Moving to Iraq: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

38,872,655

Population Growth Rate

2.29%

Urban Population

66.500000

Population in Major Urban Areas

• BAGHDAD (capital) 6.036 million
• Mosul 1.494 million
• Erbil 1.039 million
• Basra 942,000
• As Sulaymaniyah 867,000
• Najaf 779,000

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Age Structure

39.880000

Median Age

21.300000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

28

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

4.65

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

3.5

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

51.2%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

51.2%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Ethnic Groups

Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5%

Language Note

The majority of Iraqis speak Arabic, with variations in dialect according to region.

Modern standard Arabic is spoken by educated Iraqis and is the written language.

Other languages spoken include Chaldean, Armenian, Syriac, Turkish dialects and Persian.

English is the most widely used foreign language and is taught in Iraqi schools.

Nationality Noun

Iraqi(s)

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Literacy - total population

74.1%

Literacy - male

55.9%

Literacy - female

24.4%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

10.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

71.14

Infant Mortality Rate

38.86

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

38.86

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

63

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.61

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.3

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

8.3%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

intermediate

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

27%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

93.9

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

86.2

Underweight - percent of children under five years

7.1%

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Economic Overview

The Iraqi economy stands at a critical juncture, marked by a combination of rich potential and persistent challenges.

As the country seeks to rebuild after years of conflict and instability, it continues to grapple with structural economic hurdles while leveraging its vast natural resources, particularly oil, as a cornerstone of its recovery efforts.

Oil: The Lifeblood of Iraq’s Economy Oil dominates the Iraqi economy, accounting for over 90% of government revenue and 60% of GDP.

Iraq is one of the world’s largest oil producers, and its proven reserves rank among the top globally.

This dependence, however, leaves the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.

The government has made attempts to diversify its revenue streams, but progress remains slow due to political challenges and infrastructure deficiencies.

Despite these challenges, Iraq has capitalized on rising oil demand, with exports from fields in southern Iraq hitting record highs in recent years.

However, reliance on oil alone is unsustainable, experts warn, as it limits economic resilience and stifles innovation in other sectors.

Economic Diversification Efforts Efforts to diversify the economy have focused on agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

Iraq’s fertile lands, particularly in the Tigris and Euphrates valleys, make it a historical breadbasket of the region.

However, agricultural output has been hindered by water scarcity, outdated farming practices, and the effects of climate change.

Investment in renewable energy, especially solar, has begun to gain traction as Iraq seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and address chronic electricity shortages.

International partners have pledged funding for renewable energy projects, which could help position Iraq as a regional energy hub in the coming decades.

Challenges to Growth Political instability and corruption remain significant barriers to economic progress.

Frequent changes in leadership, policy inconsistencies, and a lack of transparency in governance deter foreign investment and slow infrastructure development.

The unemployment rate remains high, particularly among youth, with job creation failing to keep pace with population growth.

The World Bank and IMF have stressed the importance of structural reforms, including fostering private sector growth, reforming state-owned enterprises, and modernizing financial institutions.

Moreover, security concerns persist, with pockets of insurgency and ongoing political unrest affecting investor confidence and trade flows.

A Resilient People Despite these challenges, Iraq’s population has demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are thriving in urban centers, contributing to a burgeoning entrepreneurial culture.

Many Iraqis are pushing for reforms, particularly among the younger generation, which is increasingly engaged in the digital economy and innovation.

The Path Forward Iraq’s economic future will depend on its ability to implement sustainable reforms, combat corruption, and attract foreign investment.

Its natural resource wealth and strategic geographic location provide a strong foundation for growth, but unlocking its full potential will require political will and effective governance.

