Iran to the northwest with Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast with Turkmenistan, to the east with Afghanistan and Pakistan, to the south by the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and the west by Iraq and Turkey is a border
With the official name of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it is a country in West Asia. With an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers, it is the second-largest country in the Middle East. Iran to the northwest with Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast with Turkmenistan, to the east with Afghanistan and Pakistan, to the south by the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and the west by Iraq and Turkey is a border.
Iran has a rich and ancient history spanning over 2,500 years. It was once the center of the Persian Empire, which was one of the most significant empires in history. Iran has experienced various dynasties and empires, including the Achaemenid Empire, Parthian Empire, Sassanian Empire, and Safavid Empire. Iranian culture is diverse and influenced by its long history, Islamic traditions, and regional customs. Persian literature, poetry, music, and art have made significant contributions to world culture. The Persian language, Farsi, is the official language of Iran. Islam is the dominant religion, with the majority of Iranians being followers of Shia Islam.
Iranian cuisine is renowned for its flavors and variety. Rice is a staple food, and dishes often incorporate lamb, chicken, or fish, along with a rich blend of herbs, spices, and fruits. Popular Iranian dishes include kebabs, biryani, ghormeh sabzi (herb stew), and tahchin (saffron rice cake). The Middle east country has a strategic position in the Persian Gulf region, and the Strait of Hormuz to its south is a vital route for Crude oil transportation. The total population of Iran's provinces exceeds 83.5 million and Tehran is the capital and most populous city of this country. Iran has a society with different ethnicities and cultures, and the dominant ethnic and cultural group of this country is derived from its Persian speakers.
Iran is an Islamic republic with a mixed political system. The Supreme Leader, who holds significant power, is the highest-ranking political and religious authority. The President is the head of government and is elected by the people. The country has a parliamentary system with a legislative body called the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis). Iran boasts numerous historical and cultural landmarks. Some notable attractions include the ancient ruins of Persepolis, the stunning architecture of Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the beautiful city of Shiraz, and the picturesque village of Masuleh. There are also natural wonders like the Caspian Sea, the deserts of Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, and the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges.
Besides them, there are other ethnicities, such as the densely populated Azeri and Kurdish ethnic groups. The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran declares Shiite Islam the official religion of Iran, and the majority of the people of this country are followers of this religion. Its official language is Persian, and present-day Iran is an Islamic republic with a legislature, and its combined system is under the leadership of its leader, Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Iran is a founding member of the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and OPEC, and is considered a regional power. Iran has significant infrastructure in the service, industrial and agricultural sectors that empower its economy, but it still relies on oil and gas sales and suffers from corruption. Iran's natural resources are vast, and it is the third-largest holder of proven oil reserves among OPEC members. The cultural heritage of this country is rich and the UNESCO World Heritage List in Iran consists of 25 items.
Iran's nuclear program has been a subject of international attention and controversy. The country has asserted that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, such as energy production and medical research. However, concerns have been raised by some countries about the potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Iran possesses significant oil and gas reserves, making it one of the largest producers and exporters of oil in the world. However, the country's economy has faced challenges due to international sanctions and internal factors. Iran has diversified its economy to include sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.