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Iraq is rich in ancient culture and traditions with historically important sites that can lure you into a magical experience. This treasure land with areas like Ashur and Hatra that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with cultural extravaganzas in cities like Babylon, Nineveh, Ur, and Ctesiphon will entice you. The attractive cityscapes in Baghdad, Erbil, Karbala and Sulaymaniyah with its many attributes such as museums, shrines, monuments, palaces, and parks will make traveling here a wondrous journey. Enjoy the many cultural festivities along with the mouth-watering Iraq traditional food that will leave you wanting for more. Explore the delights in being surrounded by magical mountain ranges, river valleys, and deserts in this gorgeous country, Iraq in the Middle East. Join us as we take you through the Iraq tourism travel guide to make your holiday worthwhile and memorable.

USEFUL INFO ABOUT IRAQ

Official Name: Republic of Iraq

Form of Government: Federal parliamentary republic

Capital & Largest City: Baghdad

Population:36,004,552 (estimate)

Official Language: Arabic, Kurdish

Languages Spoken: Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian, English

Ethnicity: Muslim 97%, Christian and others 3%

Currency: Iraqi Dinar

Map Referred:

Area: 437,072 sq. km

Land: 98.9%

Water: 1.1%

Lowest Point: Persian Gulf (0 m)

Highest Point: Cheekha Dar (3,611 m)

Coastline: 58 km

Neighboring Places:

Turkey 1436 km

Iran 1283 km

Syria 466 km

Jordan 761 km

Saudi Arabia 1492 km

Kuwait 565 km

Lebanon 728 km

Network Connectivity:

Connectivity in Iraq is very unstable due to the political unrest in the country. The three mobile network operators are Zain Iraq, Asiacell, and Korek Telecom. The country offers plenty of opportunities to develop 3G and 4G connectivity as many under-served areas require better coverage. 4G LTE is available in some areas and progressive fiber-optic network. With improved stability and better infrastructure, efforts are made to improve the situation here.

You could choose from among the three mobile operators licensed to provide 3G connectivity. Newroz Telecom offers voice over the internet and is currently working on providing 4G (LTE) network as well to connect the Kurdistan region and Iraq with the outside world.

Iraq currency is the Iraqi Dinar and the most popular exchange is the Iraq currency to USD. The Iraq money code is IQD and the Iraq currency symbol is IQD

Symbol: IQD

Code: IQD

1 IQD = 1000 Fils

1 IQD = 0.063 INR (Iraq currency to INR)

1 IQD = 0.14 PKR (Iraq currency to PKR)

1 IQD = 0.00084 USD (Iraq currency to USD)

1 IQD = 0.071 Bangladeshi Taka (Iraq money to Bangladesh Taka)

Iraqi Dinar banknote denomination: 50, 250, 1000, 5000, 10000, 25000, 50000

Iraqi Dinar bank coins are now obsolete.

Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places.

Iraq was erstwhile known as Mesopotamia ('Land Between the Rivers') that was fertile with large alluvial plains and known to be the place of the world's earliest civilizations. Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, Assyria which was called the Fertile Crescent became part of the Greek, Roman, and Persian dynasties. After the 7th century, the region was part of the Islamic world and Baghdad was the capital.

After World War I, Iraq as a modern state was born and the region of Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul got its names from the Arabic language that meant Arabian Iraq or Mesopotamia. In 1932 Iraq gained independence but was strongly influenced by British imperial rule. On the monarchy being overthrown in 1958, the Baath Party took power to bring stability.

Saddam Hussein was a ruthless autocrat and under his leadership, the country was drained financially due to various military adventures such as the Iran Iraq War and the Persian Gulf War. Saddam was overthrown in 2003 in the Iraq War and the country was faced with unprecedented strife.

