Question 1

What is the population of Iraq?

Accepted Answer

The population of Iraq is approximately 43.5M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Men greet other men with a kiss and commonly hold hands, while women do not shake hands with men; a common verbal greeting is "Salaam Alaykom" (Peace be with you). Do: Place your right hand to your heart after shaking hands to show respect or sincerity Reserve first names for family and friends only Don't: Don't expect women to shake hands with men If an Arab doesn't touch someone he greets, he may be restraining himself because he senses the person is unaccustomed to being touched

Question 3

What are the dining customs in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Meals are prepared in abundance for guests, with strong coffee or tea served before all meals and the main meal usually taken mid-afternoon. Do: Use your right hand only to eat, as food is often eaten by hand Don't: Devout Muslims don't eat pork and eat only halaal meat Women may eat in a separate area and serve the men The diet centers on rice, unleavened bread, spiced meat dishes and stuffed vegetables

Question 4

What etiquette should I know when visiting an Iraqi home?

Accepted Answer

Reserve is the norm and respect for elders is key; guests should wait to be shown to their seats, and people often sit on cushions on the floor. Do: Remove your shoes at the door (slippers are usually provided) Bring a small gift such as flowers or wine Give up your seat for older people; men should offer seats to women, especially with children Give warning before visiting unless you are a close friend or relative Don't: Don't sit before the host shows you to your seat Hosts may decline a gift several times before graciously accepting The male host usually leads the conversation

Question 5

How should I dress in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

The urban population dresses conservatively, with most women wearing a scarf or head shawl. Do: Make an effort to look clean and neat In rural areas, men wear the galabea and loose pants

Question 6

Which gestures matter in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Always use the right hand for gestures and passing objects, as the left hand is considered unclean. Do: Pass objects with the right hand or both hands Beckon someone by waving all fingers with the palm facing downward Pat the heart a few times to say "That's enough, thank you" Don't: Don't point with a finger or signal with the hand Don't gesture with the left hand Don't let the sole of your foot point toward someone Avoid crossing your legs, and don't use the "A-OK" circle gesture, which is obscene "Yes" is a downward nod; "no" can be a slight head tilt back with raised eyebrows or a tongue click The "thumbs-up" is considered obscene by older, more traditional Arabs

Question 7

How is family life structured in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

The extended family prevails due to economic hardship, with the oldest male heading the group and making final decisions about education, work and marriage. Women often retain domestic and child-rearing duties even while working outside the home Older women hold authority over their son's wives and children Male children are often given privileges over female children

Question 8

What do people do for recreation in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Football (soccer) is Iraq's national passion, drawing throngs to Baghdad's Al-Sha'ab Stadium and millions of TV viewers. Outdoor activities are popular in the northern mountain regions Swimming and fishing in the Tigris and Euphrates are popular in summer Rural women enjoy visiting and making handicrafts together

Question 9

What is the capital of Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and its largest city, situated on the banks of the Tigris River in the heart of the country. Founded in the 8th century CE, it served as the seat of the Abbasid Caliphate and became one of the great intellectual and cultural centers of the medieval world. Today Baghdad functions as the political, economic, and administrative hub of Iraq's federal parliamentary republic, and remains home to a significant proportion of the country's population.

Question 10

Where is Iraq located?

Accepted Answer

Iraq is located in the Middle East, in the southwestern part of the Asian continent. It occupies a strategic position between the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf region, and the broader Fertile Crescent. Much of modern Iraq corresponds to ancient Mesopotamia — a Greek term meaning 'land between two rivers,' referring to the Euphrates and Tigris — and the majority of Iraqis continue to live in this historically significant lowland corridor.

Question 11

What countries border Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Iraq shares land borders with six countries: Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the south, Saudi Arabia to the southwest, Jordan to the west, and Syria to the northwest. The country also has a narrow coastline on the Persian Gulf in its southeastern corner, providing limited but strategically important maritime access. These borders place Iraq at a crossroads of Arab, Persian, Kurdish, and Turkish cultural and political spheres.

Question 12

What religion is practiced in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Islam is the dominant religion in Iraq, practiced by approximately 97 percent of the population. The Muslim community is divided primarily between Shia Muslims, who constitute roughly 65 percent of the population, and Sunni Muslims, who make up the majority of the remainder. Small communities of Christians, Yazidis, Mandaeans, and other religious minorities also exist, though their numbers have declined significantly in recent decades. Religious identity plays a central role in Iraqi social and political life.

Question 13

What is the currency of Iraq?

Accepted Answer

The official currency of Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar, with the ISO code IQD. The dinar is issued by the Central Bank of Iraq and is subdivided into 1,000 fils, though fils are rarely used in everyday transactions due to their negligible value. The currency has undergone significant revaluation since the early 2000s, and Iraq's economy remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, which directly influence the dinar's stability and the country's fiscal outlook.

Question 14

What languages are spoken in Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Arabic and Kurdish are the two principal official languages of Iraq, with Kurdish carrying official status specifically within the autonomous Kurdistan Region in the north. Mesopotamian Arabic is the most widely spoken variety across the country. Assyrian (a form of Neo-Aramaic) and Armenian are also recognized languages, spoken by small but historically significant minority communities. The linguistic landscape reflects Iraq's diverse ethnic heritage, encompassing Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian, Turkmen, and other communities.

Question 15

What is the geography of Iraq like?

Accepted Answer

Iraq's terrain is dominated by the broad alluvial plains of the Tigris and Euphrates river system, which stretch across the center and south of the country. The north and northeast rise into the rugged Zagros Mountain foothills, home to much of Iraq's Kurdish population, while the western and southwestern regions give way to the Syrian Desert. Iraq experiences two notable seasonal winds: the hot and humid eastern Sharki, and the cooler northern Shamal, which provides relief during the intense summer months.

Question 16

What is Iraq known for?

Accepted Answer

Iraq is known as the heartland of Mesopotamia, one of the world's earliest civilizations, which gave rise to writing, codified law, and urban society. The country is home to the ruins of Babylon, where King Nebuchadnezzar II is said to have built the Hanging Gardens — one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Iraq is also a leading global producer of crude oil, holds some of the world's largest proven reserves, and is renowned for a rich culinary tradition featuring dishes such as masgouf (grilled river fish) and kleicha date-filled pastries.

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