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The foundation of Iraq's economy is oil. Its reserves are second only to those of Saudi Arabia, and Iraq has for decades been one of the world's main oil suppliers. The oil industry has drawn many people away from Iraq's traditional occupations of herding and farming. Iraq's economy and infrastructure were greatly damaged in the wars with Iran and Kuwait. Since the Gulf War, the United Nations has imposed a world-wide trade embargo on Iraq. The economic results have been severe for the already devastated country. Although Iraq has been permitted to sell some of its oil reserves, many industries have still not been able to reach their pre-war levels of output. The country's level of unemployment is currently unknown. Since the oil embargo was imposed, some people have been returning to agriculture for their livelihoods. Industry, services and agriculture have also been significant to Iraq's economy. Oil has provided funds to expand Iraq's construction industry and manufacturing sector. Industry has employed a large number of Iraqis, who work in mining, steel, electronics, construction and light manufacturing, textiles and food processing. Located in cities, factories are either government-owned or small, privately owned enterprises. Schools, hospitals and other medical institutions, the government and the military are also important employers. Unlike some Middle Eastern countries, Iraq has encouraged women to work outside the home. Women work in all professions, though often as teachers, clerks, engineers and in the medical professions; many are encouraged to become doctors. Young men must give two years of compulsory military service before working.
Iraqi farmers cultivate land that they own themselves or lease from the government, or that is part of a government-owned collective, which offers profit sharing. Iraq's most important cash crops are dates and grain, especially wheat and barley. Farmers also grow tobacco, sugar cane, rice, maize, sugar beets, nuts, vegetables and many different kinds of fruit, particularly figs, apples, apricots and pomegranates. Sheep and goats are the most important livestock, supplying meat, wool, milk, skins and hair. Other livestock include cattle, water buffalo, camels and poultry. Iraq is also a breeding centre for Arabian horses.
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