Kurdistan is a semi-autonomous region within the Republic of Iraq. The capital city of Kurdistan is Erbil. The stable security situation in Kurdistan had acted as catalyst to the regions economic prosperity. Growth in the region is expected to be over 9% this year. It is the fastest growing region in Iraq. With the influx of shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and amusement parks in the region the growth will continue. Plans are underway to elect Erbil as Capital of Tourism for the Arab World in 2014 and 2015. The last three years have seen 20 billion USD invested in the region.
Kurdistan shares borders with Iran and Turkey. The majority of imports come from these two countries. International airports in Erbil and Suleimaniya have added in the import of cargo to the region from around the world. Fresh produce is available from around the world in Erbil.
The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) is the party in power in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Region is run through a parliamentary democracy located in Erbil. Erbil itself has its own government headed by a mayor. The President of the Kurdistan Region is Masoud Barzani. The Barzani family has been involved with governing over Kurdistan since its creation in 1970.
Useful Links
ERBIL Lifestyle
The definitive online guide to what’s on and where to go in and around Erbil.
iErbil
iErbil is another guide that covers what’s on in Erbil: arts & culture, nightlife, entertainment, sport, leisure and travel.
Exposing Erbil
Exposing Erbil is a guide built by Mediamatic Travel, looking to stimulate international collaboration amongst cultural professionals and enhance the visibility of underground culture in Erbil.
Move One InMotion
Whether it be relocations, immigration, moving or pet transportation, Move One’s InMotion blog is a savvy source of info for expats on the move.
Kurdistan Regional Government Official Site
The official site for the Kurdistan Regional Government pushes news and press releases out to the people.
Daily News
The Kurdish Globe
The self-proclaimed ‘first and only English newspaper in Erbil’.
AK News
Founded in October 2008, AK News is a politically independent news agency serving the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
Rudaw
Rudaw is a popular source of news about the region. In Kurdish, the word ‘rudaw’ means ‘the happening’.
Zawya
Zawya is an important portal for leading business intelligence on the Middle East and North Africa.
Climate
Erbil is a climate of two extremes. In the winter it can get down to the low single digits while in the summer it will barely go below 40.
Find a temperature chart for average weather conditions here.
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