Iraq geography is bordered in the north by Turkey, to the east by Iran, to the west by Syria and Jordan and to the south by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Persian Gulf constitutes the 58 km small gorgeous coastline. It has very little access to the sea. The topography of the land consists of Al-Jazirah, an upland region between the Tigris and the Euphrates River in the north, deserts in the south and west and the northeast has highlands.

The plains of lower Mesopotamia cover more than 51,000 square miles that comprise the Persian Gulf and have poor drainage with extensive marshlands. North of the alluvial plains is the Al-Jazirah plateau with the Sinjar Mountains. The Wadi Al-Tharthar is a stream that runs in the Sinjar Mountains flowing southwards to Lake Tharthar. West and South Iraq is a desert land that is an extension of the Syrian Desert that covers 64900 square miles. The south desert is called Al-Hajarah and the west desert is called Al-Dibdibah with scanty vegetation. Mount Unaizah is at the border intersection of Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Wadi Al-Batin is a deep-water body that runs for 75 km in the northwest direction on the border between Kuwait and Iraq.

The northeast is mountainous, and the kingdom of Assyria is located here. This mountainous region extends into the border countries of Turkey and Iran. The country is famous for the Tigris-Euphrates River system that flows through Iraq and joins Al-Qurnah into the Persian Gulf. The Tigris has many tributaries such as the Great Zab, the Little Zab, and the Diyala. The Euphrates whose flow is greater than the Tigris has no tributaries in Iraq. Heavy soil erosion due to seasonal rainfall creates large alluvial deposits at the mouth of the Tigris- Euphrates river system.

BIraqi culture and art scenes are colorful and diverse with the ancient Mesopotamian influences. The country is noted for its famous sculptures, painters, poets, and artists whose exquisite work of handicrafts, carpets, and architecture make the cityscape of Baghdad one of the best in the Arab world.

Music is a blend of old and new from fusion and rock to pop and rap genres. Drums, violins, ouds, tambourines, and flutes are among the many musical instruments in the everyday life of the Arab world. It is a delight to see Turkmen and Kurdish amateur musicians join after work and sing songs in the evening accompanied by the long-necked flute called tanbur. Musicians also meet at religious and communal gatherings and play poetic songs with a lot of emotional aurae that lends to the occasion.

Sheiks entertain themselves by hiring musicians to perform for several nights. Musicians also take part in the Arab festive event where kawliya dance is performed to a largely male audience. Dabka dancing with participants in a semi-circle holding each other by the waist is enjoyed in rural areas with a lot of tapping of feet as music is played with a solo singer for accompaniment. Instruments render music that is sway worthy such as shawm or double clarinet and the drum is played rhythmically in open-aired spaces. Listen here to the purest classical Arab music that has its origin from the early civilizations of the world.

Food and Drink
Iraq cuisine typically begins with appetizers and is followed by elaborate dishes made of lamb, fish, stuffed vegetables, and rice. A favorite Iraq traditional food is the baklava, a super sweet pastry filled with nuts and sweet syrup. The other must-try Iraq cuisine is falafel, delicious chickpea patties with a spicy sauce served in pitta and salad. The cuisine has major influences of Arab, Turkish, Syrian, and Persian culinary scenes cooked in exotic oils such as olive, sesame, soybean, palm oil, sunflower, canola oil, among others.

Must-Try Iraq National Dishes
Dolma (salad stuffed with rice and meat), Tikka (chunks of mutton), Quozi (grilled lamb with rice), Masgouf (fish from the Tigris), Bamieh (lamb with okra and tomato stew), Falafel (chickpea patties), Kubbah (minced meat with rice), Maqluba (rice with lamb and tomatoes)

Must-Try Iraq National Drinks
Arak (distilled alcoholic drink), Scotch (alcohol)

Hospitality
The country predominantly with Muslim and Arab inhabitants has transitioned to a religious state deeply engrained by the Muslim tradition of greeting. Family loyalty is considered paramount and is greatly valued. The common greeting is a handshake with eye contact and a smile as the locals greet you with 'a salaam alaikum' which means 'peace be with you'. The response to which is `Wa Alaikum Salaam` which means 'and peace be unto you'. A kiss on each cheek and a handshake are commonly seen among close friends of the same sex. A nod of your head or a small bow is normally a decent way to greet a woman and it is wise to let them offer their hand first before you offer your own. Flowers or a box of cookies is a good gift to bring for your host and a small gift for the children adds to the grace. Do remove your shoes prior to entering the home of your host. Table manners are mostly formal. Dining is done cross-legged on the floor and it is considered polite to clear your own used plates.

