Iraq travel tips
Iraq travel tips: Located in the Middle East, boasts a rich history, diverse cultures, ancient landmarks, and challenges in its modern era.
Governorates 🌎
Iraq travel tips. Here is a list of all the governorates of the Iraq.
Baghdad
Basra
Nineveh
Erbil
Kirkuk
Dohuk
Babil
Al-Anbar
Maysan
Al-Basrah
Karbala
Muthanna
Najaf
Diyala
Salah al-Din
Wasit
Dhi Qar
Thi Qar
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Baghdad
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 IQ,
ISO alpha-3 IR
Currency
Badge | Iraqi Dinar
CODE | IQD
NUMBER | 368
SYMBOL | ع.د
FRACTION | fils
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +964
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | Asiacell Mobile | Korek Mobile | Zain Mobile |
Location
Iraq is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by several countries. Here are the geographical coordinates of Iraq: Latitude: 33.3152° N Longitude: 44.3661° E.
Iraq is situated in the western part of the Middle East, and it has a diverse landscape that includes deserts, fertile plains, and mountainous regions.
The capital city of Iraq is Baghdad, which is located near the center of the country, along the Tigris River.
Currency
The official currency of Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). The dinar is divided into 1,000 fils, although fractional currencies are not used in practice due to inflation. Iraqi dinar banknotes are available in denominations of 250, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000 and 50,000 dinars.
The Iraqi dinar has experienced high inflation and its value has depreciated significantly in recent decades, especially after the Iraq War in 2003. As a result, the Iraqi government has issued new banknotes with higher denominations to compensate for inflation. Additionally, the US dollar is widely used in Iraq as a reserve currency and is accepted in many places as a form of payment.
Languages
Arabic is the official language of Iraq and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Iraqi Arabic has its own distinct variants and dialects, which can vary significantly in different parts of the country.
In addition to Arabic, other minority languages are also spoken in Iraq. Kurdish is one of the most important languages after Arabic and is spoken by a large number of people, especially in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. Other minority languages spoken in Iraq include Turkmen, Assyrian, Armenian and Syriac.
There are also communities that speak languages such as Persian, Azeri and Luri, but these languages are spoken by a much smaller number of people. Overall, Iraq is a multicultural and multilingual country, with a wide variety of different languages and dialects reflecting its rich history and ethnic and cultural diversity.
Climate 🌡
Iraq has a primarily desert climate with variations in temperature and precipitation across different regions. The country’s climate is characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and limited rainfall. Here are the key features of Iraq’s climate:
Hot Summers:
Summers in Iraq are extremely hot and dry. Temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country, particularly in the central and southern regions. The heat is intensified by the arid desert conditions.
Mild Winters:
Winters are relatively mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from around 10-20°C (50-68°F) in most areas. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures occasionally dropping to around 0-5°C (32-41°F), especially in the northern and central regions.
Limited Rainfall:
Iraq experiences very little rainfall throughout the year, with the majority of precipitation occurring during the winter months. Rainfall is often erratic and can be scarce in some years.
Desert Climate:
Much of Iraq is covered by desert or semi-desert landscapes. As a result, the humidity levels are generally low, contributing to the dry conditions.
Dust Storms:
Dust and sand storms, known as “haboobs,” are common during the summer months, particularly in the western and southern parts of the country. These storms can reduce visibility and impact air quality.
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers:
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers play a significant role in the climate of Iraq. They provide water for irrigation and agriculture, especially in the central and southern regions.
Diverse Landscapes:
Despite the predominance of desert, Iraq also has fertile plains and river valleys, particularly along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The northern regions, such as the Kurdistan region, have more mountainous terrain.
Seasonal Shifts:
Spring and fall are transitional seasons with more moderate temperatures. They provide a brief respite from the extreme heat of summer and the chill of winter.
Precipitation Patterns:
Rainfall is unevenly distributed across Iraq. The northern mountains receive more rainfall than the southern desert areas.
Water Scarcity:
Limited freshwater resources and a semi-arid climate contribute to water scarcity issues in some parts of the country.
Iraq travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Iraq, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Be Flexible:
Plans may change due to unforeseen circumstances, so stay adaptable and enjoy the journey.
Responsible Tourism:
Minimize your environmental impact and support local businesses.
Visit Historical Sites:
Explore Iraq’s rich history by visiting ancient sites and museums.
Respect Local Customs:
Dress modestly, especially in religious or conservative areas.
Transportation:
Use reliable transportation options and be aware of local driving practices. View Guide.
Visa and Documentation:
Ensure you have the necessary visas and proper documentation for entry.
FestResearch and Planivals:
Understand the cultural, historical, and political context before your trip.
Enjoy your time in Iraq!
The best of the best
Iraqi cuisine is rich and diverse, influenced by the country’s history, geography, and cultural interactions. Traditional Iraqi foods reflect a blend of flavors from the Middle East, Persia, and other neighboring regions.
Kebabs
Grilled meat kebabs, often made with lamb or chicken, are popular in Iraq. They are seasoned with spices and herbs and are often served with rice or flatbreads.
Kubba
Kubba is a dish made from ground meat (often beef) mixed with spices and enclosed in a shell made from bulgur or rice dough.
Dolma
Stuffed vegetables such as grape leaves, eggplants, and zucchinis are filled with a mixture of rice and ground meat, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Here are some typical foods you might find in Iraq:
Tashreeb: A traditional dish made from torn pieces of flatbread soaked in a flavorful broth or stew, often served with meat or legumes.
Masgouf: A classic Iraqi dish, masgouf is grilled fish, usually carp, marinated with a mixture of spices, then cooked over an open flame.
Biryani: Iraqi biryani is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and often includes pieces of tender meat, vegetables, and sometimes dried fruits and nuts.
Kleicha: These are traditional Iraqi cookies, often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays. They come in various flavors and are made with date paste, nuts, or other fillings.
Samoon: A type of round bread that is a staple in Iraqi cuisine. It has a slightly crispy crust and is soft inside.
Fattoush: A refreshing salad made with vegetables, herbs, and toasted pieces of flatbread, all tossed in a tangy dressing.
Iraqi Rice Dishes: Rice is a fundamental component of Iraqi cuisine. Different types of rice dishes are enjoyed, often accompanied by flavorful stews, meats, or vegetables.
Karak Tea: A popular and strong tea made with black tea leaves, sugar, and cardamom. It’s often enjoyed with sweet treats.
Halawa: A sweet treat made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar, often served with flatbreads or as a dessert.
Lentil Soup: Lentil soup is a common dish, especially during colder months. It’s flavored with spices and sometimes garnished with crispy fried onions.
Moutabal: Similar to baba ghanoush, moutabal is a dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
Iraqi cuisine showcases a diverse range of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
Transportation 🚥
Choose your destination 📍🗺
Useful Links ✅
