Economic Overview
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Iraq Economy – overview
http://www.indexmundi.com/iraq/economy_overview.html
Long-term fiscal health, a strengthened investment climate, and sustained improvements in the overall standard of living still depend on a rebound in global oil prices, the central government passing major policy reforms, and finishing the conflict with ISIL.
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Iraq Overview – World Bank
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iraq/overview
The Iraqi economy is facing severe and pressing challenges. The decline in oil prices in 2015 and 2016 and the ISIS insurgency have contributed to a sharp deterioration of economic activity and have rapidly increased the fiscal and current account deficits.
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Iraq Economy – GDP, Inflation, CPI and Interest Rate
http://www.focus-economics.com/countries/iraq
As the war against the Islamic State (ISIL) rages without end in sight, the World Bank issued an emergency support loan of USD 1.2 billion to the Iraqi government in late December to boost government finances and avoid a potential collapse of the state. The full amount of the loan was to be made available in a single tranche by the end of 2015.
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Iraq Overview – World Bank
http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iraq/overview
The Iraqi economy is facing severe and pressing challenges. The decline in oil prices and the financing needs associated with the ISIS insurgency have contributed to a sharp deterioration of economic activity, public finances and the balance of payments.
Industry Trends & Business Climate
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Cultivating the business climate in Iraq
http://www.stripes.com/news/cultivating-the-business-climate-in-iraq-1.84701
A commentary on what will be rquired to restore Iraq to a healthy business environment
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Iraq Industry & Trade News | Iraq Business News
http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/category/industry-trade/
This site provides a list of current news items on business in Iraq
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Iraq | Data
http://data.worldbank.org/country/iraq
Iraq. Middle East & North Africa (developing only). Income level Upper …. Global Economic Prospects examines trends for the world economy and how they
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War and the Iraqi Economy: A Case Study
http://csis.org/publication/war-and-iraqi-economy-case-study
War and the Iraqi Economy: A Case Study
Establishing a Presence
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Starting a Business in Iraq
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq/starting-a-business
This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Iraq.
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Doing Business in Iraq
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq
This World Bank site ranks Iraq with other countries of the world for ease of dioing business
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Starting a Business in Iraq
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq/starting-a-business
This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Iraq.
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Guide for Company Registration in Iraq
http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00HQM5.pdf
A guide to registering a business in Iraq from USAID
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Business Registration Requirements – Foreign Investment In Iraq – Iraqi Trade Information Center
http://www.iraqitic.com/Copy%20of%20iraqiTIC_foreignInvestment_en.php
Foreign investors are entitled to invest on terms as favorable as those applicable to Iraqi investors. They may establish a private local company or open trade representation offices and branches in Iraq. There are no limits on the amount of foreign participation in newly formed or existing business entities.
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Business Registration Requirements – Baghdad Chamber Of Commerce
http://www.baghdadchamber.com/
Baghdad Chamber of Commerce with links to sites for registering a business.
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Doing Business in Iraq – World Bank Group
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq/
This page summarizes Doing Business 2016 data for Iraq. The first section presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) and the distance to frontier (DTF)** measure, overall and by topic. The second section summarizes the key indicators for each topic benchmarked against regional averages.
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Launch a company in Iraq
http://www.webuildiraq.org/business-iraq/launch-a-company-in-iraq/
Iraqi law allows several types of corporate entities
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Business Types – [PDF]GUIDE FOR COMPANY REGISTRATION IN IRAQ – USAID
http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00HQM5.pdf
Establishing a wholly foreign-owned business entity or subsidiary in Iraq.
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Business Types – Business entities in Iraq
http://www.healyconsultants.com/iraq-company-registration/setup-llc/
Set up limited liability company, joint stock company, joint venture, branch office and representative office in Iraq.
Taxes
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Iraq Corporate Tax Rate | 2008-2016
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/corporate-tax-rate
The Corporate Tax Rate in Iraq stands at 15 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Iraq averaged 15.00 percent from 2008 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 15.00 percent in 2009 and a record low of 15.00 percent in 2009.
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Iraq Corporate Tax Rate Forecast 2016-2020
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/corporate-tax-rate/forecast
In the long-term, the Iraq Corporate Tax Rate is projected to trend around 15.00 percent in 2020, according to our econometric models.
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Iraq Personal Income Tax Rate | 2009-2016
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/personal-income-tax-rate
The Personal Income Tax Rate in Iraq stands at 15 percent.
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Iraq – Personal Income Tax Rate – Actual Data
http://ieconomics.com/iraq-personal-income-tax-rate
The personal income tax rate in Afghanistan is 15%
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Iraq – Other taxes impacting corporate entities
http://taxsummaries.pwc.com/uk/taxsummaries/wwts.nsf/ID/Iraq-Corporate-Other-taxes
A sales tax of 300% is imposed on alcohol and tobacco (cigarettes), 15% on travel tickets, 15% on cars, and 20% on mobile recharge cards and internet. This is in addition to services rendered by deluxe and first class restaurants and hotels, which are subject to a 10% sales tax.