Explore the ancient city of Babylon which is considered the center of civilization.

When Baghdad weather permits for travel early in the year from February to April visit the mosque here that keeps locked a 605-page Quran penned in the blood of the dictator Saddam Hussein.

Visit the boiling wellspring in Chamchamal where natural gas burns in a continuous blaze.

Feel the warmth and hospitality of the Iraqi locals and enjoy being hosted for some mouth-watering Iraq cuisine.

Try out the unique khirret candy that comes from the pollen of southern Iraq.

Wander through the massive 7000-year-old citadel of Erbil that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and know all about the history and culture of this fascinating country.

Kurdish Textile Centre, Saddam's Palace, Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, the ancient city of Ur, Islamic architecture of Karbala, beautiful canals of Basra are just a few Iraqi attractions to witness in awe.

Cruise through `The Marshes` by boat and experience how locals live on the man-made island.

Relish some exquisite food in Iraq and imbibe the rich history of the country.

Pick a good deal in the travel expense as the country is very cheap.

Volunteer your services to help the locals especially towards the refugee children's betterment.

Iraq Weather | IZ Climate
Iraq weather has predominantly two seasons which is the hot summer dry season from May to October and the cool winter season from November to April. The dry season has Iraq temperatures soaring up to 50℃ especially in the month of June. The best time to visit Iraq is in the months of March or November where the Iraq weather is tolerable, and you can get the most of your Iraq tourism adventure. This season has limited rainfall and you can escape from the sweltering heat or the winter chills. Baghdad weather is also inviting at this time where you can explore many archaeological wonders, museums, and monuments.

Visit Iraq With Family

Go on a cruise through The Marshes along the beautiful Shatt El-Arab waterway and be among the locals in this fabulous man-made island.

Visit Najaf in the spring month when Najaf weather is pleasant and admire the stunning mosque of Al-Haidariya with the splendid golden dome and minarets made of over 40,000 gold tiles.

Iraq tourism has plenty of history and ruins to offer to travelers, especially the Islamic ruins of Samarra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wander Baghdad's spectacular Abbasid Palace that overlooks the Tigris River, one of the oldest and finest buildings in Iraq.

Visit Iraq as a Couple

Spend some together time as a couple in the Kurdish mountains and escape to the cool and pleasant Korek Mountain Resort where you could go skiing too in the winters.

Visit the bird market called Souk al-Ghazal and witness colorful birds, wander the Baghdad Bazaar, and relax at one of the local cafes.

Spend time in the legendary Hanging Gardens and be awestruck as you witness the ruins of Babylon that dates to 2300 BC.

Experience the 'Venice of the East', the spectacular canals of Basra. You could enjoy some picnic time as a couple in the lush surroundings, Basra also is the main seaport for commercial ships.

Visit Iraq with Friends

Visit the breathtaking excavations of the Great Ziggurat in the ancient Sumerian city of Ur. Iraq tourism boasts of some of the best archaeological wonders that are among the finest in the Islamic world.

Witness the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, a spectacular religious shrine that has four gold-coated minarets and two glorious domes. The original shrine dates to the 8th century and unfortunately has been under many terrorist attacks.

Go on to see the Arch of Ctesiphon in Baghdad along the beautiful Tigris River. The marvelous arch dates to the 6th century and is a remarkable engineering feat.

