# Iran

> country in Western Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q794](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q794)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iran

## Summary
Iran is a country in Western Asia and a sovereign state officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is a unitary presidential Islamic republic and theocracy located in the Middle East, serving as a successor state to historical empires such as the Pahlavi dynasty.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Islamic Republic of Iran (جمهوری اسلامی ایران).
- **Capital**: Tehran.
- **Area**: 1,648,195 square kilometres.
- **Population**: Approximately 92,417,700 (2025 estimate).
- **Government Type**: Islamic Republic, unitary state, presidential system, and theocracy.
- **Head of State**: Supreme Leader (currently Ali Khamenei).
- **Head of Government**: President (currently Masoud Pezeshkian).
- **Official Language**: Persian.
- **Official Religion**: Islam.
- **Currency**: Iranian rial.
- **Independence/Inception**: April 1, 1979 (establishment of the Islamic Republic).
- **Legislative Body**: Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) and Assembly of Experts.
- **Anthem**: "National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran".
- **Flag**: Flag of Iran.
- **Coat of Arms**: Emblem of Iran.
- **Motto**: "استقلال، آزادی، جمهوری اسلامی" (Independence, freedom, Islamic Republic).
- **Timezone**: UTC+03:30 (Iran Standard Time).
- **Calling Code**: +98.
- **Internet TLD**: .ir.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: IR, Alpha-3: IRN, Numeric: 364.
- **Geography**: Located in Western Asia and the Middle East; bordered by Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan, with maritime borders across the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman.
- **Highest Point**: Damavand (5,610 metres).
- **Lowest Point**: Caspian Sea (-28 metres).
- **Coordinates**: 32°N 53°E.
- **Driving Side**: Right.
- **Railway Traffic Side**: Left.
- **Electricity**: 220 volts, 50 Hz; plug types include Europlug and Type C/F.
- **Emergency Numbers**: 110 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 125 (Fire).
- **VAT Rate**: 9%.
- **UN Membership**: October 24, 1945.
- **OPEC Membership**: September 1960 (founding member).
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.774 (2021).
- **Democracy Index**: 1.95 (2021).
- **Nominal GDP**: $388.5 billion (2022).

## FAQs
**What type of government does Iran have?**
Iran operates as an Islamic Republic, functioning as a unitary state, presidential system, and theocracy. The head of state is the Supreme Leader, while the head of government is the President.

**Where is Iran located and what countries does it border?**
Located in Western Asia and the Middle East, Iran shares land borders with Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. It also has maritime borders with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates via the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman.

**What is the population and demographic makeup of Iran?**
As of 2025, the population is estimated at over 92 million. Major ethnic groups include Persians, Iranian Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Lurs, Baloch, Iranian Arabs, and Iranian Turkmen.

**What is Iran's economic status and primary currency?**
The economy uses the Iranian rial as its currency, regulated by the Central Bank of Iran. The country is a key member of OPEC and had a nominal GDP of approximately $388.5 billion in 2022.

**What international organizations is Iran a member of?**
Iran is a member of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and OPEC. It is also a participant in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Chemical Weapons Convention.

**What are the primary languages spoken in Iran?**
The official language is Persian. Other widely used languages include Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Luri, Mazanderani, Gilaki, Arabic, Balochi, and Turkmen.

## Why It Matters
Iran holds significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic location between the Middle East and Central Asia, controlling vital maritime corridors in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. As the second-largest country in the Middle East by area and possessing vast oil and natural gas reserves, it plays a critical role in global energy markets as a founding member of OPEC.

Historically, Iran serves as a cultural and civilizational bridge, tracing its lineage through major empires such as the Achaemenid, Parthian, Sasanian, Safavid, and Qajar dynasties. The 1979 Iranian Revolution transformed it into the world's first Islamic Republic, establishing a unique theocratic political model that has influenced regional politics and ideological movements.

Iran's complex relationship with Western nations, its nuclear program, and its involvement in regional conflicts make it a focal point of international diplomacy and security discussions. Its large, young population and high educational attainment in science and engineering further underscore its potential for future development and influence.

## Notable For
- **Historical Continuity**: Successor state to ancient empires including the Achaemenid Empire (founded 550 BC), Parthian Empire, Sasanian Empire, and Safavid Iran.
- **1979 Revolution**: Establishment of the Islamic Republic following the Iranian Revolution, replacing the Pahlavi dynasty.
- **Energy Reserves**: Founding member of OPEC (1960) and holder of significant natural gas and oil reserves.
- **Geographic Extremes**: Features Mount Damavand, the highest peak in the Middle East at 5,610 metres, and the Caspian Sea low point at -28 metres.
- **Political Structure**: Unique governance combining theocratic elements (Supreme Leader) with republican institutions (President and Parliament).
- **Population Size**: Home to over 92 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in the region.
- **Ethnic Diversity**: Comprises numerous ethnic groups including Persians, Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Lurs, Baloch, Arabs, and Turkmen.
- **Nuclear Program**: Signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and subject of extensive international negotiations regarding its nuclear capabilities.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Native name "Iran" derives from "Aryan," reflecting its deep historical roots.

