Climate and clothing: The climate is similar to that of Arizona. Temperatures may exceed 48C (120 F) in summer. Western clothing and shoes are not readily available. Dress conservatively in public.

Customs: All foreigners must have a visa. Check requirements with the Iraqi Embassy, 1801 P St. NW., Washington, DC 20036, tel. 202-483-7500. Yellow fever inoculations are required of travelers coming from infected areas. Health requirements and currency import restrictions may change; check latest information.

Health: Baghdad's facilities suffice for uncomplicated medical and surgical problems. Doctors are generally overworked and facilities overcrowded. Malaria suppressants are recommended.

Telecommunications: Long-distance calls within Iraq and to points abroad can sometimes be made but with considerable difficulty. Telex service is available, but prolonged outrages are common. Iraq is eight time zones ahead of eastern standard time, except during brief periods between US and Iraqi conversion dates to daylight or standard time.

All communications media are controlled or owned by the government. Two television stations are located in Baghdad but carry few English-language programs. The Baghdad Observer is a daily English-language newspaper.

Transportation: International flight schedules change without notice. Al-Basrah and Umm Qasr Seaports are closed because of proximity to the war zone. A railroad connects Al-Basrah to Baghdad, but the Syrian segment of the railroad linking Iraq to Turkey and Europe has been closed since 1982. Border crossing points between Iraq and Syria and Iraq and Iran are closed. Paved highways connect major cities and neighboring countries. Some highways have severely deteriorated due to increased use by heavy military and commercial vehicles.

Buses and taxis provide good local transportation; taxi fares are negotiable. All vehicles must be covered by third-party personal injury insurance.

Hotel accommodations: Baghdad has modern, world-class hotels.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, OCtober 1987.