1. Republic of Iraq

2. General Information  Former part of the Ottoman Empire  Became an independent kingdom in 1932.  A “ Republic ” was claimed in 1958… In reality, military strongmen have ruled since 1958.

3. More General Information  1980-1988 Territorial disputes between Iraq and Iran led to a war. This war was costly, and accomplished nothing  August 1990- Iraq seized Kuwait. Iraq was pushed out by US and UN forces by January/ February 1991. After defeating Iraq, the victors did not occupy Iraq. This allowed the rulers to stay in control.

4. More General Information AAfter Kuwait was freed from Iraq, the UN Security Council required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long range missiles. The UN also mandated that they wanted to inspect Iraq to verify compliance with their demands. UN Trade sanctions are still in effect due to non-compliance with the UN Security Council demands.

5. War on Terror  Shiite Muslims(Majority) persecuted by Sunni(Minority) under Saddam Hussein  U.S. invaded Iraq in a “preemptive war” to combat intelligence of WMD’s (false)  Deposed Dictator Saddam Hussein

6.  Shiites took power  Sunni rebels are a growing problem in Iraq ISIS-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

8. Location Relative Location: Relative Location: Borders the Persian Gulf, Between Iran and Kuwait.Borders the Persian Gulf, Between Iran and Kuwait. Absolute Location: Absolute Location: 33* North Latitude, 44* East Longitude33* North Latitude, 44* East Longitude

9. Place:  Slightly larger than twice the size of Idaho.  Climate: Mostly Desert. Mild to cool winters Dry, hot, cloudless summers. Northern Mountains along border with Turkey experience cold winters.  Occasionally heavy snows melt in early spring.  These snows often cause floods in Central and Southern Iraq.

10. More Place:  Terrain: Broad flat plains Along Iranian Border there are marshes with reed plants. There are large flooded areas. Mountains on borders with Iran and Turkey.  Natural Hazards: Dust Storms, Sandstorms, Floods.

11. More Place: EEthnic Groups: 75-80% Arab 15-20% Kurdish 5% Other

12. More Place: RReligions: 97% Muslim 3% Christian or other.

13.  Language: Arabic, Kurdish, Assyrian, Armenian  Government: Republic  Independence: October 3, 1932

14. Human and Environmental Interaction:  Environmental Issues:  Government water control projects have drained large marsh areas. Wildlife populations have been affected.Wildlife populations have been affected.  Air and Water Pollution  Soil Degradation due to salination.  Desertification and erosion due to sand.  Inadequate supplies of potable water.

15. Movement: Railways Railways Highways Highways Waterways Waterways Pipelines- crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Pipelines- crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas.

16. More Movement: Ports and Harbors Airports: 108. –7–7–7–73 paved –3–3–3–35 unpaved Heliports: 4

17. Region: The Middle East Very hostile region. War and political problems plague this whole area.