Iran is a country located in Central Eurasia. Given below are some interesting and fun facts about Iran.

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Facts About Iran

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 which boasts of a 4000-year-old-history was a hub of culture, arts and science and played a significant role in Islamic Golden Age. Iran’s culture so rich that it is emulated by the countries even today. 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.
Image: David Holt London@flickr
 
Fast Facts
 
Continent: Asia
Area: 1,648,195 km2
Capital: Tehran
Population: 75,149,669 (2012)
Currency: Iranian rial
Official Languages: Persian Language
Calling Code: 98
Type Of Government: Unitary state, Islamic republic
 
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. One of the greatest Iranian cities, Susa was constructed on the Central Plateau on and around 3200 B.C.
  • 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.
  • The language and identity of Persians are different from the rest of the world.
  • Iran possesses the world’s best caviar.
  • Iran’s tigers were hunted down to extinction around 500 years ago. Now, they have only Asiatic Cheetah.
  • The language, Persian is still spoken in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Around 200 years ago, it was the official language of India.
  • Persians also constructed the earliest known windmills which resembled huge paddle wheels.
  • Persian rugs are the best in the world despite fierce competition.
  • Iran’s deposit of natural gas is the largest in the world which helps the country to become a regional power.
  • Iran is one of the most mountainous countries in the world and is dominated by the mountain ranges. Mount Damavand which is located at a ft. of 18, 406 are located in the Western part of Iran and is the most mountainous portion. Iran also has lots of deserts and jungles.
  • Iran is also the world’s fourth largest nation of bloggers.
  • Iran is the birthplace of polo though there are plenty of other sports that are played in the country.
  • In Iran, polygamy is legal making it possible for men to marry at least four times.
  • Though associated with Islam religion, Iran is the birthplace to Siyyid Ali-Muhammad, one of the founders of the Baha’i faith.
  • The golden age of Islam was its zenith during the 10th and 11th centuries during when Persia was the scientific hub.
  • Roxanne, wife of Alexander was an Iranian. She was known by the name, Roshanak in Persian.
  • In Iran, Pistachios are known as ‘smiling nuts’ due to their semi-opening.
  • Iran is home to Pomegranate fruit.

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