Industries

petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processing

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$15,500.00 (USD)

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$372,270,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$15,500.00 (USD)

GDP - official exchange rate

$165,100,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 55.5% government
• consumption: 21.5% investment in fixed
• capital: 16.5% investment in
• inventories: 2% exports of goods and
• services: 40.8% imports of goods and
• services: -36.3%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

5.2%

GDP by Sector- Industry

49.7%

GDP by Sector- services

45.1%

Industrial Growth Rate

4.8%

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Inflation Rate

4.2%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

New Iraqi dinar (NID) as of 22 January 2004

Currency Name and Code

Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

6%

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Labor Force

8,500,000

Unemployment Rate

15.3%

Major Industries

petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processing

Agriculture Products

wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep

Population Below Poverty Line

25%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

715,737

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

11%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

21.6%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

18.7%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

59.8%

Annual Budget

$52,800,000,000 (USD)

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

0.9%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

44.9%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Iraq

Country Name

Iraq

Local - Long

Jumhuriyat al-Iraq/Komar-i Eraq

Local - Short

Al Iraq/Eraq

Former Name

Mesopotamia, Mandatory Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Iraq

Etymology- history of name

the name probably derives from "Uruk" (Biblical "Erech"), the ancient Sumerian and Babylonian city on the Euphrates River

Independence

3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government

National Holiday

Independence Day, 3 October (1932); Republic Day, 14 July (1958)

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Government Type

federal parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 15 October 2005
• amendments: proposed by the president of the republic and the Council of Minsters collectively, or by one fifth of the Council of Representatives members; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Council of Representatives, approval by referendum, and ratification by the president; passage of amendments to articles on citizen rights and liberties requires two-thirds majority vote of Council of Representatives members after two successive electoral terms, approval in a referendum, and ratification by the president

Legal System:

mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Latif RASHID (since 13 October 2022); vice presidents (vacant)
• head of government: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-SUDANI (since 27 October 2022)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, approved by Council of Representatives (COR)
• elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by COR to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); COR parliamentary election for president last held on 13 October 2022 (next to be held NA)
• election results: 2022: Latif RASHID elected president in second round; COR vote in first round - Latif RASHID (PUK) 157, Barham SALIH (PUK) 99; COR vote in second round - Latif RASHID 167, Barham SALIH 99; Mohammed Shia' al-SUDANI approved as prime minister 2018: Barham SALIH elected president in second round; COR vote in first round - Barham SALIH (PUK) 165, Fuad HUSAYN (KDP) 90; COR vote in second round - Barham SALIH 219, Fuad HUSAYN 22; Adil ABD AL-MAHDI approved as prime minister

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral Council of Representatives of Iraq (COR) or Majlis an-Nuwwab al-Iraqiyy (329 seats; 320 members directly elected in 83 multi-seat constituencies by single nontransferable vote, 9 seats elected by religious minorities - 5 by Christians, 1 each by Sabaean-Mandaeans, Yazidis, Shabaks andFayli Kurds, and 25% of seats allocated to women; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 10 October 2021 (next to be held in 2025)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party -Taqadum 47, State of Law Coalition 43, Al Fatah Alliance 37, Kurdistan Democratic Party 31, Kurdistan Coalition 18, Azm Alliance 16, Imtidad 16, State Forces Alliance 11, Ishraqat Kanun 10, New Generation Movement 9, National Contract Party 8, Tasmim Alliance 7, Babiliyun Movement 3, other 73;
• Composition: men 234, women 95, percent of women 28.9%
• Note: seat counts reflect updated numbers after the Sadrist Trend withdrew from government formation and its 73 seats were reallocated to other parties

Judicial Branch:

• office: Federal Supreme Court (FSC) judges nominated by the High Judicial Council (HJC) president, the FSC chief justice, the public prosecutor's office chief, and the head of the Judicial Oversight Commission; FSC members required to retire at age 72; Court of Cassation judges appointed by the HJC and confirmed by the Council of Representatives to serve until retirement, nominally at age 63, but can be extended to age 66 by the HJC
• subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (governorate level); civil courts, including first instance, personal status, labor, and customs; criminal courts including felony, misdemeanor, investigative, major crimes, juvenile, and traffic courts

Regions or States:

18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah (Arabic); parezgakan, singular - parezga (Kurdish)); 'Al Anbar; Al Basrah; Al Muthanna; Al Qadisiyah (Ad Diwaniyah); An Najaf; Arbil (Erbil) (Arabic), Hewler (Kurdish); As Sulaymaniyah (Arabic), Slemani (Kurdish); Babil; Baghdad; Dahuk (Arabic), Dihok (Kurdish); Dhi Qar; Diyala; Karbala'; Kirkuk; Maysan; Ninawa; Salah ad Din; Wasit note: Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government administers Arbil, Dahuk, and As Sulaymaniyah (as Hewler, Dihok, and Slemani respectively)

