Culture

=__ Facts about Iraq: __=

**Language-** Arabic and Kurdish are the official languages, but English is generally used. People also speak Turkoman, Assyrian, Armenian, and some Farsi.

**Religion-** Predominately Muslim, split between Shiite’s (60%) and Sunni’s (30%); some Christians. Difference between Shiite’s and Sunni’s is based on who the descendent of Muhammad (Islamic Prophet) is (Family of prophet vs. Elected leader - Caliph) @http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2007/02/12/7332087/the-origins-of-the-shiite-sunni-split

**Location-** Baghdad is the capital. It is bordered byTurkey, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Two major rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, run through the center of Iraq, flowing from northwest to southeast. Except for the mountainous regions in the northeast, it has a tropical desert climate.

**Timeline of Iraqi History-** @http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/world/meast/iraq-history-fast-facts/

**ISIS-** Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - Background What it is Exactly Iran Threatens to Attack ISIS

Cultural Characteristics
 * Extremely welcoming people; invitations to the home should never be turned down and upon visiting you should bring a gift
 * Welcome gift could be a pastry, cookies, chocolate, flowers - depending on your status with the family- etc.
 * Gifts are given with two hands and are normally not opened until the guests have left
 * most common greeting is a handshake/smile with eye contact
 * With good friends (of the same sex)/ family you will great them with a handshake and kiss on each cheek, starting with the right cheek
 * Wait to be introduced to people at small social gatherings
 * Family/Honor are the most important aspects of life; loyalty to your family and doing your family name proud is EXTREMELY important
 * Be respectful to women, especially if you are a man (don’t give them a handshake/hug unless they initiate it)
 * When eating, leave some food on your plate when done
 * Do not make a promise or guarantee unless you can keep it, use expressions like “I will do my best,” “We will see,” or the local term “insha-Allah” (God willing).
 * The common Arabic greeting is "asalaamu alaikum" (peace be with you), to which you should respond "wa alaikum salaam" (and peace be with you)

@http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student.php?id=99