Iraq's Ethnic Groups and Society

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Questions and Answers

Match the following ethnic groups in Iraq with their characteristics:

Arabs = Largest ethnic group speaking Arabic Kurds = Live primarily in northern Iraq Shia = Majority Muslim group in southern Iraq Sunni = Majority Muslim group in northern Iraq

Match the following religious practices in Iraq with the corresponding groups:

Islam = Practiced by the majority of both Arabs and Kurds Judaism = Practiced mainly by Kurds Christianity = Also practiced by Kurds, reflecting diversity Yazidism = One of the religions known among Kurdish people

Match the following terms with their descriptions related to Iraq's government:

National Assembly = Elected body established in 2005 Constitution = Document adopted during Iraq's governmental progress Corruption = Widespread issue affecting governance Democratic elections = Held for the first time in January 2005

Match the following historical events with their effects on Iraq:

<p>Overthrow of Saddam's government = Severe damage to Baghdad's infrastructure U.S. military withdrawal = Transfer of control to Iraqi government ISIL rise = Increased violence and threats to security Ongoing wars = Disruption in rebuilding efforts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following economic aspects of Iraq with their significance:

<p>Oil industry = Historically significant exporter Agricultural production = Supported by Tigris and Euphrates irrigation Fertile soils = Contributed to agricultural success Economic challenges = Threatening Iraq's future prosperity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following locations with their relevant significance in Iraq:

<p>Baghdad = Capital city affected by war South of Iraq = Primarily Shia Muslim population North of Iraq = Home primarily to Sunni Muslims Tigris and Euphrates rivers = Crucial for irrigation and agriculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical periods with their highlights in Iraq:

<p>1970s = Period when Iraq was the second-largest oil exporter Post-2003 = Start of challenges in creating a stable society Before ISIL = Times of relative governmental stability Current era = Striving for rebuilding and stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of societal issues in Iraq with their descriptions:

<p>Poverty = A significant challenge in society Religious tolerance = Notable feature of Kurdish identity Weak institutions = Struggles of the newly formed government Refugee crisis = Result of ongoing violence and conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following groups with their roles related to Iraq’s stability:

<p>U.S. military advisors = Returned to counter growing violence Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) = Militant group posing significant threats Contractors = Assisted in restoring infrastructure Iraqi government = Facing challenges in establishing control</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical influences with their outcomes in Iraq:

<p>Wars = Led to infrastructure damage and societal issues Economic shifts = Affected Iraq's ability to export oil Cultural diversity = Prominent among Kurds compared to Arabs Democratic processes = Attempt to stabilize governance post-war</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are the two main ethnic groups in Iraq?

The two main groups of people in Iraq are Arabs and Kurds.

Who are the majority ethnic group in Iraq and what language do they speak?

Arabs make up the majority of the population (75-80%) and speak Arabic, which is also the official language of Iraq.

Who are the minority ethnic group in Iraq and where do they usually live?

Kurds, who mostly live in Northern Iraq, make up a smaller percentage of the population (15-20%) but are also a diverse group with different religions.

What is the most common religion in Iraq?

The majority of Iraqi people, regardless of ethnic background, are Muslim.

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What are the two main branches of Islam practiced in Iraq?

Within Iraq, the main two branches of Islam (Shia and Sunni) are practiced with a larger Shia Muslim population living in the southern part of the country and a larger Sunni Muslim population in the north.

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What challenges has the Iraqi government faced after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein?

The Iraqi government has had a difficult time rebuilding the country after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

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What are the main challenges to the Iraqi economy?

Iraq is slowly rebuilding its once strong economy but faces many challenges, including widespread poverty, corruption, and internal conflicts.

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Why has Iraq's oil industry faced challenges?

Iraq was once a large oil exporter but has lost this position due to various conflicts and instability in the region.

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What is ISIL and what challenges does it pose to Iraq?

ISIL is a violent militant group that poses a threat to Iraq and the world, and their attacks on various ethnic groups and other violence are a main challenge to stability in the region.

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What are ISIL's goals?

ISIL's goal is to create a modern Islamic state, and the group's actions have created a difficult environment for rebuilding Iraq.

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Study Notes

Ethnic Groups

  • Most Iraqis are either Arabs (75-80%) or Kurds (15-20%).
  • Arabs primarily speak Arabic, and Kurds primarily speak Kurdish.
  • Kurds are predominantly farmers in northern Iraq.

Religion

  • Most Iraqis are Muslim (both Sunni and Shia).
  • Approximately 60-65% are Shia, and 32-37% are Sunni.
  • Kurds in Iraq represent a religiously diverse group.
  • Other practiced religions amongst Kurds include Judaism, Christianity, Yarsan, Yazidism, and Zoroastrianism.

Iraq Today

  • Iraq is rebuilding despite ongoing conflict.
  • Baghdad, Iraq's capital, suffered severe damage in the overthrow of Saddam's government, losing essential services (electricity, water).
  • US military and private groups assisted in restoration efforts.

Government and Economy

  • Iraq held its first democratic elections in 2005.
  • Deep divisions and internal conflicts threatened the new government's stability.
  • Iraq was once the world's second-largest oil exporter, but its oil industry faces uncertain future.
  • Iraq's fertile land has long supported agriculture, with crops such as barley, cotton, and rice, cultivated using the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Recent Challenges

  • Iraq has faced warfare, separatist movements, refugee crises, and the rise of ISIS.
  • ISIS, a Sunni Muslim militant group, aims to establish a modern-day Islamic state, and is considered a threat by the global community.
  • U.S. military advisors returned in 2014 to combat rising violence associated with ISIS.
  • The continued weakness of Iraqi government and the presence of ISIS pose ongoing challenges to long-term stability.

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