Iran, historically known as Persia, has a rich history dating back to the Achaemenid Empire (6th century BCE). It was later ruled by various dynasties, including the Safavids, before becoming a constitutional monarchy in the early 20th century. The 1979 Islamic Revolution transformed Iran into an Islamic Republic. Today, Iran remains a key regional power, known for its vast oil reserves and geopolitical influence.
Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Armenia and Azerbaijan to the northwest, Turkmenistan to the northeast, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, Iraq to the west, and Turkey to the northwest. It has coastlines along the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south. Covering an area of approximately 1.648 million square kilometers, Iran has a population of around 85 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Tehran. The official language is Persian (Farsi). Iran operates as an Islamic republic with a theocratic governance structure. The economy is mixed and transitioning, with sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing playing significant roles. Iran is known for its rich cultural heritage, including contributions to art, literature, and science, and is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement.