Iraq

F

Manufacturing

Despite efforts by Hussein to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, Iraq’s manufacturing industry is not well developed. Besides petroleum and natural gas products, manufactures are largely limited to goods such as processed foods and beverages, textiles and clothing, metal products, furniture, footwear, cigarettes, and construction materials. Baghdād is the leading manufacturing center of Iraq.

G

Services

Many Iraqis work for the government in social services such as health and education. Financial and personal services are also important income earners.

H

Energy

Power plants fueled by oil or natural gas produce 98 percent of Iraq’s electricity. Hydroelectric facilities operate on the Tigris River and some of its tributaries.

I

Transportation

Iraq has railroad connections through Syria with Turkey and Europe. The Iraqi state railway system consists of about 2,440 km (about 1,515 mi) of track. The country’s road network is well developed: About 84 percent of roads are paved. International airports serve Baghdād and Al Başrah. Al Başrah, on the Shatt al Arab, and Umm Qaşr, on the Persian Gulf, are the main ports for oceangoing vessels, and river steamers are able to navigate the Tigris from Al Başrah to Baghdād.

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During the Persian Gulf War, bombing by United States-led coalition air forces demolished many transport facilities, such as bridges, ports, and airports. Some estimates suggest that the bombing destroyed more than 80 bridges. Iraq was able to rebuild some bridges and other facilities in the years after the war.

J

Communications

Much of Iraq’s telecommunication network was also destroyed in the Persian Gulf War. After Hussein’s overthrow in 2003, the new Iraqi administration began rebuilding and upgrading the country’s telephone mainline and mobile telephone systems. The Iraqi Media Network oversees the operation of a number of television and radio stations. Under Hussein’s rule, only a small number of newspaper and periodicals were printed, but since his overthrow, dozens of new publications have been founded.