Podcast
Questions and Answers
Match the following ethnic groups in Iraq with their characteristics:
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:
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:
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:
Match the following historical events with their effects on Iraq:
Match the following economic aspects of Iraq with their significance:
Match the following economic aspects of Iraq with their significance:
Match the following locations with their relevant significance in Iraq:
Match the following locations with their relevant significance in Iraq:
Match the following historical periods with their highlights in Iraq:
Match the following historical periods with their highlights in Iraq:
Match the following types of societal issues in Iraq with their descriptions:
Match the following types of societal issues in Iraq with their descriptions:
Match the following groups with their roles related to Iraq’s stability:
Match the following groups with their roles related to Iraq’s stability:
Match the following historical influences with their outcomes in Iraq:
Match the following historical influences with their outcomes in Iraq:
Flashcards
What are the two main ethnic groups in Iraq?
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?
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?
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?
What is the most common religion in Iraq?
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What are the two main branches of Islam practiced in Iraq?
What are the two main branches of Islam practiced in Iraq?
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What challenges has the Iraqi government faced after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein?
What challenges has the Iraqi government faced after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein?
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What are the main challenges to the Iraqi economy?
What are the main challenges to the Iraqi economy?
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Why has Iraq's oil industry faced challenges?
Why has Iraq's oil industry faced challenges?
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What is ISIL and what challenges does it pose to Iraq?
What is ISIL and what challenges does it pose to Iraq?
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What are ISIL's goals?
What are ISIL's goals?
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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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