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| Government Type |
in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition |
| Legal System |
in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition |
| Currency |
Iraqi dinar (IQD) |
| Economic Overview |
Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which has traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In the 1980s financial problems caused by massive expenditures in the eight-year war with Iran and damage to oil export facilities by Iran led the government to implement austerity measures, borrow heavily, and later reschedule foreign debt payments; Iraq suffered economic losses from the war of at least $100 billion. After hostilities ended in 1988, oil exports gradually increased with the construction of new pipelines and restoration of damaged facilities. Iraq's seizure of Kuwait in August 1990, subsequent international economic sanctions, and damage from military action by an international coalition beginning in January 1991 drastically reduced economic activity. Although government policies supporting large military and internal security forces and allocating resources to key supporters of the regime have hurt the economy, implementation of the UN's oil-for-food program beginning in December 1996 helped improve conditions for the average Iraqi citizen. Iraq was allowed to export limited amounts of oil in exchange for food, medicine, and some infrastructure spare parts. In December 1999 the UN Security Council authorized Iraq to export under the program as much oil as required to meet humanitarian needs. Oil exports have recently been more than three-quarters prewar level. However, 28% of Iraq's export revenues under the program have been deducted to meet UN Compensation Fund and UN administrative expenses. The drop in GDP in 2001-02 was largely the result of the global economic slowdown and lower oil prices. Per capita food imports increased significantly, while medical supplies and health care services steadily improved. Per capita output and living standards were still well below the prewar level, but any estimates have a wide range of error. The military victory of the US-led coalition in March-April 2003 resulted in the shutdown of much of the central economic administrative structure and the loss of a comparatively small amount of capital plant. |
| Natural Resources |
petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur |
| Primary Industries |
petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processing |
| Agricultural Products |
wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep |
| Import Commodities |
food, medicine, manufactures |
| Export Commodities |
crude oil |
| Export Partners |
US 60.6%, France 8.5%, Netherlands 7.4%, Italy 5.8% (2001) |
| AIRPORTS of Iraq |
| Baghdad International Airport |
International, Position 33°15´43"N, 044°14´02"E, Elevation 34m (111ft) |
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