Iran is a country located in Central Eurasia, counted amongst the 20 largest countries in the world. The largest as well as the capital city of Iran is Tehran. It is the political, cultural, commercial and industrial center of the country. Iran occupies a significant place in terms of international energy security and world economy, a result of its large reserves of petroleum and natural gas. The main religion followed in Iran is Shia Islam. Earlier, Iran had a monarchy, ruled by a shah emperor, and the throne was known as the Peacock Throne. It finally transformed into an Islamic Republic, after the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Iran is also the founding member of UN, NAM, OIC, and OPEC. For some more interesting and fun facts about Iran, read on.
Interesting & Fun Facts about Iran
- The word Iran means the ‘Land of the Aryan’s.
- The official name of the country is ‘Islamic Republic of Iran’.
- The former name of Iran was Persia, which was in use till 1935.
- The capital city of Iran in Tehran
- The currency of Iran is Iranian Rial.
- The largest desert in Iran is Dasht - e - Kavir.
- Iran ranks second in the world in natural gas and third in oil reserves.
- Tehran suffers from severe air pollution, known as smog.
- Iran has borders with ten countries, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Turkey.
- The largest ethnic group of Iran is Persian, constituting about 51 percent of the population.
- Majority of the population of Iran is Shiite Muslim.
- As per the latest census, Iran has a life expectancy of 69 years and literacy rate of 79 per cent.
- Major languages spoken in Iran are Persian, Turkic, Kurdish and various local dialects.
- Iran is one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4000 BC.
- Iran ranks seventh among countries in the world as regards number of World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO.
- Iran's Mausoleum of Maussollos was identified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
