Doctors: 1 per 1667 people

Major causes of death: Pneumonia, influenza, cancers, heart diseases

Deaths among children and the elderly had spiraled sharply before 2003, as UN sanctions led to shortages of medical supplies and equipment. Hospitals in major cities were damaged by looters in the aftermath of hostilities. Increases in birth defects since 1991 are attributed to the Allies' use of depleted uranium shells during the first Gulf War.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004