*; Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, At Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Kurdistan Regional Government*, Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, and Wasit

 Iraq just recently had its election for their prime minister position.  Former prime minister said that he just wants the nation to be restored to an Arab and Muslim safe haven after many years of war.  Allawi's Iraqiya bloc came out the top vote- getter in March 7 parliamentary elections.

 Decreased attacks and an improved security environment are helping the economy grow.  Iraq’s government is trying to pass major policies to reform and develop the nation’s oil reserves.  Export partners: US 38.6%, India 12.2%, Italy 9.8%, South Korea 7.1% (As of 2008)

 As of July 2009, there were 28,945,569 citizens.  0-14 years: 38.8% (male 5,711,187/female 5,514,794)  years: 58.2% (male 8,535,550/female 8,303,942)  65 years and over: 3% (male 410,395/female 469,701)  Muslim 97% (Shia 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%

 When in Iraq, visit the city of Bagdad. - Capitol city - Many temples and squares to walk around and enjoy the architecture

 Web. 24 Mar  "CIA - The World Factbook -- Iraq." Welcome to the CIA Web Site Central Intelligence Agency. Web. 24 Mar  "The Associated Press: Secular Challenger Hails Iraq Election Victory." Google. Web. 27 Mar