The Green Zone is a not to miss attraction that is the most fortified zone in the center of Baghdad. The place is heavily guarded and the area has the famous Republic Palace built by Saddam.

What to Buy?

Gold Jewelry

Fresh Spices

Excellent Dates

Perfumes

Chocolates

Delicious Sweet Treats

The Mabhara and Bukhur (Incense Burner and Powder)

Tahini Date Syrup

Baklava

Leather Goods, Handbags

Beautiful Copper Pieces

Hand-Woven Carpets

The National Museum
The Iraq National Museum displays precious yesteryear's relics from the Persian, Mesopotamian, and Babylonian civilizations. The beautiful museum was founded in 1922 and was later moved to a two-story building that tells the tale of human civilization from hunting, art, religion, mathematics, and more.
Best Time to Visit: All year
Entry Price: $1.25

Aqar Quf
The gorgeous ziggurat was built to honor God Enlil and is about 57 meters tall. The Ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu was built by King Kurigalzu as way back as 1400 BC and serves as an important landmark in the capital city of Baghdad.
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Entry Price: Free

Ishtar Gate
One of the highlight attractions of the ancient city of Babylon, the blue Ishtar Gate once served as the ceremonial entrance to the city. The gate stands at 38 feet high and has images of more than 100 lions and 13 rows of bulls and dragons. Do also see the original ruins near the reconstructed blue gate that dates to 575 BC.
Best Time to Visit: All year
Entry Price: Free

The Imam Husayn Shrine
This wonderful Islamic architecture is the burial site of Husayn ibn Ali, the third Imam of Shia Islam. This beautiful mosque in the city of Karbala was opened in 680 AD. Do not miss the gold-covered dome that is 27 meters high which has sadly suffered damage with the passing of time. Within the shrine of Husayn is a grave of all the 72 Karbala martyrs at the foot on the ground level.
Best Time to Visit: All year
Entry Price: Free

Kirkuk Citadel
This glorious citadel goes back in time to 880 BC built by King Ashurnasirpal II that has 72 towers and is on top of a 130-foot mound. Inside the Kirkuk Citadel, you can experience sights of colorful gems, the Tomb of Daniel, and the Red Church. Stay amazed at the sight of the majestic citadel right in the center of Kirkuk located in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Best Time to Visit: All year
Entry Price: As per the tour costs

Lion of Babylon
This majestic rock sculpture is a 2600-year-old black basalt rock that symbolizes Iraq as a nation. The attraction is in the ancient city of Babylon. The lion represents the Goddess of fertility, God, and love 'Ishtar'. The lion also represents the King of Babylon. This is the most celebrated artifact in Iraq and is based on the Mesopotamian lion.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Price: Free

If you can make time to visit a few other places in Iraq are:

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque

Great Ziggurat

Bashtabya Castle

Canals of Basra

Arch of Ctesiphon

Abbasid Palace

Golden Dome of Najaf

Islamic Ruins of Samarra

Kurdish Mountains

Southern Wall of Nineveh

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Iraq
Baghdad
The capital city is the cultural center of Iraq with fascinating tourist attractions. The city became famous as a center of learning where Islamic culture flourished. Located along the beautiful Tigris River, this is the second-largest city in the Arab world.
Visit For: Firdos Square, Victory Arch, Museum of Baghdad, Al-Faw Palace, Green Zone, Al- Mustansiriya University, Qadisiyah Monument

Basra
The city is noted for its oil production that contributes to the overall economy of Iraq. Basra is just a 5-hour drive from the capital and is set on the banks of the Shatt-al-Arab River. It is also an important port city and one of the largest cities in Iraq.
Visit For: Basra Times Square, Basra Family Park, Shatt al Arab, University of Basra, Shanshal Mall

Najaf
Najaf receives plenty of pilgrims every year as it is home to the holiest site of Shia Islam, the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Wadi-Al Salaam is also a noteworthy attraction with the largest and oldest cemetery in the world.
Visit For: Imam Ali Holy Shrine, Wadi Al-Salaam Cemetery, Great Mosque of Kufa, Al Sahlah Great Mosque, Masjid Al-Hannanah, Maytham al-Tammar Shrine