## Body

### History and Inception
Iran's history as a distinct territorial entity spans millennia, with inception dates recorded for ancient empires such as the Achaemenid Empire (550 BC), Parthian Empire (247 BC), and Sasanian Empire (224 AD). In the early modern era, it saw the rise of Safavid Iran (1501), Qajar Iran (1785), and Pahlavi Iran (1925). The modern state was established on April 1, 1979, following the Iranian Revolution, which transformed the country into the Islamic Republic of Iran. This revolution marked a significant shift from the Pahlavi monarchy to a theocratic republic. The country has participated in major historical conflicts, including the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988) and the Treaty of Gulistan.

### Geography and Environment
Occupying a territory of 1,648,195 square kilometres, Iran is located in Western Asia and the Middle East. The country lies at coordinates 32°N latitude and 53°E longitude. Its landscape is diverse, featuring the highest point in the region, Mount Damavand (5,610 metres), and the lowest point at the Caspian Sea (-28 metres). Iran shares land borders with Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. It also possesses extensive maritime borders along the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman, adjacent to countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The country is divided into 31 provinces, including Alborz, Ardabil, East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Gilan, Golestan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Isfahan, Kerman, Fars, Kermanshah, North Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, and Zanjan.

### Government and Politics
Iran operates as a sovereign state and an Islamic Republic, characterized as a unitary state, presidential system, and theocracy. The current government structure was established following the 1979 revolution. The head of state is the Supreme Leader, a position held by Ali Khamenei since 1989. The head of government is the President, with Masoud Pezeshkian assuming office in 2024. The executive branch is the Government of Iran, while the legislative branch consists of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament) and the Assembly of Experts for Leadership. The country's political status is often categorized as "not free" in international indices, with a Democracy Index score of 1.95 as of 2021.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2025, Iran has an estimated population of 92,417,700, reflecting significant growth from 21.9 million in 1960. The society is ethnically diverse, with major groups including Persians, Iranian Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Lurs, Baloch, Iranian Arabs, and Iranian Turkmen. The official and most widely spoken language is Persian, while other languages such as Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Luri, Mazanderani, Gilaki, Arabic, Balochi, and Turkmen are also used. The official religion is Islam. The country has a literacy rate of approximately 85.54% (2015) and a life expectancy of 75 years (2022).

### Economy and Infrastructure
Iran's economy is heavily influenced by its hydrocarbon reserves, making it a key member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The nominal GDP was approximately $388.5 billion in 2022. The official currency is the Iranian rial, managed by the Central Bank of Iran. The country has a VAT rate of 9% and a Gini coefficient of 40.9 (2019). Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system for roads, while railway traffic operates on the left. The electrical grid runs on 220 volts at 50 Hz, utilizing Europlug and Type C/F sockets. Iran is also a member of international financial institutions such as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association.

### International Relations and Memberships
Iran maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries worldwide, including China, Russia, and various European and Asian nations. It is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement and a member of the United Nations (since 1945), UNESCO (since 1948), and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1969). The country is a participant in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Chemical Weapons Convention. Iran is also a member of the BRICS group and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national symbols of Iran reflect its Islamic identity and historical heritage. The flag is the Flag of Iran, and the coat of arms is the Emblem of Iran. The national motto is "استقلال، آزادی، جمهوری اسلامی" (Independence, freedom, Islamic Republic). The national anthem is the "National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran." The country is culturally known for its Persian heritage, with the native name "Iran" (ایران) deriving from "Aryan."

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Iran utilizes specific international codes and identifiers. The ISO 3166-1 codes are IR (Alpha-2) and IRN (Alpha-3). The country calling code is +98, and the top-level internet domain is .ir. The aircraft registration prefix is IR, and the maritime identification digits are 422. The IOC country code is IRI. Emergency services are reached via 110 (police), 115 (ambulance), and 125 (fire). The license plate code is IR.

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12. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/iran-islamic-republic)
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29. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
30. [Source](https://www.flickr.com/places/130758)
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32. [Source](https://treaties.unoda.org/s/IRN)
33. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
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45. UMLS 2023
46. [Source](http://otif.org/fileadmin/user_upload/otif_verlinkte_files/06_tech_zulass/05_Reglementation_en_vigueur/Neu_ab_01_01_2015/UTP_MARKING_2015_e_in_force.pdf)
47. [Source](http://uic.org/country-codes)
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49. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
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