General Information about Iraqi Kurdistan

GENERAL INFORMATIONThe main four governorates of Arbil, Sulaimania, Dohuk and Kirkuk with parts of Dyala and Nineva covers 18% of the total land area of Iraq. In these governorates the five million Kurdish population is dispersed, of which 2/3 inhabit the former three provinces. This area which constitutes more than half of the total area of Iraqi Kurdistan is now under the control of Kurdistan Regional Government. The remaining population inhabits the areas under the control of Iraqi government.The mountainous nature of Kurdistan, deep valleys and plains contributes to climate changes. Low temperatures and heavy snowfalls in the winters and hot and dry summers are common variations in the region’s weather conditions.Kurdistan’s fauna includes the ibex, lynx, gazelle, deer, wolf, fox, leopard, bear, wild boar, hare, squirrel, hedgehog, snakes, frogs and lizards. Fish are abundant in all rivers. The most common birds are grouse, snipe, goose, duck, crane, plover, pigeon, partridge, stork and birds of prey.