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:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following economic aspects of Iraq with their significance:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following locations with their relevant significance in Iraq:

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical periods with their highlights in Iraq:

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

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 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical influences with their outcomes in Iraq:

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 Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

Explore the diverse ethnic and religious composition of Iraq, focusing on Arabs and Kurds. This quiz covers aspects of Iraq's historical context, government changes, and economic challenges, highlighting the resilience of its people and culture today.