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Iran

Middle East

Iran is a country in Middle East, home to 91.6 million people, with an area of 1,648,195 km². Its capital is Tehran.

Iran
Capital
Tehran
Population
91.6 million
Area
1,648,195 km²
Region
Middle East
Density
55.6 / km²
Status
Sovereign state
Iran · Middle East · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Iran is known for

Iran is best known for Persepolis, Naqsh and Golestan Palace.

Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Iraq to the west, Turkey to the northwest, Armenia to the north, Turkmenistan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the east, Pakistan to the southeast, and the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the south. Iran is known for its rich history and culture, including its ancient Persian civilization, and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Iran at a glance

Language
Persian (Farsi) is the official language, but other languages including Azerbaijani, Kurdish, and Arabic are also spoken
Currency
Iranian Rial (IRR)
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Iran, with Shia Muslims comprising the majority of the population
National dish
Chelo Kebab (rice with grilled meat, usually lamb or beef)
Climate
Iran has a diverse climate, with hot and dry summers in the south and cold winters in the north and west. The country is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and sandstorms
Main industries
Oil and gas production, petrochemicals, agriculture, and mining
GDP
$582 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development
Iran is considered a developing country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 68 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Iran

Some of the main tourist attractions in Iran include:

  • Persepolis an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site in Fars Province, known for its impressive ruins of palaces and temples.
  • Naqsh e Jahan Square: a UNESCO World Heritage site in Isfahan, featuring stunning Islamic architecture and a famous bazaar.
  • Golestan Palace a historic palace complex in Tehran, dating back to the Safavid era.
  • Masjid e-Jameh: a mosque in Isfahan, known for its beautiful tilework and intricate Islamic calligraphy.
  • Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex a UNESCO World Heritage site in East Azerbaijan, featuring a maze of covered bazaars, shops, and caravanserais.
  • Takht e Soleyman: a UNESCO World Heritage site in West Azerbaijan, featuring the remains of a Zoroastrian fire temple and a Sassanian palace.
  • Shah Mosque a beautiful mosque in Isfahan, known for its blue-tiled mosaics and calligraphy.
  • Nasir al Mulk Mosque: a stunning mosque in Shiraz, known for its colorful stained-glass windows and beautiful architecture.
  • Ali Qapu a palace in Isfahan, known for its intricate tilework and beautiful music hall.
  • Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System a UNESCO World Heritage site in Khuzestan, featuring an ancient irrigation system and a complex of watermills and tunnels.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Iran has to offer. The country is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, including deserts, mountains, and beaches, as well as its rich cuisine and hospitality culture.

Iran in pictures

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Iran on video

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Iran compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Middle East.

CountryPopulationAreaCapital
Flag of IranIran91.6 million1,648,195 km²Tehran
Flag of IraqIraq46 million438,317 km²Baghdad
Flag of YemenYemen40.6 million527,968 km²Sanaa
Flag of Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia34.6 million2,149,690 km²Riyadh

Ranked 17th of 195 countries by population and 17th by area.

Questions about Iran

What is the capital of Iran?

The capital of Iran is Tehran.

How many people live in Iran?

About 91.6 million people. Ranked 17th of 195 countries by population and 17th by area.

How big is Iran?

Iran covers 1,648,195 km², in Middle East.

What is Iran known for?

Iran is best known for Persepolis, Naqsh and Golestan Palace.

What language is spoken in Iran?

Persian (Farsi) is the official language, but other languages including Azerbaijani, Kurdish, and Arabic are also spoken.

What currency is used in Iran?

Iranian Rial (IRR).

Is Iran a country?

Yes. Iran is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.

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