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Al Fatah Alliance [Hadi al-AMIRI]
• Azm Alliance [Khamis al-KHANJAR]
• Babiliyun Movement [Rayan al-KILDANI]
• Imtidad [Ala al-RIKABI]
• Ishraqat Konun [Jaafar AZIZ]
• Kurdistan Democratic Party F [Masud BARZANI]
• National Contract Party [Falih al-FAYYAD]
• New Generation Movement [SHASWAR Abd al-Wahid Qadir]
• Patriotic Union of Kurdistan [Bafel TALABANI]
• Sadrist Bloc [Muqtada al-SADR]
• State Forces Alliance [Haydar al-ABADI]
• State of Law Coalition [Nuri al-MALIKI]
• Taqadum [Muhammad al-HALBUSI]
• Tasmim Alliance [Asad al-IDANI] numerous smaller independent, religious, local, tribal, and minority parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Iraq dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

Capital Name

Baghdad

Capital - geographic coordinate

33 20 N, 44 24 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ABEDA
• AFESD
• AIIB
• AMF
• CAEU
• CICA
• EITI (compliant country)
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• LAS
• MIGA
• NAM
• OAPEC
• OIC
• OPCW
• OPEC
• PCA
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO (observer)

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Alina L. ROMANOWSKI (since 2 June 2022)
• Embassy: Al-Kindi Street, International Zone, Baghdad; note - consulate in Al Basrah closed as of 28 September 2018
• Mailing Address: 6060 Baghdad Place, Washington DC 20521-6060
• Telephone: 0760-030-3000
• Email: BaghdadACS@state.gov
• Website: https://iq.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Nazar Issa Abdulhadi AL-KHIRULLAH (since 30 June 2023)
• Chancery: 1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 483-7500
• FAX: [1] (202) 462-8815
• Email: washington@scrdiraq.gov.iq
• Website: https://www.iraqiembassy.us/
• Consulate(s) General: Detroit, Los Angeles

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Geographic Location

Middle East

Geographic Coordinates

33 00 N, 44 00 E

Total Area

169,234 Square Miles 438,317 Square Kilometers

Land Area

168,867 Square Miles 437,367 Square Kilometers

Water Area

367 Square Miles 950 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

2,268 Miles 3,650 Kilometers

Border Countries

Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Coastline

36 Miles 58 Kilometers

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Terrain

• mostly broad plains
• reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas
• mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey

Highest Point

3,611 Meters

Highest Point Location

unamed peak 3,611 m; note - this peak is not Gundah Zhur 3,607 m or Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Lowest Point Location

Persian Gulf 0 m

Natural Resources

petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Irrigated Land

13,610 Square Miles 35,250 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding.

Average temperatures range from higher than 48oC (120oF) in July and August to below freezing in January.

Most of the rainfall occurs from December through April and averages between 10 and 18 centimeters (4-7 in.) annually.

The mountainous region of northern Iraq receives appreciably more precipitation than the central or southern desert region.

Terrain

• mostly broad plains
• reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas
• mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey

Location

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Total Area

169,234 Square Miles 438,317 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km

Environment - Current Issues

• government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers
• a once sizable population of Marsh Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced
• furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations
• inadequate supplies of potable water
• development of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey
• air and water pollution
• soil degradation (salination) and erosion
• desertification

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

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Exports

$49,100,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$42,560,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

crude oil

Major Imports

food, medicine, manufactures

Top Export Partners

US 37.4%, Taiwan 7.7%, Canada 7.5%, France 7.5%, Jordan 6.9%, Netherlands 5.8%, Italy 4.9%, Morocco 4.3%, Spain 4.1%

Top Import Partners

Jordan 10.4%, France 8.4%, China 7.9%, Vietnam 7.9%, Germany 7.2%, Russia 6.9%, Australia 6.8%, Italy 6.1%, Japan 5.3%

Export Partners

US 37.4%, Taiwan 7.7%, Canada 7.5%, France 7.5%, Jordan 6.9%, Netherlands 5.8%, Italy 4.9%, Morocco 4.3%, Spain 4.1%

Import Partners

Jordan 10.4%, France 8.4%, China 7.9%, Vietnam 7.9%, Germany 7.2%, Russia 6.9%, Australia 6.8%, Italy 6.1%, Japan 5.3%

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Country Description

Iraq is a parliamentary democracy located in the Middle East with a population of more than 31 million people.

