The Republic of Iraq is a state in Southwest Asia. Its area is more than 435 square meters. km The population of Iraq is about 36 million people.
Briefly about the state
In the north, the border of this country runs with Turkey, and in the west it is adjacent to Syria and Jordan. In the southeast, the state’s shores are washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf - this can be clearly seen by finding Iraq on the map. In the east, it borders with Iran, but along the border there are also disputed territories that are not officially established.
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad. This city is considered one of the largest administrative centers of the Middle East. In addition, it is an important transportation hub. As we said earlier, the total population of Iraq varies within 36 million people, of which more than 6 million live in the capital.
By type of government, this state is a parliamentary republic of a federal structure. Iraq is divided into 18 provinces.
The state gained independence in 1932. From 1979 to 2003 he ruled the country Saddam Hussein. Throughout his presidency, the Iraqi population suffered from military operations, which, of course, could not benefit economic growth and, as a result, improve living standards.
Geographical position
The country’s territory is located in the Mesopotamian Lowland, between the valleys of two large eastern rivers - the Tigris and Euphrates. This place has long been popular. It was here that one of the first human civilizations arose - the Sumerian. 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 the map, you can see that it is geographically divided into 4 natural regions.
- A large territory of the country is located on the Mesopotamian Lowland, in the northeast of which a low mountain system rises - Sinjar.
- From the north, the state encircles the Iranian Highlands. 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 is a desert plateau - the Syrian desert.
- The eastern part is the plain of Al Jazeera.
Inland waters
The state of Iraq is not rich in the dense river system, but here the two most important waterways of the Middle East - the Tigris and Euphrates. 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, the Shatt al-Arab, which goes to the Persian Gulf.
This water artery throughout its channel is full and navigable. In the deserts, it is often possible to find temporary streams that fill with water during the precipitation period, but dry out in dry weather.
Climatic conditions in Iraq
The state is located in the subtropical climate zone, with hot summers and cold winters. There is a change in the seasons, but only two are pronounced: summer and winter. Summer in Iraq lasts from early May to October, winter from December to the end of March.
The state is characterized by a small amount of rainfall during the year. In the summer, they are completely absent, which forces the population of Iraq to maximize the use of river water resources. In winter, in the flat part, precipitation varies between 50-150 mm. Moving to the north, they increase and reach a maximum amount of up to 1500 mm / year in the mountains.
Snowfalls and frosts are quite rare for Iraq. The average July temperatures + 32 ° - 35 ° , and the average January temperatures - + 16 ° - 18 ° .
A characteristic phenomenon for the state is winds. In the summer, hot ones blow from the northwest. They carry large masses of sand with them, creating sandstorms. The season is valid from May to July. At this time, such winds blow daily. In winter, their direction changes to the north-east.
Features of flora, fauna and soil
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 there are sandy soils unsuitable for growing crops. In the eastern regions, most often boggy.
The flora and fauna of the country does not indulge in diversity. Subtropical and tropical desert vegetation is widespread. Of the animals there are gazelles, jackals and striped hyenas. Poison cobra is ubiquitous. And in rivers and lakes there are a lot of fish.
Population and government
The latest census showed that the population of Iraq is characterized by a positive increase. However, due to military conflicts, it, of course, can change dramatically.
A large percentage of local residents are Arabs. In percentage terms, they are 75%, Kurds - 18%, and the remaining 7% are accounted for by other nationalities (Armenians, Turkmens, Assyrians, etc.).
The official language of the country is Arabic. Kurdish is also widespread - it, along with Arabic, has the status of an official language. Most of the country's population profess Islam (more than 95%) and only 3% - Christianity.
Iraq is a federal presidential republic. Representatives of three communities of the Iraqi people sit in Parliament - Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. The constitution of the state was recognized only in 2005, approved at a national referendum.
Cities of Iraq and Economic Development
There are 6 cities in Iraq with a population of over one million people. This, of course, is the capital, Basra, Al-Najaf, Erbil and others. Provinces (governorates) are divided into districts (kazi) and districts (nakhii). In the north of the country, an autonomous region is formed - Kurdish.
Due to the constantly recurring wars and military conflicts, the Iraqi economy is in a deplorable state. The only stable industry is oil production. They transport black gold to neighboring states.