Iraq: Geographical Information and Oil Reserves - Assignment Example

?Iraq: Geographical Information and Oil Reserves Introduction Iraq is a Muslim country and the world’s largest producer of oil (Britton 4). This country has created a great interest from other international countries because of its political activities since 1990. This country does not only have a controversial political system, but it has also a vast array of natural resources, and different geographical characteristics that shape its nation (Hassig and Al Adely 5). This paper will explore on the diverse geographical information about Iraq. It will examine the abundance of oil reserves found in the region. Furthermore, it will present evidence on how a business that sells equipment and tools to oil companies thrives in the country. Geographical Information Iraq is located in the southwest of Asia. Its neighboring countries include Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Its total land area is 166, 859 square miles (Hassig and Al Adely 7). Iraq’s topographical nature is divided into four geographic regions namely: The Delta. This is also known as the alluvial plains. It is located southward of the country which extends from the capital city, Baghdad, and the Persian Gulf. Large parts of this area are susceptible to floods and their marshy parts of land turn into a salty barren during the hot season (Etheredge 3). Deserts. Several desert plains can be found in the region including the Syrian Desert which is found in the west; in the south is the Al-Hajarah; and in the east is the Al-Dibdibah. A few people settle in this area because of the torrid climate and rocky grounds (Hassig and Al Adely 9). Northern Foothills. They are located in the northeastern part of the country. This area is comprised of grass lands, hills, and a small number of trees. As compared with the delta region, its winter and summer seasons are a lot colder (Hassig and Al Adely 9). Northeastern Mountains. This area is populated by non-Arab people called as the Kurds. The Zagros Mountains which rise from this area have been known to have the most abundant supply of oil in the country (Hassig and Al Adely 9). The climate in the country depends upon the topographical location of the region. The deserts and the delta regions experience a hot weather while the northern foothills and the northeastern mountains experience a cooler weather. The people in the deserts and the delta regions enjoy two seasons in a year: summer which extends from May to October, and winter which starts from December and ends in February. The temperature can get as high as 950F during summer, and 600F during winter. On the other hand, the summer in the foothills and mountains experience a shorter summer season from June to September while its winter extends longer than the lowlands (Docherty 23). The plants that grow in the mountain region include alpine plants, oak trees, and juniper. In the desert areas, Rockrose and storksbill which are desert flowers grow in this area. Sweet fruits that grow from palm trees which are known as dates are abundant in the area (Hassig and Al Adely 11). Camels are abundant in the region. Several animals can be found in the deserts including hyenas, snakes, and lizards. Moreover, stork is the most common bird found in the area (Hassig and Al Adely 12). Hassig and Al Adely cite several cities that comprise the area including: Baghdad- The capital and largest city of the country. This is the center of education, culture, government, and industries in the country (14). Basra- This is the second largest city in the country. It is the leading exporter of oil and dates in the area (15). Mosul- This is the third largest city in the country. It is abundant with cotton, so weaving is its famous trade (15). Kirkuk- This is the fourth largest city in the area. This is where most of the oil companies build their business (15). Oil Reserves Iraq has one of the most abundant supplies of oil reserves in the world. Its estimated amount of oil reserves is at 112 billion barrels that are scattered around the areas of Basra, Kirkuk, and Mosul (Hassig and Al Adely 37). Below is a table that shows the oil reserves that are discovered in the country in October 2010 (CGES). How an Oil Equipment and Tools Business Thrive in Iraq Since oil production is the leading industry in the country, a business that supplies tools and equipments for these industries will definitely thrive in this country (Hassig and Al Adely 35). The U.S. Commercial Service highlights the demand for more tools and equipments that aid in the exploration and production of oil reserves in the region. The country plans to expand its oil production and explore new oil deposits in the area, so the oil drilling tools and equipment business project a bright future in the country. The National Investment Commission of Iraq states the demand for more investments in oil drilling equipment and pipelines in the area, so a business that supplies those needs will be successful in achieving a high return of profits (qtd. in U.S. Commercial Service). Furthermore, the Government of Iraq also urges all industries that supply the equipment and tools for the production and exploration of oil deposits to invest in the market (qtd. in U.S. Commercial Service). Conclusion Iraq has always been a dominant supplier of oil in the world. The country does not only have large deposits of oil reserves in the area, but it is also blessed with other natural resources that surround the area. The vast plains, hilltops, deserts, and mountains comprise the diverse topographical nature of the area. Its cities continue to develop their economic capability and performance in the country. The majority of industries that exist in the region are oil producing companies. This is the perfect market to penetrate if a business that supplies tools and equipments for oil industries wants to expand its market. Works Cited Britton, Tamara L. Iraq. Minneapolis: Abdo Consulting Group, Inc., 2000. Print. CGES. “Upward Revision of Iraq’s Oil Reserves.” CGES. CGES, Dec. 2010. Web. 4 March 2013. < http://www.cges.co.uk/resources/articles/2010/12/ 14/upward-revision-of-iraq%E2%80%99s-oil-reserves> Docherty, J. P. Iraq. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. Print. Etheredge, Laura. Middle East Region in Transition: Iraq. New York: Britannica Educational Publishing, 2011. Print. Hassig, Susan M., and Laith Muhmood Al Adely. Cultures of the World: Iraq. Tarrytown: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 2003. Print. U.S. Commercial Service. Doing Business in Iraq: 2012 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies. International Copyright, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service and U.S. Department of State, 2012. PDF File. Read More