Iran is a large country in the Middle East, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south. It is known for its ancient Persian civilization, one of the world's oldest, and for its rich tradition of poetry, art, and architecture. The country features dramatic landscapes ranging from vast deserts to rugged mountains and lush forests.
- Capital
- Tehran
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Area
- 1,648,195 km²
- Coordinates
- 32° N, 53° E
Country facts
- Persian, known as Farsi, is the official language and has been a major literary language for over a thousand years.
- Iran is home to the ancient city of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire built around 515 BCE.
- The country has 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its extraordinary depth of history and culture.
- Iran is one of the world's leading producers of saffron, the prized spice harvested from crocus flowers.
- The Persian New Year, Nowruz, is celebrated on the spring equinox and has been observed for at least 3,000 years.
Capital facts
- Tehran became Iran's capital in 1796 under Agha Mohammad Khan, founder of the Qajar dynasty.
- The Golestan Palace in central Tehran is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as the royal court of the Qajar kings.
- Tehran sits at the foot of the Alborz mountain range, giving residents views of the snowcapped Mount Tochal.
- The Grand Bazaar of Tehran is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, stretching for several kilometers.
- Tehran hosts the National Museum of Iran, which houses artifacts spanning thousands of years of Persian history.