Overview of Iran

Profile

Iran is a nation combining ancient Persian Empire's enduring history with unique Islamic culture, currently adopting an Islamic republic with Islamic jurists as supreme authority. With diverse natural environments of Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges, Iranian Plateau, and both Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea, it has 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Abundant oil and natural gas form economic foundation while strongly influenced by sanctions and international politics. Science, technology, and education levels rank high in the Middle East, achieving results in advanced fields like pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and space.

Official name: Islamic Republic of Iran
Common name: Iran
Numeric code: 364
Alpha-3 code: IRN
Alpha-2 code: IR
Population: Approximately 86 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 52 per km²
Primary languages: Persian
Major religions: Twelver Shia Islam
National anthem: National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Calling code: +98
Internet TLD: ['.ir', '.ایران']

History

From Achaemenid to Sassanid dynasties, through Islamization, became Islamic republic through 1979 revolution.

The Achaemenid Empire established by Cyrus the Great in 550 BCE was called "the first world empire," followed by Zoroastrian cultural flowering during Sassanid period. After 7th-century Islamic conquest, it entered modern times through various dynasties and foreign rule. During Qajar period, it suffered Great Power interference, and Pahlavi dynasty advanced modernization in the early 20th century, but monarchy collapsed in the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution, establishing an Islamic republic. Following the 1980s Iran-Iraq War and nuclear development issues, it continues walking its unique path amid reformist and conservative tensions.

Geography & climate

Vast Iranian Plateau between Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges occupies most territory, with Kavir and Lut deserts in center and humid Caspian coastal plains in north

Based on semi-arid and continental climates with large regional variations

Area: Asia / 1648195 km²
Capital: Tehran
Largest city: Tehran
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Urmia
Bordering countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Iraq

Natural resources

Petroleum, Natural gas, Copper, Iron ore, Coal, Lead, Zinc, Uranium, Chromium, Gypsum, Marble, Salt, Wind power, Solar power, Saffron, Pistachio

Politics

Government: Islamic republic (republic under jurist guardianship)

Economy

Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)

GDP (nominal): 386 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 1,650 billion USD (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Persian

Time zone: Iran Standard Time (IRST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Persian, Azerbaijani, Kurd, Lur, Arab, Baloch, Turkmen, Talysh, Armenian, Assyrian

Life expectancy

Approximately 76 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 85%

National sports

Wrestling, Football, Volleyball, Futsal, Weightlifting, Zurkhaneh martial arts