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Paying Taxes in Iraq
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq/paying-taxes
There is no VAT or GST in Iraq. There is an excise tax on certain luxury items and services
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VAT / Sales Tax – Iraq: Taxation of contracts, sales tax, customs duty … – PwC
https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/tax/documents/Taxation%20of%20contracts,%20sales%20tax,%20customs%20duty%20and%20other%20developments.pdf
Iraq taxation per PWC.
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Corporate – Iraq Corporate Tax Rate
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/corporate-tax-rate
In Iraq, the Corporate Income tax rate is a tax collected from companies. Its amount is based on the net income companies obtain while exercising their business activity, normally during one business year. The benchmark we use refers to the highest rate for Corporate Income.
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Corporate – Paying Taxes in Iraq
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq/paying-taxes/
Below is a detailed summary of the taxes and mandatory contributions that a medium-size company must pay or withhold in a given year, as well as administrative burden in paying taxes.
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Personal – Iraq Personal Income Tax Rate – Trading Economics
http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/personal-income-tax-rate
In Iraq, the Personal Income Tax Rate is a tax collected from individuals and is imposed on different sources of income like labor, pensions, interest and dividends. The benchmark we use refers to the Top Marginal Tax Rate for individuals.
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Personal – Income tax Law for Iraq PDF
http://www.ncciraq.org/images/static_pages_uploads/administration/IncomeTaxDocument.pdf
Iraq Ministry of Finance Tax Laws
Visas
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Iraq Visa and Passport Requirements
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iraq/passport-visa
Iraq visa and passport requirements & Embassy and Colsulate addresses. Full detail on passports, visas and entry requirements for Iraq, including types, costs
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Iraq Visa: Application, Requirements
https://iraq.visahq.com/
Visa requirements and information on application
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Visas to Iraq | Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
http://www.iraqiembassy.us/page/visas-to-iraq
This section explains the requirements for obtaining an entry visa to Iraq for individuals that are currently in the United States.
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Iraq Visa and Passport Requirements – World Travel Guide
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iraq/passport-visa
To enter Iraq, a passport valid for at least six months from the date a visa is issued is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
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Work Permits – Visa | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Republic of Iraq
http://www.mofa.gov.iq/en/consular-services/visa
Ministry of Foreign Affairs website with all visa requirements and types of visas.
Infrastructure
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Iraq Transportation – Taxi, Train, Bus & Airport Tips
https://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Iraq/Transportation-Iraq-TG-C-1.html
Tips on getting to and getting around Iraq from real travelers and locals.
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Getting around Iraq – World Travel Guide
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iraq/getting-around
Guide on how to get around Iraq by Public Transport, Taxi and by Car. Important information such as which side of the road to drive
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Iraq Telecom Market Analysis
https://store.frost.com/iraq-telecom-market-analysis.html
Telecom services is rising in Iraq through three telecom operators: Zain Iraq, Asia Cell and Korek Telecom. Zain caters to nearly 50% of telecom subscribers; Asia Cell, 32%; Korek, 18%.
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Iraq Reconstruction – Telecommunications
http://web.ita.doc.gov/ITI/itiHome.nsf/6502bd9adeb499b285256cdb00685f77/b26ea9118c1f755685256e8900763389/$FILE/ATTRLZO0/IraqTelecom.pdf
Iraq’s telecommunications infrastructure, never adequate, suffered considerable damage during the conflict. The lack of transparent policies and laws,
independent regulation, and adequate funding are also challenges to reconstructing the telecom
infrastructure. -
Transportation – Iraq – Encyclopedia of the Nations
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Iraq-TRANSPORTATION.html
Major cities, towns, and villages are connected by a modern network of highways and roads which have made old caravan routes extinct. The city of Baghdad has been reshaped by the development of expressways through the city and by passes built since the 1970s. By 2002, Iraq had 45,550 km (28,304 mi) of roads, of which 38,400 km (23,861 mi) were paved. There were some 1,422,032 cars and 332,026 commercial vehicles in use as of 2000.
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Telecom/IT – Telecommunications in Iraq
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_in_Iraq
Telecommunications in Iraq include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet as well as the postal system.
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Iraq Transportation
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Iraq/Transportation-Iraq-TG-C-1.html
Tips on getting to and getting around Iraq from real travelers and locals.
Employer Obligations
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LABOR LAW – Iraq
http://www.iraq-jccme.jp/pdf/08/08.pdf
Iraqi labor law does not impose an obligation on employers to employ a certain percentage of Iraqi nationals. Foreign investment law also imposes an obligation on foreign investors to train their Iraqi employees and to enhance their skills.
