Iraq is the country of Mesopotamia or Land Between the Rivers in classical times.
Anyone travelling in these lands should read about the many civilizations that have passed through here. As a minimum be prepared on Sumer, Babylon, Assur, Persians, Greeks, Romans and finally Arabs. You will find many hundreds of ruins of cities everywhere you go.
It has a subtropical climate, with a tendency in direction of continental climate in the north. Iraq is very dependent on water from Tigris and Euphrates, as there is little rain falling here. The west and south is mostly stone desert. The country became known as Iraq in the 7th century. It’s the land were paradise allegedly once was. The region's extensive alluvial plains gave rise to the world's earliest civilizations, though in recent times it was not all that civilized. The modern Iraq was created in the aftermath of World War I and gained independence in 1932. Since then there was war on Iran, Syria, and most recently the invasion of Kuwait that led to the Gulf War. Internally the country has known violent uprising of Kurdish minorities answered by bloody suppression. After the monarchy was overthrown in 1958 there was a period of political instability with coups and countercoups until Saddam Hussein seized power in the 70s.

Iraq used to be one of the world's leading oil producers. In recent decades a steady cash flow generated by the black gold was the engine behind ambitious building projects and development programs and to build one of the largest and most powerful armies in the Middle East. Its strength was demonstrated during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) and in the 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

Everyone that has seen the images of missiles and bombs falling on the capital Baghdad will understand that this is not a holiday destination for the mentally sane. Economy has been totally disrupted by the war and reconstruction is slow. Tension between US and UK troops are still high.

Theoretically there’s the possibility to cross the northern borders from Turkey or Jordan, but the ongoing struggle for Kurdish independence also makes this area hazardous. There are no commercial flights to Baghdad and the borders to Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and of course Kuwait are closed of.

Should it become easier to visit Iraq then the highlights of your visit would include Mosul in the north, with the big Assyrian cities of Ninevah and Nimrod close by, Baghdad , the capital, Karbala and An najaf just south of Baghdad, with the tombs of Ali and Husain, two very important Shiite religious leaders and Basra in the south.

Irak is the dream of any historian and archeolog. For the west, its were it all began. All those small hills you see on the highway, those are Tells, the ruins of ancient cities.

Asia Travel Information

Myanmar Tourist Guides — Attractions

City - Mandalay: Second capital after Rangoon, has world’s largest stone book situated in the compound of the 'Kuthodaw Pagoda' where Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 729 stone slabs. The delicate tapestry works, stone sculpture, the time-honored art of gold leaf home industry is definitely worth a visit. Bagan is known as

General Information For Tourists

1. Airport Tax Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person. 2. Duty Free Allowance Two bottles of liquor; two cartons of cigarettes; 100 cigars; 1.5 lbs. of tobacco; and one pint bottle of perfume or eau de cologne. 3. Currency The monetary unit

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Hong Kong is full of fabulous events and attractions. The following are a few of the must-sees rated tops by tourists. Victoria Peak is the best place from which to admire the lights of this Oriental Pearl. Peak Tower with its famous wok-like architecture standing at the exit of Peak Tram.

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General Information For Tourists - II

20. Religion The majority of the people of Myanmar are Buddhist although Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also practiced. 21. Telecommunications Telephones & fax facilities are available in most hotels in Yangon and Mandalay but charges are quite expensive. E mail facilities are now available at many hotels and local businesses in Yangon

Nightlife of Hong Kong

Hong Kong provides a vibrant nightlife. Do not fight the temptation to join the party. Things to do: take a luxury night cruise over Victoria Harbor; visit pubs, bars, night clubs; or stroll in the bubbling streets with the locals. Don't just sit back and watch. I. Night Tour Do you fancy

Myanmar Tourist Guides — Attractions

I. City - Rangoon: Rangoon, the capital of Myanmar is the host for some of the world’s mind-blowing wonders, like the: 1. Shwedagon Pagoda: Rudyard Kipling termed it as the .Golden Wonder.. It looks beautiful during sunset as the last rays fall on the soft golden dome, making it glitter. The great

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