The northeast is mountainous, while in the west the country is arid desert. The land surrounding the two rivers is fertile plain, but the lack of effective irrigation has resulted in flooding and areas of marshland. IDD service is available. There are facilities in Baghdad. Telegrams can be sent from the telegraph office next to the post office in Rashid Street.
Services are also available at major hotels.
Airmail between Western Europe and Iraq usually takes five to ten days, but can take longer. Visitors should avoid using surface mail. Periodicals are also published. The main English-language daily is the Baghdad Observer. From time to time these change.