Iran is an Islamic Republic on the Persian (Arabian) Gulf with historical sites dating to the Persian Empire. Extensive marble ruins mark Persepolis, the empire’s capital founded by Darius I in the 6th century B.C. The modern capital, Tehran, is home to opulent Golestan Palace, seat of the Qajar Dynasty (1794–1925), plus modern landmarks such as the 435m-high Milad Tower.
Languages: Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%
Ethnic Groups: Persian 61%, Azeri 16%, Kurd 10%, Lur 6%, Baloch 2%, Arab 2%, Turkmen and Turkic tribes 2%, other 1%
Belief Systems: Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 9%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 2%
Demographics:
Population: 77.2 million people (World Rank: 17th) (2014 estimate)
Population Density: 122 people/mi^2 (People per Square Mile) (World Rank: 165th) (2014 estimate)
Population Growth: 1.05 %/yr (World Rank: 121st) (2013 estimate)
Life Expectancy: 74 years (World Rank: 114th) (2013 estimate)
Median Age: 27 years (World Rank: 97th) (2010 estimate)
Sites for More Information:
Map of Iran
Worldatlas.com
Country Profile for Iran
United Nations
Iran - Country Profile
U.S. Library of Congress
Iran - General Information
Encyclopedia.com
Tourism:
Travel Info for Iran
Travelnotes.org
Language Resources:
Government Related:
Iranian Interests Section
in Washington D.C.
Iranian Government Web Sites
by Gunnar Anzinger
