Iran is situated in Western Central Asia in the area commonly referred to as the Middle East. It was geographically known as Persia until as recently as the twentieth century. In the North and Northwest, it is bordered by the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan (not to be confused with its own Iranian Azerbaijan region), Armenia and the autonomous Nakhchivan enclave.
The country has a population of 79 million people (in 2017). Largest city and capital is Tehran. Other major cities are Mashhad, Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz, Shiraz, Ahvaz, and Qom. Spoken languages are Persian (Farsi, official), Kurdish, Azeri, Arabic, Baluchi. Official religion is Shia Islam.
Iran is a culturally varied country with so many subcultures in it. The reason for this status is that many nations live in this land because of the historical reasons and Iran’s geographical position. The culture of Iran is one of the oldest in the world. Thus, an eclectic cultural elasticity has been said to be one of the key defining characteristics of the Persian spirit and a clue to its historical longevity. Iranian people greatly respect their elders.
Hospitality is another feature that is highly appreciated by all Iranians. In Iran, we celebrate many ancient and historical ceremonies among which Nowruz, which starts at the beginning of every spring and lasts for thirteen days, and Yalda Night, which is the longest night of the year and the last night of fall based on the solar calendar, are the most conspicuous ones. All in all, it is blissful to live in such a place and enjoy all the bests that it offers.
Some fast Facts of Iran:
- Offiial name: Republic of Iran
- Form of Government: Islamic republic
- Capital: Tehran
- Population: 80,840,713
- Official Language: Farsi
- Money: Rial
- Area: 636,372 square miles (1,648,105 square kilometers)
- Major mountain ranges: Elburz, Zagros
- Major rivers: Karun, Karkeh, Zayandeh