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Iran
Pictures of Iran
Official Name
Islamic Republic of Iran
Capital
Tehran
Population
Approx. 89 million (2025)
Area
1,648,195 square kilometers
Official Language
Persian (Farsi)
Independence Day
1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic Day)
Currency
Iranian Rial (IRR)
Continent
Asia
Ancient Civilization, Culture and Resilience of Iran
Iran formerly known as Persia is a historical, cultural and naturally beautiful country. Whether through their rich ancient civilization more than thousands of years ago to their enriching modern culture, Iran is a fusion of tradition and innovativeness drawing the attention of all who come to the country. Having mesmerizing historical sites, a rich artistic legacy and different landscapes in mountains, deserts, Iran is yet one of the most cultured countries in the world with a history which can serve as the basis of not only the region but the whole world.
For an in-depth travel guide, visit the guide for Iran
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Geographical Location
Iran is a country located in Western Asia and borders the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the North, Afghanistan and Pakistan in the East, Iraq and Turkey in the West. It is also fronted with a coastline to the north and south of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Iran lies on the 18 th largest countries of the world with an area of about 1.65 million square kilometers. Its geographical position represents it at the transition point between the Middle East, Central Asia, and Caucasus, which makes it a historically important and geopolitically influential country.
Natural Features and Landforms
The terrain in Iran is very diverse including large deserts as well as mountainous terrains. Zagros Mountain passes through the western side of the nation and offers spectacular scenery and beauty of nature. Northern Alborz Mountains extend to the Caspian Sea where the highest mountain, Mount Damavand, which extends to 5610m above the sea level, is located in Iran. The central plateau of Iran is made up of huge deserts like Dasht-e Kavir and fertile plains. Coupled with extensive landscapes, Iran also has coastal regions along the Caspian Sea which have forests and subtropical climate and coastal regions along the Persian Gulf which are well known to the whole world with their distinctive culture and natural sceneries.
Explore the stunning landscapes and rivers of Iran through National Geographic’s detailed coverage.
The History: Ancient Persia, to the Modern Iran
Iran is one of the most ancient uninterrupted great civilizations in the world whose presence of the resident people can be traced back to the 5th millennium BCE. The strong Achaemenid Empire created by Cyrus the Great was ruled in Ancient Persia; during its peak, it covered most of the known world. Persepolis ruins is a UNESCO World Heritage site which points out at the magnificence of this empire. The next Iranian empires such as Parthians, Sassanids, and Safavids helped to make Iran rich in cultural and architectural history.
In Islamic Iran there emerged major dynasties, including the Seljuks, the Mongol Ilkhanate and Safavids, that contributed to the formation of religious, cultural and architectural identity of the land. The Safavid dynasty (15011736) played an important role in introducing Shi a Islam as the main religion in Iran, which is one of the characteristic features of the country in the modern world.
Modernization and Colonial power
The modern history of Iran was filled with the attempts to preserve sovereignty in the environment of the foreign pressures. During the 19th century and the early 20th century, Iran was experiencing more and more interference by the colonial powers, such as Britain or Russia, who were trying to interfere in the fields of politics and economics. The Constitutional Revolution of 19051911 was aimed at establishing a parliamentary system and the restraint of monarchical authority. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was reinstated as Shah of Iran by the 1953 coup that was backed by the United States and the United Kingdom; he was in pursuit of the policies of modernizing fastly.
Islamic Revolution and the Modern Age
In 1979, Islamic revolution took place and deposed the Pahlavi monarch and replaced it with the Islamic Republic of Iran which was led by Ayatollah Khomeini. This revolution significantly transformed the political, cultural, social sphere of the country as well, making it adopt an Islamic theocratic economic system with some hints of democracies that was enforced by religious authoritative laws. The outcome of the revolution was tensions with the West with notable moments during the Iran Iraq War (19801988), and subsequent eruptions of nuclear proliferation talks.
Ethnic and Religious Multiplicity
Iran is an ethnically and culturally mixed nation. Iran has a predominantly Persian population with the minorities having large ethnic populations namely Azeri, Kurds, Arabs, Baloch, and Turkmen. All these are represented in the language, food and cultural traditions of the country. The official language of Iran is Farsi (Persian) but there are numerous ethnic groups with their languages which include Azerbaijani, Kurdish and Arabic.
The identity of the Iranians focuses on religion and most of the Iranians are Shia Muslims. It is the heartland of the Shia faith and the place of some significant religious locations such as the world-famous Qom and Mashhad cities that gather millions of pilgrims every year. Little other religious groups such as Christians, Jew, Zoroastrians, and Baha are also present as they have been residing in Iran since ages.
Budgetary / Cultural Practices and Traditions
The culture of Iran is one of the oldest cultures on the planet and has a firm history of poetry, music, art and philosophy. Iran is famous in literature and its poets such as Hafez, Rumi and Ferdowsi who were not only great in Iran but also all over the world. Music in Iran has an ancient Persian origin and is closely considered and traditional instruments including santur, tar and setar are still used in the music even to-date.
The visual arts of Iran are also significant, and Persian miniature painting, calligraphy and carpet weaving, have a long tradition. Specifically, the Persian carpet is considered to be a worldwide recognized product of unique design and craft. Iran is also a country of architecture, its national buildings of such famous places as Shah Mosque in Isfahan or Golestan Palace in Tehran are a symbol of the beauty of Persian architecture.
