Iraq

Geological Information

Iraq is located slightly northeast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Iran to the west, and Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east.

Its southern border is the Persian Gulf, while its northern border is, from west to east, Syria, Turkey, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, and Turkmenistan.

The northern border of mountains and eastern/western desert borders make it difficult to enter or exist the country, especially on foot.

Food and water are difficult to access

Housing

The amenities of modern housing, such as plumbing and electricity, are available in many areas of the country, especially the more populated cities.

Villages originally made up of mud huts are quickly being replaced with brick and more modern building materials.

However, a lack of housing due to a consistent influx of refugees and immigrants has become a large problem in Iraq, and there is not enough housing space to accommodate these new people

Government Assistance

Iraq has a Social Security system in place that covers all employees working in companies with 3 or more people

Self employed persons are not included in this benefits system

Those insured are able to receive around 4% of their monthly wage

Employers receive around 10% of monthly payroll, 15% for those in oil, and 4% for those in social services.

You must be at least 60 if male, 55 if female, and have 'contributed' for 20 years

You are also eligible at any age after 30 years of 'contributions'

You may not work again once you begin receiving benefits

Disability and survivor pensions are also in place

75% of the insured's average wage during the three months before the incapacity began is paid after an eight-day waiting period) for up to six months (may be extended to two years at 100% of wage for incurable or malignant diseases). The employer must pay full wages for the first eight days after the incapacity began.

100% of the insured's wage is paid for at least 10 weeks, including at least four weeks before the expected date of childbirth; 75% of wages for a nine-month extension if there are complications resulting from childbirth.

Type of Government

Iraq has what is known as a federal parliamentary republic

There are 18 governates (administrative divisions) within the country

Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law

Chief of state is President Fuam Masum, head of government is PM Haydar al-Abadi

The Islamic state has extreme amounts of influence via terror tactics

Economy

Exports make up 40% of Iraq's economy

Imports make up 28% of their resources

GDP has dropped by 1% from 2010 to 2012

Currency is Iraqi Dinar; equal to 0.00084 US Dollar

Immigration

Not many people come to Iraq

If they do, it is typically for diplomacy or official government business

It is very unsafe for those attempting to enter as foreigners, and can even be dangerous for returning citizens

Education

Education is regulated by the national government

Goes for 12 years; 6 of mandatory education, starting at the age of 6, then 3 of intermediate, and 3 of secondary (high school)

Those who graduate secondary school may attend universities, which run for 4 years.