Iraq held parliamentary elections in March 2010 and has a coalition government.

Iraq is a country with a developing infrastructure and extremely limited tourist facilities.

Iraqi forces have full responsibility for providing security in Iraq.

The Government of Iraq (GOI) has made significant politicalandeconomic progress in recent years, but the country still faces many challenges.

Those challenges include overcoming three decades of war and government mismanagement that stunted Iraq's economy; sectarian and ethnic tensions that have slowed progress toward national reconciliation; and ongoing criminal and terrorist violence.

The slight decline and leveling off in the number of insurgent attacks in 2011-12spurred economic growth in Iraq; however, during 2013 there has been a marked increasein insurgent attacks and civilian casualties.

Conditions throughout the country remain dangerous.

The ability of the U.S.

Embassy to provide consular services to U.S. citizens outside Baghdad is particularly limited given the security environment.

Host government emergency services and support are limited.

Safety & Security

Violence and threats against U.S. citizens persist.

U.S. citizens in Iraq remain at risk for kidnapping.

Methods of attack in the past have included roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs); magnetic IEDs placed on vehicles; human and vehicle-borne IEDs, mines placed on or concealed near roads; mortars and rockets, and shootings using various direct fire weapons.

Numerous insurgent groups, including Al Qaida in Iraq, are increasingly active throughout Iraq.

Although Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) operations against these groups continue, terrorist activity persists in many areas of the country.

Sectarian and terrorist violence has increased since the beginning of 2013 in Iraq, most notably in the provinces of Baghdad, Ninewa, Salah adDin, Anbar, and Diyala.

The U.S. government considers the potential threat to U.S. government personnel in Iraq to be serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security guidelines.

All U.S. government employees under the authority of the U.S.

Chief of Mission must follow strict safety and security procedures when traveling outside the Embassy.

State Department guidance to U.S. businesses in Iraq advises the use of protective security details.

Detailed security information is available at the U.S.

Embassy website.

Some regions within Iraq have experienced fewer violent incidents than others in recent years, in particular the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR).The security situation in the IKR,which includes the provinces of Sulymaniya, Erbil, and Dohuk, has been more stable relative to the rest of Iraq in recent years, but threats remain.

U.S. government personnel in northern Iraq are required to be accompanied by a protective security detail when traveling outside secure facilities.

Although there have been significantly fewer terrorist attacks and lower levels of insurgent violence in the IKR than in other parts of Iraq, the security situation throughout the country remains dangerous.

U.S. citizens should avoid areas near the Syrian, Turkish and Iranian borders in northern Iraq.The Governments of Turkey and Iran continue to carry out military operations against insurgent groups in the mountain regions bordering Iraq.

These operations have included troop movements and both aerial and artillery bombardments.

Extensive unmarked minefields also remain along these borders.

The unrest in Syria has resulted in large numbers of people seeking refuge in the area.

In addition, borders in these areas are not always clearly defined.

In 2009, three U.S. citizens were detained by Iranian authorities while hiking in the vicinity of the Iranian border in the IKR.The resources available to the U.S.

Embassy to assist U.S. citizens who venture close to or cross the border with Iran are extremely limited.

The Department of State discourages travel in close proximity to the Iranian border.

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Crime

Petty theft is common in Iraq; this includes pick-pocketing in busy areas (e.g. markets), as well as the theft of money, jewelry, or other valuables from hotel roomsand private residences.Historically, carjacking by armed thieves has been very common, even during daylight hours, and particularly on the highways from Jordan and Kuwait to Baghdad.

Both foreigners - especially dual American-Iraqi citizens - and Iraqi citizens are targets of kidnapping.

Kidnappers often demand money but have also carried out kidnappings for political/religious reasons.

Many hostages have been killed.

The number of murders reported in 2013, especially in the Baghdad area, has increased, likely due to terrorism, tribal and family disputes, and religious/sectarian tensions.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Iraq, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’thave your passport with youor if you take pictures of certain buildings.In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminalpenalties will varyfrom country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, andyou can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Iraq, your U.S. passport won’thelp you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’svery important to know what’slegal and what’snot wherever you go.

