Iraqi - Do's and Don'ts (2024)

FAQs

What is considered rude in Iraq? ›

Don't slouch, lean, or appear disinterested when conversing with Iraqi men. Do not expose the soles of feet or shoes. Don't back away from an Iraqi during conversation. Close personal interaction is customary and distance is considered rude.

Avoid possible targets such as crowded places and public spaces, including markets, transport hubs, places of worship and government facilities. If you must visit them, always have an exit plan. There's a high threat of kidnapping throughout the country. Terrorists and criminal gangs may kidnap expats working in Iraq.

Ahlan (اهلاً) or Hala (هلا) means hi.

Iraq cooperates with international organizations, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the International Organization for Migration, the International Labor Organization, and the Arab League. Iraq is also a candidate for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The impacts of rising temperatures, worsening droughts, and increasing number of sandstorms are exacerbated by political conditions. Poor governance, including water mismanagement, has contributed to the effects of the drought. Meanwhile, Iraq's budget is dependent almost entirely on oil revenues.

Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.

Young people are expected to dress modestly, and public displays of affection are frowned upon. It's also crucial to understand that dating is often seen as a prelude to marriage, and families are heavily involved in the dating process in traditional communities.

There are many values that are honored in the Iraqi culture, including generosity and humility. Men commonly hold hands or kiss when greeting each other, but this is typically not the case for men and women. Respect is given to the elderly and women, especially those with children.

It's recommended not to wear clothes showing your shoulders or legs or tight clothes highlighting the body. Women do not need to wear a headscarf at all times, however, it's advisable to always have one with you. You will be required to cover your hair when entering mosques.

What is Iraq rich in? ›

Apart from petroleum, Iraq's other natural resources include natural gas, phosphates and sulphur. Its national currency is the dinar. The country has a varied landscape, which includes areas of desert, mountains and fertile regions.

Iraq is the birthplace of many significant historical achievements that affect life around the world today, from the earliest known writing system and innovations in irrigation to important agricultural developments like the first wheel and the first seed plow to significant scientific achievements like the division of ...

Lamb is the favorite meat, but chicken, beef, goat and fish are also eaten. Most dishes are served with rice—usually timman anbar, a yellowish, very aromatic, long-grain rice grown in the Middle Euphrates region.

It's recommended not to wear clothes showing your shoulders or legs or tight clothes highlighting the body. Women do not need to wear a headscarf at all times, however, it's advisable to always have one with you. You will be required to cover your hair when entering mosques.

It is common for Iraqi men and women to shake hands. However, conservative Muslim men and women generally prefer not to make physical contact with members of the opposite gender.

Thumbs Up

However, if you give thumbs up in Iran means indecent and offensive insult which means “sit on it”. This is similar to raise your middle finger up. So keep this in mind while giving a thumbs up in Iran, it may be land you in trouble.