Babylon
This ancient city in Mesopotamia is situated on the banks of the Euphrates River. The buried monuments are a significant contribution to archaeology and are a great discovery made by a German archaeologist Robert Koldewey. The archaeological site here will always remain a highlight of your Iraq travel.
Visit For: Tower of Babel, Hanging Gardens, Etemenanki Ziggurat, Ancient Walls, Summer Palace of Saddam Hussein, Ruins of Babylon

Erbil
This is the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan region and one of the oldest cities in the world. Erbil Citadel is a highlight attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Erbil as a city dates to the settlements almost 7000 years ago. It is the oldest inhabited city in all of mankind.
Visit For: Erbil Citadel, Sami Abdul Rahman Park, Jalil Khayat Mosque, Kurdish Textile Museum, Shanadar Park, Mudhafaria Minaret, The Korek Mountains

Kufa
The city is an important religious destination to the Shiite Muslims, and it is here that the Arab vertical Kufic writing was developed. The Great Mosque of Kufa dates to the seventh century and is one of the highlight attractions here. It is also considered as one of the oldest mosques in Iraq.
Visit For: Great Mosque of Kufa, Al-Sahla Mosque, Darul `Imara, House of Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb

Other famous cities in Iraq

Kifri

Duhok

Mosul

Karbala

Kirkuk

Nasiriyah

Samarra

Ramadi

Hillah

Nineveh

Tikrit

Baqubah

Amarah

Ashura
On the tenth day of, mourning in the month of Muharram Shiites have large processions offering themselves as a sign of mourning. Many thousand believers mourn the martyrdom of Imam Husayn in the battle of Karbala. The men continuously whip themselves as a sign of mourning that is accompanied by a lot of passion and religious sentiments.
Location: Iraq
Date: August

Newroz
This Islamic festival is celebrated as the Kurdish New Year and the Kurds light fires on the mountain tops. Young men jump through the fire and the festival is performed in zest on March 21. It sets the beginning of spring and there is a lot of hope and optimism in the spirit of the festival.
Location: Kurdistan Region
Date: 21 March

Iraqi Army Day
The event celebrates and remembers the brave in the Iraqi Army that happens every year on January 6. It recognizes and honors all military service members and marks the start of the Iraqi army on January 6, 1921. It respects those who have lost their lives in military service to the country.
Location: Iraq
Date: 6 January

Eid Ul-Fitr
The popular festival in the Islamic world marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a three-day festival and Muslims the world over offer prayers at mosques. A few also visit graveyards in remembrance of their loved lost ones. A small breakfast is had to break the month-long fast and people visit relatives with good greetings.
Location: Iraq
Date: May

Iraqi Independence Day
On October 3, 1932, Iraq gained independence from the British colonial regime and became the Kingdom of Iraq. This national holiday is also known as National Iraqi Day as Iraq joins the League of Nations. It is celebrated with smart parades, civil and military processions in all cities and villages with pride.
Location: Iraq
Date: 3 October

Other festivals/events celebrated in Iraq are

Baghdad Liberation Day

Republic Day

Ceasefire Day

Labour Day

Eid al-Adha

Passports
All travelers must have a valid passport to apply for an Iraq visa. The passport needs to be valid for six months after the visa expires.

Visa-On-Arrival
Citizens of the following countries can obtain Iraq visa on arrival at Al Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport

Bahrain

Kuwait

Lebanon

Oman

Citizens who plan to stay longer than two months must apply to the Residency Office for an extension. Visitors who stay for more than 10 days must obtain the exit stamp as well. However, we would recommend not to rely on visa-on-arrival formalities and obtain the Iraq tourist visa by applying in advance.

