Iraq
Health in Iraq
The state of health in Iraq has fluctuated during its turbulent recent history. During its last decade, the regime of Saddam Hussein cut public health funding by 90 percent, contributing to a substantial deterioration in health care. During that period, maternal mortality increased nearly threefold, and the salaries of medical personnel decreased drastically.
Beverages in Iraq
Traditional Iraqi drinks include coffee, akar and mint tea. Arabic coffee is strong and bitter, served before or after a meal and often accompanied by cream and sugar. Arak is a national alcoholic drink made from aniseed.
Iraq - The People
Although the data are not absolutely reliable, the government estimates that 76 percent of the people are Arab; 19 percent are Kurds; while Turkomans, Assyrians, Armenians, and other relatively small groups make up the rest.