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IRAQ LABOR CODE – ilo.org
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/749/Labour%20Code%20of%201987.pdf
Full text of the Labor Code in Iraq
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Labor Market Regulation in Iraq
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq/labor-market-regulation
Below is a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Iraq.
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IRAQ LABOR CODE – ilo.org
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/749/Labour%20Code%20of%201987.pdf
Full text of the Labor Code in Iraq
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LABOR LAW
http://www.iraq-jccme.jp/pdf/08/08.pdf
Iraqi labor law does not impose an obligation on employers to employ a certain percentage of Iraqi nationals.
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Labor Rules and Regulations – Labor Market Regulation in Iraq
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/iraq/labor-market-regulation
It measures the regulation of employment, specifically as they affect a local entrepreneur running a supermarket or grocery store operating in the economy’s largest business city (for 11 economies the data are also collected for the second largest business city) and employing 60 employees.
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Labor Rules and Regulations – Labour Code of 1987.pdf
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/travail/docs/749/Labour%20Code%20of%201987.pdf
The purpose of this Code is to involve labor in the process of building the national economy so as to achieve prosperity and improve living conditions.
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Social Insurance – Iraq – Social Security
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2014-2015/asia/iraq.html
Employees of enterprises with three or more workers, including cooperative workers. Special systems for Kurdistan public-sector employees, employees of semi-governmental agencies including nationalized industries; lawyers, and journalists.
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Social Insurance – Iraq – Social insurance programs – IndexMundi
http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/iraq/social-insurance-programs
Adequacy of social insurance programs is measured by the total transfer amount received by the population participating in social insurance programs as a share of their total welfare.
Culture/Living
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Education – Iraq Education System
http://www.classbase.com/countries/Iraq/Education-System
Iraq, that once had one of the finest education systems in the world and approaching 100% literacy is struggling to recover from over a decade of violence when many schools were destroyed and many teachers became dead soldiers.
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Iraq Climate, Average Weather, Temperatures, Rainfall
http://www.iraq.climatemps.com/
Graphs & Analysis of Average Temperatures, Rainfall, Wet & Frosty Days, Sunlight Hours, Windspeed & Humidity.
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Iraq Travel Warning
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/iraq-travel-warning.html
U.S. citizens in Iraq are at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence. Anti-U.S. sectarian militias may threaten U.S. citizens and western companies throughout Iraq.
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Iraq travel advice – GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq/safety-and-security
Latest travel advice for Iraq including Safety and Security, Entry Requirements, Travel Warnings and Health.
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Iraq – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette
http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/iraq-guide
Guide to Iraq and Iraqi culture, society, language, etiquette, customs, manners and protocol.
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Iraq – Culture, Customs & Etiquette
http://guide.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=99
Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Iraq – culture, greetings, gestures,etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more.
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Climate of the World: Iraq
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Iraq.htm
Iraq has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. The climate is influenced by Iraq’s location between the subtropical aridity of the Arabian desert areas and the subtropical humidity of the Persian Gulf.
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Cost of Living in Iraq. Prices in Iraq
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Iraq
Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Iraq. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included.
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Cost of Living in Iraq. 2016 prices
https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/iraq
Cost of living comparisons in more than 1,600 cities all over the world.
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International Schools in Iraq
http://www.expat-quotes.com/guides/iraq/education/international-schools-in-iraq.htm
This list contains the most popular international and bilingual schools in Iraq, including nurseryschools, primary and secondary (high) schools
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Public Holidays in Iraq in 2017 | Office Holidays
http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/iraq/2017.php
List of National and Public Holidays observed in Iraq during 2017
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Iraq Public Holidays 2017 (Middle East)
http://www.qppstudio.net/publicholidays2017/iraq.htm
Iraq 2017 bank holidays and Iraq 2017 national holidays
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The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iz.html
See “People and Society” on this CIA site
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Demographics of Iraq – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Iraq
This site discusses the demographic features of the population of Iraq, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population.
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Cost of Living in Iraq. Prices in Iraq. Updated Jan 2016
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Iraq
Cost of living in Iraq is 31.19% lower than in United States (aggregate data for all cities, rent is not taken into account). Rent in Iraq is 54.90% lower
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Business Etiquette – Iraq – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/iraq.html
The Iraqi population includes a number of ethnic groups, about 77% of whom are Arabs, 19% Kurds, and the rest a variety of different groups, including Turkomens, Assyrians, and Armenians.
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Business Etiquette in Iraq
http://businessiniraq.blogspot.com/
In Iraq there are many customs that Americans would not consider as normal. When meeting new people in Iraq, it is important that you never offer your left hand in a hand shake.