Iraqi law indicates that citizens of all countries must process the Iraq visa requirements and obtain a tourist visa to travel into Iraq. Citizens from countries listed below can get a free visa on arrival for a 30-day stay in the country.

European Union

USA

Canada

Australia

Brazil

Argentina

South Korea

Japan

New Zealand

Iraq Tourist Visa is also obtainable from the embassy by submitting documents of identity and passport details.

Validity A tourist visa allows you to enter Iraq once in three months from the date of issue and stay for a period of one month for the purpose of travel. The cost of processing is $100.

The normal visa allows you to enter Iraq once during three months from the date of issue and grants permission for residence in Iraq for a period not exceeding three months. The processing fee for the visa is $99.

Non-stop transit visa allows you to transit through Iraq under the supervision of authorities and a one-time entry within three months from the date of the issue into the country. The processing cost is $20. Multi-visa grants you stay for a period of three months, six months, and one year after getting legal approvals. The processing fee is $150 for the same.

A Pilgrim visa is provided for a pilgrimage tour as part of a group to places like Karbala, Najaf, Kufa and Samara.

Please remember that processing a tourist visa can take anything between four months to six months and is very time-consuming. Iraqi visa requirement procedures involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad that can be done by a local contact. After which you can personally approach the Iraq Embassy in your country.

Iraqi Taxis and Car Rental
Shared taxis are a safe and convenient mode of transport within city limits. Intra-city taxi rides are also easy to obtain and are reasonably cheap. You could choose taxis from the company Hello Taxi and also hire an English-speaking driver. PNK Taxi provides private taxi services within city limits. Do consider traveling only during day time by road and always follow instructions of authorities and guides.

Iraqi Trains
Trains are currently operated by Iraq Republic Railways with the only operational route being between Baghdad and Basra.

Buses
Bus services are available between cities in Kurdistan and there is also a free shuttle bus through the Green Zone. However, the services are very irregular and do not keep to timings.

Air

Domestic flights are offered by Iraqi Airways between important cities such as Basra, Baghdad, Sulaimaniya and Erbil. Turkish Airlines and Emirates are the other two major airlines offering services, among others.

Via Air Route
Royal Jordanian Airways and Iraqi Airways offer flights. As the country has six international airports some of the major airlines fly serving in the region. The other airways that offer flights into Iraq include Emirates, Erbil Airlines, Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways to name a few.

Via Road
There is a network of well-developed highways with about 45,000 km of paved roads. However, it is recommended to take a flight for long-distance travel as road travel is not safe. The 80 km highway between Kuwait and Basra is also known as the `Highway of Death`.

Via Rail
Railway trains are limited between Iraq and neighboring countries as the Iraqi railway network faces a lot of logistical and security issues.

Apply well in advance to obtain an Iraqi tourist visa for travel as the visa process is full of documentation and bureaucratic delays.

Although English is commonly spoken. It is a good idea to know a few Arabic phrases and carry along a travel guide.

Always carry a photocopy of travel documents with you.

Follow guidelines by authorities and travel mostly in the daytime to stay secure.

Do not stay at a local friend's house on a tourist visa as it is illegal.

You will have to exit Iraq the same route you entered the country.

It is easier to go on a group tour with a guide that is offered by many travel companies.

Arrangements for accommodation, transport, guide, etc., are to be made well in advance.

Keep all your travel documents in place especially at checkpoints.

You cannot travel overland between Kurdish Autonomous Region to southern Iraq.

Couchsurfing is not legally allowed.

Do not rely on ATMs in the country and always carry adequate USD/Euro for your trip.

Safety Tips

Remember that Iraq is a war-torn country and be mindful of road travel on highways laden with mines and IED devices.

Take along a daily security person that your guide will help provide.

Always carry valid travel insurance which should include kidnapping insurance. First Allied is a good travel insurance company to check out.

Do not walk into unmarked fields or zones unless you are sure it is safe.

Avoid night travel at all costs.

Always follow the instructions of the local authority.

