Country Profile: Iraq -- by Daniel

The famous city of Babylon was in Iraq a very long time ago. It was the one of the first cities in the world. Because of this, the land of Iraq is sometimes called "The Cradle of Civilization."

History & Geography

Map of Iraq's provinces.

Iraq is located in the Middle east, between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iraq is mostly desert, with reedy marshes along the Iranian border in the south. Because of its desert clime, Iraq's natural hazards are dust storms and sand storms. Its rivers are also known to flood.

Although Iraq has a glorious history, its recent history isn't so great. In 2003, the United States invaded and killed then-president Saddam Hussein, leading to a civil war in the country.

Oil pipelines are integral to the country's economy.

Economy
Iraq has large amounts of oil, so it was their main export. Currently, the United Nations allows Iraq to sell only small amounts of oil to buy food, clothes, and medicine for its people.

People & Culture
Iraq is a multiethnic society and its two main languages are Arabic and Kurdish. Although many kinds of people live in the country, nearly everyone -- 97 percent -- is Muslim.

Overall
I didn't know anything about Iraq before, but it sounds like a place that might be dangerous to visit. That's too bad because I think it would be neat to see.

Biography: Justin Bieber -- by Mickey

Justin Bieber was the most searched Google term in 2011. Who is this guy and why are people looking for him?

Bieber is a Canadian singer who became famous for a song called "Baby". Bieber was born on 1 March, 1994, and grew up in London, Ontario. He taught him self to play many instruments like piano, guitar and drums. He was discovered when he was just 12 years old, after he entered a local talent competition and placed second. Now, he's ranked No. 1 on the VH1 List of 100 Greatest Kid Stars.

He has performed with Chris brown, another famous singer,and is good friends with Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Bieber, a practicing Christian, is busy off of the stage, too. He runs a charity to build schools in Guatemala. He also uses his celebrity status to push for the cause of animal welfare. He even owns a pet monkey.

Even though he is young and rich, Bieber tries to use his money for good causes. I think he's a good person.