Persons violating Iraq’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for the possession, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Iraq are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines, and in some cases may be subject to the death penalty.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrestedin a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Languages The majority of Iraqis speak Arabic, with variations in dialect according to region.

Modern standard Arabic is spoken by educated Iraqis and is the written language.

Other languages spoken include Chaldean, Armenian, Syriac, Turkish dialects and Persian.

English is the most widely used foreign language and is taught in Iraqi schools.

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Medical Facilities

Basic modern medical care and medicines are not widely available in Iraq.

Conflict has left some medical facilities non-operational and medical stocks and supplies severely depleted.

The facilities in operation do not meet U.S. standards, and the majority lack medicines, equipment, and supplies.

Some private companies facilitate medical evacuations.

Blood banks exist in Iraq, though blood supply may not be sufficient in the event of an emergency.

In addition, many areas suffer rolling power outages and generators are not always available for back-up.

Traffic Safety

While in Iraq, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Vehicular travel in Iraq can be extremely dangerous.

There have been attacks on civilian vehicles as well as Iraqi military and security convoys on roads and highways throughout Iraq, both in and outside metropolitan areas.

Attacks occur throughout the day, but travel at night is more dangerous and should be avoided.

Such attacks have been random and unpredictable, and have involved small arms fire and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) capable of destroying the average vehicle.

Travel throughout the country by road involves the significant potential for attacks.

While Baghdad has seen the majority of insurgent activity over the past year, significant incidents have also occurred in outlying cities, indicating a high risk to travelers on roadways.

Anyone traveling by vehicle through Iraq should consider the risk of IED attacks carefully and plan accordingly.

Buses run irregularly and frequently change routes.

Poorly-maintained city transit vehicles are often involved in accidents.

Long-distance buses are available, but are often in poor condition and drive at unsafe speeds.

Jaywalking is common.

Drivers usually do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and ignore available traffic lights, traffic rules, and regulations.

Roads are congested.

Some cars do not use lights at night and urban street lights may not be functioning.

Some motorists drive at excessive speeds, tailgate, and force other drivers to yield the right of way.

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Airports - total

102

Airports with Paved Runways

72

Heliports

16

Railways

1,473 Miles 2,370 Kilometers

Roadways- total

37,048 Miles 59,623 Kilometers

Waterways

3,280 Miles 5,279 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, and Al Basrah have limited functionality

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Pipelines: Gas

1,525 Miles 2,455 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

567 Miles 913 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

3,375 Miles 5,432 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

1,017 Miles 1,637 Kilometers

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Telephones

1,108,000

Cell Phones

14,021,000

Internet Users

54,000

Internet Country Code

.iq

Internet Hosts

9

Broadcast Media

• the number of private radio and TV stations has increased rapidly since 2003
• government-owned TV and radio stations are operated by the publicly funded Iraqi Public Broadcasting Service
• private broadcast media are mostly linked to political, ethnic, or religious groups
• satellite TV is available to an estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based abroad
• transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are accessible

Telephone System

• assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq including international connections; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and international communications through fiber optic links are in progress; the mobile cellular market has expanded rapidly to some 27 million subscribers by the end of 2012
• domestic: repairs to switches and lines destroyed during 2003 continue; additional switching capacity is improving access; 3 GSM operators since 2007 have expanded beyond their regional roots and offer near country-wide access to second-generation services; third-generation mobile services are not available nationwide; wireless local loop is available in some metropolitan areas and additional licenses have been issued with the hope of overcoming the lack of fixed-line infrastructure
• international: country code - 964; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; international terrestrial fiber-optic connections have been established with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iran; links to the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the Gulf Bridge International (GBI) submarine fiber-optic cables have been established

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

52,000,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

5,600,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

46,390,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,300,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

880,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,158,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

818,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,390,000

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,093,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

141,400,000,000

Anthem History

• name: "Mawtini" (My Homeland)
• lyrics/music: Ibrahim TOUQAN/Mohammad FLAYFEL
• note: adopted 2004; following the ouster of SADDAM Husayn, Iraq adopted "Mawtini," a popular folk song throughout the Arab world; also serves as an unofficial anthem of the Palestinian people