As a tourist, stay away from gatherings and local processions.

Health

Always drink bottled water and keep hygiene aspects in mind.

Carry along a medical kit and first aid box for your safety as finding clinics and medicines may be difficult.

The CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations before traveling to Iraq are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Anthrax, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tdap, Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Influenza.

Take along insect repellents and be watchful for insect or animal bites.

You could include a traveler's diarrhea antibiotic, antacids, motion sickness medicine, cough drops, hand sanitizer, water purification medicines, and more in your medical kit.

What to Pack?

Sunglasses, Sunscreen

Personal Safety Kit

First-Aid Kit

Health Insurance Documents

Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination

Passport and other ID Proof

Digital Camera

Sleep Wear

Good Walking Shoes

Comfortable Clothing

Contact Card of Family Member

Cell Phones, Pads

Dress Code & Etiquette

The greeting is a handshake with eye contact and a smile.

The Arabic greeting is 'assalamu alaikum' which means 'peace be with you'.

Women are not greeted by a handshake but with a nod of your head.

Iraq is a Muslim country and hence dress sense is moderate.

Table manners are formal and the seat at the head of the table is reserved for the elder.

The right hand is used for eating and drinking.

Locals are very hospitable, and it is considered rude to turn down an invite.

Men and women must wear clothes to expose the least skin as possible.

Men are seen in the commonly worn robe called Dishdasha.

Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover arms, legs, chest, and shoulders.

It is a good practice to remove your shoes before entering a home.

It is a respectable custom to stand up when an elder enters a room and to offer a seat.

Turkey (1436 km)
Visit Turkey for its amazing beaches, gorgeous mountain ranges, and the many popular attractions. Go on to see the famous Hagia Sophia Museum, The Blue Mosque, Pamukkale, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace Museum to name a few.

Iran (1283 km)
Iran is an interesting tourist destination famous for its saffron, food, and exquisite pastries. You will get to see many beautiful sights such as Golestan Palace, Aali Qapu Palace, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, among others. Iran is also famous for pistachio production, so do not forget to pick your box too.

Syria (466 km)
Syria is an interesting neighboring destination to Iraq on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Palmyra, The Aleppo Citadel, Water Wheels of Hama, Bosra Amphitheater are among the few landmarks that you can tour. Syria is unique as a destination as it is the oldest inhabited country on earth.

Jordan (761 km)
Jordan is filled with historic sites such as the popular Petra which is one of the seven wonders of the world. Magic Bedouin Star, Mount Nebo, Roman Theater, The Treasury, and the Jordan River are just a few mentioned attractions. Jordan is also extremely safe as compared to its neighbors.

Saudi Arabia (1492 km)
This stunning kingdom is also known as the 'land of the Two Holy Mosques' in Mecca and Medina. Tiran Island, Masjid-al Haram, Kaaba, Al-Masjid an Nabawi and more welcome you as a tourist to the state that is considered a regional power.

Kuwait (565 km)
Visit Kuwait for its famous sand dunes and fabulous cityscapes, a country located on the Persian Gulf. Indulge in Islamic culture with top sightseeing attractions such as Kuwait Tower, Messilah Beach, Tareq Rajab Museum, Grand Mosque and more.

Lebanon (728 km)
Go on to discover some amazing attractions in Lebanon such as Temple of Bacchus, Baalbek Ruins, National Museum of Beirut, The Cydars, Kadisha Valley, among others. The country is a top tourist destination and offers a lot of options with its capital Beirut known as the `Paris of the Middle East`.

Iraq is called the 'cradle of civilization' as it is one of the oldest places on earth.

People in Iraq have a life expectancy of 69 years.

The capital city of Iraq is Baghdad.

It has a literacy rate of 74%.

Most people who live in Iraq are Muslims.

Iraq is the second-largest supplier of oil in the world.

People speak many languages such as Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian, and Armenian.

The country had its first election in 2005.

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