Program Management World

  A. Geographic, demographic data Iraq is 168,754 square miles (437,073 square kilometers). [1]  Iraq is bordered by Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the Arabian Gulf. The northern border areas near Iran and Turkey are mountainous and experience cold, harsh winters, while the west is mostly desert. The differences in climate have influenced the economies of the various areas and ethnic groups, especially since a large part of the economy used to be agriculturally based. Iraq covers the land between the Tigres and the Euphrates Rivers. Mesopotamia, also referred to as the Fertile Crescent, was an important center of early civilization and saw the rise and fall of many cultures and settlements. Under the influence of the monsoons, Iraq in summer has a constant northwesterly wind, while in winter a strong southeasterly air current develops. The intensely hot and dry summers last from May to October, the hottest time of the day—often reaching 49°c (120°f). Wi...