Religious Festivals
The greatest religious commemoration in Iran includes the month of Ramadhan which is the Islamic holy month of fast. The feasts, rules and gifts are a part of Eid al-Fitr which takes place at the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha and the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad are celebrated by the Islamic calendar too.
The Persian New Year or Nowruz is an important cultural festival along with Islamic holidays in Iran. The vernal equinox celebrated in the month of March, is called Nowruz, and there is an elaborate feasting and family visiting, and a multitude of various cultural rituals that accompany this event of the new year. The festival is of great ancient origin being Zoroastrian and it is largely celebrated in Iran and the entire surrounding nations.
Cultural and National Holidays
Islamic Revolution anniversary on February 11 th is a national day in Iran, when the Pahlavi monarchy was overthrown. One other significant day is the National Day, that is, the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Economy: Diversification versus Oil
Oil and Gas Business
Iran is a major producer of oil and natural gas in the world with a long history of economy that has relied very much on energy export. The economy of Iran was changed forever as large sources of oil were discovered in the first part of the 20th century, and oil is a major source of revenues. Nevertheless, problems in the Iranian economy have been observed in the last few decades because of sanctions, volatility of oil prices as well as the necessity to diversify the economy.
Economic Diversification
Even though oil remains dominant, Iran has embarked on diversification of the economy. The nation has established such industries as manufacturing, automobile, textile and agriculture industries. There is also a quickly expanding technology sector in Iran, and more businesses are starting up, particularly in Tehran. Nevertheless, growth is still hampered by economic issues such as political unrest and sanctions by other countries.
Industry and Farming
The agricultural sector of Iran includes several crops such as wheat, rice and fruits such as pistachios and dates. The nation also produces saffron in bulk around the world. The industry sector consists of petrochemicals, steel, cement and textiles. The Iranian government has enacted a number of reforms which are geared towards modernization of industry and promoting non-oil investment.
Top Attractions Historical Landmarks
Iran has some of the most impressive historical landmarks in the world. The ancient capital of the Achaemenid administration – Persepolis is considered one of the most significant architectural landmarks in the world being a UNESCO World Heritage site. Isfahan is a city with fabulous Islamic architecture that is characterized by landmarks such as Shah Mosque, and the impressive Naghsh-e Jahan Square. The capital Tehran, museums, palaces, and Golestan Palace are beautiful.
Natural Beauty
Iran can boast of the beauty of nature, and it is difficult to agree more with the idea that the mountains of Alborz and Zagros, Yazd and Kerman desert landscapes show the fantastic beauty of the country. The coast of the Caspian Sea has a very green possession and beaches and the southern region of the Persian Gulf has warm climate and coastal life. There are also some national parks in Iran including Golestan National Park, Kavir Desert which are ideal areas for hiking, wildlife watching and also eco-tourism.
Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Iran is well-advanced, and it is a mixture of both public and private services. The government has also spent a lot of funds and resources in the area of healthcare providing a great number of medical services to the citizens. Iran has famous medical tourism and many patients have been traveling to Iran because of cheap medical procedures.
Education System
In Iran, education is regarded very seriously and the nation has invested substantially on education-system. Iran has a literate society and several of the best universities that include the University of Tehran. The government has been keen on increasing access to education and its quality though the challenges still exist particularly in the rural areas.
Transport Network
Iran has a great network of transport, with highways, rail and airports. The major international travel entry point in Tehran is the Imam Khomeini international airport of Tehran. Iran has developed rail transportation and there are high-speed trains that unite major centers, such as Tehran, Isfahan and Tabriz.
Urban Development
The cities in Iran, especially Tehran, have experienced very fast urbanization in recent years. The capital Tehran has modern constructions and shopping malls, and also a well developed cultural life. The high urban sprawl and the fast growth in population have however been the cause of various problems such as pollution, congestion and housing in the country.
Ideal Seasons
Iran may be visited best in spring (March to May) or in the autumn (September to November) . Its weather is mild and favorable for sightseeing. The summers especially in the desert zone can be very hot, it is therefore not comfortable to travel.
Festivals and Special events
To best visit the country one should visit during “Nowruz (Persian New Year)” to enjoy one of the most celebratory times in the nation, not to mention a number of cultural happenings such as the Fajr International Film Festival.
Final conclusion: The Iranian Future
Iran is a nation of historical cross roads, culture and modernization. Iran remains a powerful country in the Middle East due to its long history, lively culture and its position of international politics. Despite these pressures, which lie in political tensions and economic sanctions, the strength and pride of its people guarantee the fact that Iran is a relevant authority in the world arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I visit Iran?
This place is best visited during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), in which the weather is favorable to do sightseeing.
What are Iran’s best attractions?
The most popular places of interest are Persepolis, Naghsh-e Jahan (also known as Grand) square in Isfahan, the Golestan Palace and the coast of Caspian sea.
Which are the languages spoken in Iran?
The official language in Iran is Farsi (Persian) but most people also speak Azerbaijani, Kurdish and English.
What are the principal industries in Iran?
The important industries of Iran are oil industry, gas industry, petrochemicals industry, agriculture industry, textile industr