FACTBOX: Facts on Blackwater and the private security industry

(Reuters) - Iraq said it would review the status of all security companies after accusing employees of U.S. security firm Blackwater of involvement in a Baghdad shooting in which 11 people were killed.

Here are some facts about the company and private security contractors:

WHAT IS BLACKWATER?

* Blackwater is one of the biggest security contractors in Iraq. It employs more than 1,000 people there and is responsible for guarding U.S. diplomats and Embassy security.

* Its distinctive small black helicopters hover above Baghdad and its armed vehicles shadow convoys of senior officials through the city's streets.

* Blackwater USA consists of nine business units, ranging from canine to parachute units, maritime security and the manufacture of custom armored vehicles.

WHERE DOES IT OPERATE?:

* As well as Iraq, it operates in Afghanistan and has also had domestic contracts, such as guarding and policing New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

* Based in Moyock, North Carolina, it says it is "the most comprehensive professional military, law enforcement, security, peacekeeping, and stability operations company in the world."

WHO RUNS IT?:

* The secretive company was founded in 1997 by former Navy SEALs Erik Prince and Al Clark.

* Clark has since left but media-shy CEO Prince -- a right-wing billionaire Christian -- has made substantial donations to Republican politicians.

WHO ARE THE SECURITY CONTRACTORS?:

* Salaries -- reportedly as high as $1,000 a day -- attract troops and ex-Special Forces personnel from countries such as Bosnia, the Philippines, Israel and Chile. Tens of thousands have streamed in since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

WHAT IS THEIR ROLE IN IRAQ?:

* They have duties once performed by armed forces such as airport and border security. Other contractors cook soldiers' meals, do their laundry and drive truck convoys.