Welcome to volume 1 of Best of Iraq showcasing the top people, companies and brands behind the proud reconstruction and bright future of Iraq. We celebrate the success of countries, individuals and companies with ‘the good news’ editorial and pictorial imagery in the highest quality print format available. The result is the ultimate interactive corporate gift and P.R. marketing tool for governments, corporates, hotels, businessmen and women providing leading products and services for the region.  

You might wonder, Iraq? Really? Actually, absolutely! Despite the unfortunate political conditions and war-related instability, a belief in a prosperous future for Iraq prompted the business environment to emerge and grow, aiming for a leading role in the region. The new provisions of the recently adopted policies create a climate in which the international business community will feel welcome and secure in the knowledge that their investments in Iraq will be protected under government law. Despite the obstacles that continue to hinder the country from achieving its full potential, the government is pressing ahead with needed reforms. Definitely an exciting place to be and a market no respectable enterprise can afford to be out of.       

Iraq, also known as Mesopotamia, is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert.

Iraq shares borders with Jordan to the west, Syria to the northwest, Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south. Iraq has a narrow section of coastline measuring 58 km (35 miles) on the northern Persian Gulf. The capital city, Baghdad is in the center-east of the country.

Two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, run through the centre of Iraq, flowing from north to south. These provide Iraq with agriculturally capable land and contrast with the steppe and desert landscape that covers most of Western Asia.

Historically, Iraq was known in Europe by the Greek eponym 'Mesopotamia' (Land between the rivers); after the foundation of the Kingdom of Iraq in 1932, it became known by its ancient endonym 'Iraq'. Iraq has been home to continuous successive civilizations since the 6th millennium BC. The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is identified as the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of writing and the wheel.