Geographical and Climate of Iraqi Kurdistan

Geographical InformationThe area of Iraqi Kurdistan is approximately 80.000-km sq. thus it forms 18 % of the total area of Iraq (about 435.000-km sq.) Iraqi Kurdistan is comprised of the six governorates of Arbil, Sulaimania, Dokuk, Kirkuk, parts of Dyala and Nineva. Kurdistan is a mountainous area with many fertile plains, of cold winters and moderate summers. Hard won passes and narrow sloping valleys with hundreds of rivers and streams flowing deep in the bottom. In summer, the heat is intense, especially in the valleys and plains. In winter, the cold is penetrating and bitter.ClimateThe region and its climate as a whole can be divided into the following:A subtropical area in the south, where winters are temperate and summers intensely hot with temperatures around 40 °C. The high plains, where winters are relatively severe and summers dry and hot. During the winter, snow and heavy rains fall for three months with temperature barely above freezing point. The mountainous area with extremely severe winters. Snow falls to a depth of several feet and temperatures well below zero. In springtime, it is still cold and snow is visible on the peaks until August