People and Society of Iraq

Nationality

Iraqi(s)

Ethnic Groups

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

Population

29,671,605

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

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.

Life Expectancy at Birth

71.14

Infant Mortality Rate

38.86

Major Infectious Diseases

intermediate

Drinking Water Source

93.9

Sanitation Facility Access

86.2

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Muslim97.0%
• Shi a65.0%
• Sunni47.0%
• Christian or other3.0%

Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, Armenian

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.

• Arabic
• Armenian
• Kurdish

• Saddam Hussein

• Prophet Muhammad

  Religious Leader · 570–632

  The month of Rabi’ al-Awwal (the First Spring Season) of the Islamic Calendar is well known in the entire Muslim world as Shahr al-Mawhid or Mawlid al-Nabi (the Month of Birth) of the Prophet Muhammad. The precise date of his birth is disputed among the historians, but 12 of Rabi’ al-Awwal is acknowledge ito be the date and it is officially stated as a national holiday. Muhammad was born about A. D. 570 and died in A. D. 632. At a critical point in his life, Muhammad received a vision of the angel Gabriel who called him into service as a prophet. He later received a second vision of Gabriel who told him to "magnify thy Lord." Muhammad then began to preach publicly in Mecca where he had lived for many years. Many people were receptive to his message but others ridiculed him. Because of the opposition of many citizens of Mecca and threats against him, Muhammad fled to Yathrib in A. D. 622. This journey of nearly 200 miles is known as the Hegira and is so important that the Muslim calendar begins with the year of the Hegira. The celebration probably started in Egypt in the 13th century, a time when Christian crusaders were trying to take over the Holy Land which came under the rule of King Saladin. Noted in history that the celebration was found during the reign of Wazir al-Afdlal (487-515 AH/1095-1121 CE) of the Fatimite regime in Egypt. The celebration was held during the day time and attended by government officials and Muslim spiritual leaders in town. The Fatimite amir as a head of state sat in the balcony of the palace and three speakers in sequence delivered their Mawlid speeches. Ibnu Khalikan’s historical report says that Ahly as-Sunnah version of the Prophet’s birthday celebration was introduced in Egypt by Al-Malik Muzaffar Ad-Din Kukburi in 604 AH/1207 CE. Kukburi was brother of Salahuddin al-Ayyubi (Saladin). These were the days of Crusade where almost 200 years waves after waves of crusaders from Europe came to the heart of the Muslim world in the Middle East to fight Muslims in their own countries. Heres i a description of the festivities which first started in Egypt in the 13th century: "A tower made of wood for the Amir (prince, or military governor) was erected (built) in the courtyard of the palace. People attending the festival were entertained by groups of musicians and singers of various kinds. Week after week during the month ... streets of Cairo were overcrowded by people who celebrated the occasion. On the eve of [the birthday] after prayer, people under the command of the Amir paraded on the street of Cairo starting from the Citadel proceeding to the Palace. In their hands were torches. On the Prophet’s Birthday all citizens assembled in the courtyard of the Palace where a tower made of wood had been erected. Beside the tower stands a pulpit for the speakers who would sermon the audience and narrate (tell) the story of the Prophet’s birthday. The Amir was not only able to see the whole audience from the tower but also watched the troops who parade on one corner of the courtyard. Guests of honor were received by the Amir on the tower and were given [robes] of honor. In the evening the Amir and officers of the state celebrated ... [with religious leaders]." "From Egypt the tradition of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday was spread to Mecca .... From the Holy City where Muslim peoples of different nationals assembled during the hajj season each year, the tradition was spread to [the rest of the Muslim world]." Today on this day, special prayers are said in honor of Muhammad, his name is praised in public sermons (speeches), and in larger cities and towns lights and banners decorate the streets. People eat sweets, meet with friends and family, play games, and just relax.

Crime Information

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.