The political and economic turmoil of recent decades has significantly decreased participation in leisure activities among Iraqis. People have to spend much of their free time securing basic living essentials and, for example, no longer visit libraries to read during their non-working hours. Since 2003, curfews have limited recreational options at night. Environmental damage has affected some previously popular pastimes, such as fishing in the country's rivers. Nevertheless, Iraqis do still engage in recreation on a limited basis.

Vacation and recreation - spots