Also, you must never point at a person with 1 finger. Pointing with 1 finger is offensive to Iraqi’s so instead you must point with all 5 fingers. -
Climate of the World: Iraq
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=iraq+climate
Iraq has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. The climate is influenced by Iraq’s location between the subtropical aridity of the Arabian desert areas and the subtropical humidity of the Persian Gulf.
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Climate – The Weather & Climate of Iraq
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/weather-climate-iraq-50023.html
Weather records have been kept in Iraq since the end of World War I. The country’s lack of rainfall allows Iraq to be classified as a desert, though the country has river deltas and mountainous regions.
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Education – Iraq Education System – Classbase
http://www.classbase.com/Countries/iraq/Education-System
Iraq, that once had one of the finest education systems in the world and approaching 100% literacy is struggling to recover from over a decade of violence when many schools were destroyed and many teachers became dead soldiers.
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Safety – Iraq Travel Warning
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/iraq-travel-warning.html
Travel within Iraq remains very dangerous given the security situation. The ability of the Embassy to assist U.S. citizens facing difficulty, including arrest, is extremely limited.
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Safety – Iraq Warnings
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Middle_East/Iraq/Warnings_or_Dangers-Iraq-TG-C-1.html
Travel information for Iraq.
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Holidays 2016 – Middle East Public Holidays 2016
http://publicholidays.me/iraq/
In Iraq, public holidays are referred to as national holidays. In addition to national holidays, several regional observances are honored based on Islamic religious tradition and culture. National holidays include New Year’s Day; the Prophet’s Birthday; Army Day and Republic Day.
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Demographics – Iraq Demographics Profile
http://www.indexmundi.com/iraq/demographics_profile.html
Iraq demographics.
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Demographics – Iraq Population 2015
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=iraq+demographics&start=10
Iraq Demographics. Almost 75% of Iraq’s population is made up of the dominant ethnic group — the Iraqi or Mesopotamian Arabs.
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Education – Iraq Education: Iraq Primary School – Secondary School
http://www.irfad.org/iraq-education/
Iraqi Education is strictly controlled by the national Iraqi government, through the Iraqi Ministry of Education. This public state education is provided free, from Primary School, all the way to Doctoral degrees.
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Holidays and observances in Iraq in 2016
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/iraq/
Holidays and observances in Iraq in 2016
Trade
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Customs: Regulations, Export-Import
https://iraq.visahq.com/customs/
Iraq Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border
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Exporting to Iraq (including the Iraqi Kurdistan region
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exporting-to-iraq
A guide for British businesses who are interested in developing their overseas trade and doing business in Iraq, including the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
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Customs: Regulations, Export-Import
https://cape-verde.visahq.com/customs/
Private Sector both face a shortage of skilled labour and
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Iraq and the WTO
http://www.easyenglish4u.com/iraq-and-the-wto
A report on the staus of Iraq’s efforts to join the WTO
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Iraq – Trade – European Commission
http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/iraq/
The EU’s trade relations with Iraq are governed by the EU-Iraq Partnership and CooperationAgreement, which is the first contractual relation between two partners.
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Import/Export Regulations – Iraqi Trade Information Center
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=iraq+trade+regulations
Iraqi Trade Information Center; Commercial Training Department; Investment … the latest developments in the field of laws, rules and regulations related to trade
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Trade Agreements – Iraq – Trade – European Commission
http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/iraq/
The EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement marks the first ever contractual relation between the EU and Iraq.
Housing and Rentals
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The 10 Best Hotels in Iraq
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294000-Iraq-Hotels.html
1,733 traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 120hotels in Iraq.
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Iraq Hotels – South Travels
http://www.southtravels.com/middleeast/iraq/index.html
This site has hotel listings in each of Afghanistan’s major cities
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Iraq property / real estate for sale free listings 4321 Property
http://www.4321property.com/search/?Rental=Rent&Country=iraq&city=&search=
Iraq property /real estate for sale listings
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apartments for rent in Iraq
http://us.arkadia.com/for-rent/iraq/
find an apartment for rent in Iraq | search and find apartments and homes for rent by owner in Iraq | directory of houses for rent and apartment rentals
Travel
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Iraq Travel Warning
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/iraq-travel-warning.html
U.S. citizens in Iraq are at high risk for kidnapping and terrorist violence. Anti-U.S. sectarian militias may threaten U.S. citizens and western companies throughout Iraq. Kidnappings and attacks by improvised explosive devices (IED) occur frequently in many areas of the country
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Iraq Travel Guide and Travel Information
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iraq
Expert Iraq travel guide including detailed information about everything you need to know about Iraq.
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Iraq travel guide – Wikitravel
http://wikitravel.org/en/Iraq
Iraq is the birthplace of many of the Earth’s oldest civilizations, including the Babylonians and the Assyrians. A part of the Ottoman Empire from 1534, the Treaty of Sèvres brought the area under British control in 1918. Iraq gained independence in 1932.