Most of Iraq has a hot arid climate with subtropical influence.
The people of Iraq celebrate several holidays throughout the year. They start the year of by celebrating New Years or " Christian" New Year on January 1st. In large cities of Iraq, social clubs are packed on New Year's Eve and parties are thrown. It is a tradition for young people to stand out in the streets and make a lot of noise to " express themselves" during the early hours of New Years Day.
Traditional Iraqi drinks include coffee, akar and mint tea. Arabic coffee is strong and bitter, served before or after a meal and often accompanied by cream and sugar. Arak is a national alcoholic drink made from aniseed.