The basics about Iran in one place: its land and climate, its 31 provinces, the people and languages, religion, government and economy, and everyday culture such as food, festivals and etiquette.
Iran at a Glance: Key Facts and FiguresIran in one table: capital, population, area, 31 provinces, rial, time zone, government and neighbours, with a source and year for each figu…Geography of Iran: Mountains, Deserts and SeasIran's geography explained: the Iranian Plateau, Zagros and Alborz ranges, Dasht-e Kavir and Lut deserts, the Caspian, Persian Gulf and main…Climate of Iran and the Best Time to VisitIran's climate zones from the rainy Caspian coast to the hot Persian Gulf and dry plateau, with seasons by region and the best months to vis…The 31 Provinces of IranTable of Iran's 31 provinces (ostan) with capitals, population estimates and area, plus how the provincial system works and how it has chang…The People of Iran: Ethnic GroupsWho lives in Iran: Persians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Lurs, Baluch, Arabs, Turkmen and others, with estimate ranges and where each figure comes…Languages Spoken in IranPersian is Iran's official language, but Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Luri, Gilaki, Mazandarani, Baluchi, Arabic and others are spoken too. Where a…Religion in Iran TodayHow religion works in Iran today: Twelver Shi'a Islam, Sunni Muslims, recognised minorities, Baha'is, what the constitution says and what su…How Iran Is GovernedHow Iran is governed: the Supreme Leader, president, Majlis, Guardian Council, Assembly of Experts and judiciary, and the 2026 change of lea…The Economy of IranIran's economy in 2026: oil and gas, industry and farming, sanctions, high inflation, the falling rial and the effects of the 2026 war, with…Iranian Currency: Rial and Toman ExplainedRial or toman? How Iranians say prices, why one zero disappears in speech, the notes in use, Persian money words and the plan to cut four ze…Persian Food: Dishes Every Visitor Should TryHow a Persian meal works: chelow rice and tahdig, stews like ghormeh sabzi and fesenjun, kebabs, âsh, breads, regional dishes and sweets in…Iranian Festivals and Public HolidaysNowruz, Chaharshanbe Suri, Sizdah Bedar, Yalda, Mehregan and Sadeh, plus Iran's religious and political public holidays and how its calendar…Iranian Culture and EtiquetteHow Iranians greet, host and talk: taarof, forms of address, handshakes, visiting a home, dress rules and useful Persian phrases for visitor…Iranian HandicraftsA guide to Iranian handicrafts: Persian carpets, gabbeh and gelim, miniature painting, khatam inlay, minakari enamel, metal engraving, terme…UNESCO World Heritage Sites in IranAll 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran in order, from Persepolis (1979) to the Khorramabad Valley (2025) and Alamut (2026), with a line…Iran Records and SuperlativesIran’s real records and popular claims: Damavand, the Lut Desert’s 80°C ground, ancient qanats and farming, Arg-e Bam, Gonbad-e Qabus and mo…National Symbols of IranWhat the Iranian flag, emblem and anthem mean, how they changed in 1980 and 1990, and older symbols: Lion and Sun, Faravahar, Simorgh, rose…Sports in IranFootball and Team Melli, wrestling and Takhti, volleyball, weightlifting and taekwondo, the zurkhaneh and polo, plus Iran’s Olympic record t…Practical Tips for Travelling to IranTravel to Iran is exceptional in 2026: follow your government’s advice. General practicalities: cash not cards, SIMs, internet, transport, d…
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