Iraq Country Handbook - Europe Link

Given Iraq’s high population growth rate and its current political situation,
living conditions will worsen for most segments of the population.
Education
Fifty-eight percent of the Iraqi population is literate despite the fact that
53 percent of the population over the age of 10 has had no formal
schooling. Seventy percent of the male and 45 percent of the female
populations are literate. Twenty-one percent of the people have had primary
education, while 12 percent have had secondary education. Four
percent have received undergraduate or post-graduate education.
Religion
Islam is the state religion. Ninety-seven percent of the population
belongs to the two main Muslim sects, Shi’a (60 percent) and Sunni (37
percent). The remainder is Christian or of another religion. Iraq and
Bahrain are the only Arab countries where the Shi’a form the majority
of the population. Historically, Shi’a Muslims have been farmers and
have endured political and economic disadvantages. Hussein’s government
has attempted to integrate the Shi’a into prominent positions in the
government. The government’s suspicion has been that Iran will try to
exploit any dissatisfaction felt by the majority Shi’a. The better educated
Sunnis have traditionally dominated the government. Since 1958,
most members of the government have been Sunni. The Kurds are also
Sunni, but their religious practices differ from those of the Arabs.
Customs and Courtesies
Although the Arab world is geographically, politically, and economically
diverse, Arabs are more culturally homogeneous than Westerners. All
Arabs share basic beliefs and values that cross national or social class
boundaries. Social attitudes have remained relatively constant because
Arab society is more conservative and demands conformity from its
members. Even the beliefs of non-Muslim Arabs are greatly influenced by
Islam. While Arab society conforms to specific cultural patterns, it is very
18