BRAND BUILDERS

IRAQ

Republic ruled by a national unity government headed by Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki

Capital: Baghdad

27.1 million inhabitants

3% growth

High unemployment, severe poverty

GDP: US$51 billion, real growth: 3%

GDP per capita: US$1,771

Weak economy, overdependent on oil. Strong need for reforms.

Difficult reconstruction with few large-scale plans. Investments in airports’ developments.

Retail scene suffered from S.Hussein’s ban of most branded goods. Slowly opening despite insecurity and fragmentation of players. Important grey market.