Iraq has a hot, dry climate with extensive floods caused by nearby mountains, and the population is mostly Arab or Kurdish Muslims. The average age is young, around 38%, and most Iraqis live in cities in the central and northern parts of the country rather than the desert south or mountainous west. Ethnically, Iraqis are predominantly Arab or Kurdish, and religiously they are mostly Shia or Sunni Muslims, with Arabic and Kurdish as the most common languages.

2. ~Desert ~Vast Central Plain
~Mid-Cool Winters ~Mountains in West
~Dry/Hot/Cloudless Summers ~Hills/Low Mountains in East
~Extensive Floods Caused By ~Mostly Temperate
Near-By Mountains ~Low Winter Temperatures

3. Iraq Average Age America Average Age
3.10% 0
13.10%
20.10%
38% Ages 0-14 Ages 0-14
Ages 15-64 Ages 15-64
58.90% Ages 65+ Ages 65+
66.80%

4. ETHNICITY REGLIGION
Ethnicity Religion
3%
Christiani
ty
5%
Arab 97% Muslim
20%
Kurdish
75% Religion Within The
Turkoman Muslim Religion
/Assyrian
30%
Shia
70%
Sunni

5.  Greeting – Hand Shake and kisses on  Greeting – A simple “hello” or handshake
Cheeks  Time – 5 Minutes early is on time. “time
 Time – Half hour late is acceptable is money”
 Eye Contact – Little is OK, Too much is  Eye Contact – Valued and is seen as a
rude or hostile sign of respect and interest
 Meetings – attendee ends the meeting  Meetings – Short and to the point, host
 Negotiations – Value personal ends the meeting
relationships.  Negotiations – Only cares about getting
the deal/contract.

7. Prime Minister: President: Deputy President: Deputy President:
Nuri Kamil Jalal Talibani (Vice President) (Vice President)
al-Maliki Adil Abd al-Mahdi Tariq al-Hashimi

10. One US Dollar = 1,170 Iraqi Dinars

11. EXPORT COMMODITIES IMPORT COMMODITIES
Exports
Imports
Crude Oil
8% 5% Food
Crude
Materials Medicine
Excluding
84% Oil Manufact
Food & There is no clear data on how much urers
Live Each of these items are imported.
These are the three items in HIGH DEMAND.
Animals Which leads to the most imported.

12. EXPORT PARTNERS IMPORT PARTNERS
Exports Imports
Other… 25.20% Other
36.20%
Countries
Japan 6.60%
United States 6.60%
Italy 6.90%
South Korea 8.20% Exports China 14.40% Imports
China 12.10%
Syria 18.60%
India 16.70%
United States Turkey 24.20%
24.30%

14. Thank you Iraq, for
exporting Oil to the
U.S, so I can take my

15. Remember To….. Remember NOT To…….
• Remain patient throughout all • Criticize or highlight simple errors or
business dealings mistakes your Iraqi colleagues may make
in a direct manner, but try to hint or offer
• Show respect and courtesy at all indirect advice and solutions.
times, as this is the most important
element of Iraqi culture and takes • Use high-pressure tactics during business
precedence over all other customs. negotiations
• Try to learn a few simple Arabic or • Forget to dress in a formal and
Kurdish words and phrases conservative manner. Women, in particular
• Hello (Marhaba salam alekom) should wear modest clothing and cover
• Thank you (Shukran) their hair when necessary
• You’re welcome (Afwan)
• Please (Men Fadlak)

16. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/iz.html
http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/iraq/iraq_economy.html
http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Iraq.html
http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=99

17. --Nicole Link--