It is still not recommended to travel to Iraq. The threat to foreigners, in particular British and Americans, remains vey
high. Travellers should visit one of the following government websites for the latest risk assessment:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website: www.fco.gov.uk/travel Tel: +44 (0)870 606 0290.
Iraq shares borders with Turkey, Iran, the Gulf of Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic. There
is also a neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia administered jointly by the two countries. Iraq’s portion covers 3522
sq km (1360 sq miles). The country’s main topographical features are the two rivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris, which flow
from the Turkish and Syrian Arab Republic borders in the north to the Gulf in the south. The northeast is mountainous, while
the country in the west is arid desert. The land surrounding the two rivers is fertile plain, but the lack of effective irrigation
has resulted in flooding and areas of marshland.
Government
Iraqi Transitional Government. President: Jalal Talabani. Prime Minister-designate: Jawad al-Maliki. Recent history: Since March 2003 when the US-led coalition declared war on Iraq and successfully ousted the regime of Saddam Hussein, the
country has been in a period of transition. After much anticipation, the transferral of power was finally granted to a new
Iraqi Government in mid-2004. This was supplemented by countrywide elections on 30 January 2005 to appoint a 275-member National
Assembly, of which the majority of seats were democratically assigned to the Shia United Iraqi Alliance (although, contentiously,
some people were unable to vote due to dangerous conditions and many Sunni Muslims did not participate in the electoral process
for various reasons). This Assembly elected a President, Jalal Talabani, and two deputies, Ghazi Yawer and Adel Abdul Mahdi,
who, in turn, designated Ibrahim Jaafari as Prime Minister responsible for the day-to-day running of Iraq. Iraq’s future,
despite the hope that elections in early 2005 gave to some, remains highly uncertain. In November 2005, UN Security Council
Resolution 1637 (2005) extended backing for the Multinational Force's role in Iraq for a further year. Parliamentary elections
took place on 15 December 2005. Following months of political deadlock, Ibrahim Jaafari withdrew his candidature for Prime
Minister in April 2006 and Jawad al-Maliki was invited to take on the role. It remains to be seen whether al-Maliki is able
to form a Government capable of uniting this divided nation in the face of a rapidly deteriorating security situation.
Language
80 per cent Arabic, 15 per cent Kurdish. Assyrian and Armenian may also be spoken.
Religion
More than 50 per cent Shia Muslim, with the remaining Sunni Muslim, and Druze and Christian minorities.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Various two- and three-pin plugs are in use. Electricity supplies were severely affected in the recent
conflict.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS
Owing to a long and varied history, Iraq is a culturally rich country. Today, traditional Islamic culture predominates, with
Koranic law playing an active role in the day-to-day life of the country, and visitors should be careful to respect this and
act accordingly. Visitors should always address their hosts by full name and title. Traditional Arab hospitality is followed
as a rule, in accordance with religious law. Conservative and discreet dress should be worn in observance of local Islamic
laws. Photography: The summary execution of journalist Farzad Bazoft exemplifies the need for extreme caution when photographing anything of
a sensitive nature. This includes photographs of local people (the Muslim religion does not allow the representation of human
or animal images in any form); and, most importantly, any Government installations, buildings or indeed anything else that
may be considered off-limits to visitors. If in any doubt, do not take a photo.
Overview 
