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Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a large country located in Western Asia, historically known as Persia. Covering an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers with a population of approximately 92.4 million people, Iran is bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, and Turkey and Iraq to the west, with coastlines along the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. The capital city, Tehran, is a sprawling metropolis of over 9 million people in one of the world's most populous metropolitan areas. Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, dating back to around 3200 BCE, and became an Islamic republic following the 1979 revolution.

Iran's geography is remarkably diverse, featuring high mountain ranges, vast deserts, and fertile plains. The Alborz Mountains in the north include Mount Damavand, the highest peak in the Middle East at 5,610 meters. The Zagros Mountains run along the western border. The country's interior is dominated by the Iranian Plateau, which includes the Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert) and Dasht-e Lut, one of the hottest places on Earth. Iran experiences varied climatic conditions, from the humid subtropical climate along the Caspian coast to arid and semi-arid conditions across most of the country. The nation has diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and steppes, though environmental challenges like water scarcity and desertification are significant concerns.

Iran has a mixed economy with significant state ownership, holding the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves and second-largest natural gas reserves. The hydrocarbon sector dominates the economy, though international sanctions have severely impacted economic growth. The GDP per capita is approximately $5,500. Beyond oil and gas, Iran has a diverse industrial base including petrochemicals, automobiles, steel, and copper. Agriculture employs about 20% of the workforce, with production of pistachios, saffron, carpets, and caviar being notable. Iran uses the Iranian Rial (IRR) as its currency. The country has a relatively well-educated population and significant scientific output, particularly in fields like engineering and medicine. However, the economy faces challenges from sanctions, inflation, unemployment, and mismanagement.

Iranian culture is one of the world's richest and most influential, with contributions to art, literature, philosophy, and science spanning millennia. Persian (Farsi) is the official language, belonging to the Indo-European language family. Islam, specifically Shia Islam, is the state religion and central to national identity and law. Iran is home to 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Persepolis, Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, and ancient gardens. Persian literature, including poetry by Rumi, Hafez, and Ferdowsi, is celebrated worldwide. Iranian cinema has gained international acclaim through directors like Abbas Kiarostami. Traditional arts include Persian miniature painting, calligraphy, and carpet weaving. Persian cuisine features dishes like kebabs, rice pilafs, and stews. Despite being an Islamic republic with conservative social policies, Iranian society is diverse and complex, with a large, educated, young population and vibrant underground cultural scenes. The ancient Persian New Year celebration of Nowruz remains the most important cultural festival, celebrated across Iran and Central Asia.

Major Cities

• Tehran - The capital and largest city with 9.5 million people (16 million metro), Iran's political, economic, and cultural center at the foot of the Alborz Mountains
• Mashhad - Iran's second-largest city with 3.3 million people, a holy city home to the shrine of Imam Reza attracting millions of pilgrims annually
• Isfahan - Historic city with 2.2 million people, known for stunning Persian architecture including Naqsh-e Jahan Square, one of the world's largest city squares
• Karaj - Satellite city near Tehran with 1.9 million people, a major industrial center in the Alborz Province
• Shiraz - Cultural capital with 1.9 million people, home to ancient Persepolis and associated with Persian poetry, wine, and gardens

Interesting Facts

• Iran is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, with the Persian Empire ruling much of the ancient world around 500 BCE
• The country produces 90% of the world's saffron, the most expensive spice, grown primarily in the Khorasan region
• Iran has 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ruins of Persepolis, built by Darius the Great in 518 BCE
• Mount Damavand at 5,610 meters is the highest peak in the Middle East and a potentially active volcano
• Iran uses a unique solar calendar called the Persian Calendar, one of the world's most accurate, where the new year (Nowruz) falls on the spring equinox
• Persian carpets from Iran are world-renowned for their quality and artistry, with some antique pieces selling for millions of dollars