Iran
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| Iran | |
|---|---|
| Conventional long name | Islamic Republic of Iran |
| Capital | Tehran |
| Official languages | Persian |
| Government type | Unitary presidential theocratic republic |
| Leader title1 | Supreme Leader |
| Leader name1 | Ali Khamenei |
| Leader title2 | President |
| Leader name2 | Ebrahim Raisi |
| Legislature | Islamic Consultative Assembly |
| Established event1 | Achaemenid Empire |
| Established date1 | c. 550 BC |
| Established event2 | Pahlavi dynasty |
| Established date2 | 1925 |
| Established event3 | Iranian Revolution |
| Established date3 | 1979 |
Iran, historically known as Persia, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and Iraq. The nation's political system, established after the Iranian Revolution, combines elements of a presidential democracy with ultimate authority vested in a Supreme Leader.
History
The region has been home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including the Elamite kingdoms. The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, became one of the largest empires in history, stretching from the Balkans to the Indus Valley. Subsequent influential dynasties included the Parthian Empire and the Sassanian Empire, which engaged in prolonged conflicts with the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire. The Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century introduced Islam, profoundly shaping its culture. Centuries later, the Safavid dynasty established Shia Islam as the state religion, a defining characteristic. The 20th century saw the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty, under Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and its eventual overthrow during the Iranian Revolution, leading to the establishment of the current system under Ruhollah Khomeini. The subsequent Iran–Iraq War was a defining conflict of the 1980s.
Geography and climate
The country features a diverse landscape dominated by the Iranian Plateau. Major mountain ranges include the Alborz in the north, home to Mount Damavand, the highest peak, and the Zagros Mountains in the west. Large deserts, such as the Dasht-e Kavir and the Dasht-e Lut, occupy the central and eastern regions. Key bodies of water include the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south. The climate is mostly arid or semi-arid, though the Caspian Sea coast is subtropical and the western mountains experience significant snowfall.
Government and politics
The political framework is defined by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Ultimate authority rests with the Supreme Leader, a position held since 1989 by Ali Khamenei, who controls the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the judiciary. The elected President, such as Ebrahim Raisi, heads the executive branch. The legislative branch consists of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Guardian Council, which vets all legislation and electoral candidates. Key institutions include the Assembly of Experts and the Expediency Discernment Council.
Economy
The economy is heavily dependent on petroleum and natural gas exports, with major reserves in regions like Khuzestan Province. Key economic entities include the National Iranian Oil Company and the Tehran Stock Exchange. International sanctions, particularly those related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, have significantly impacted economic growth. Other important sectors include agriculture, rug weaving, and handicrafts. Major infrastructure projects involve the South Pars gas field and the Bandar Abbas port.
Demographics and culture
The population is ethnically diverse, with Persians being the largest group, alongside significant communities of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Lurs, and Baloch. Persian is the official language. The culture has deep historical roots, with profound contributions to literature through figures like Ferdowsi, Hafez, and Rumi. Artistic traditions include miniature painting, architecture as seen in Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Persepolis, and classical music. The Nowruz celebration marks the Persian New Year. Iranian cinema has gained international acclaim through directors like Abbas Kiarostami and Asghar Farhadi.
Foreign relations
Its foreign policy is often defined by tensions with the United States and its allies, stemming from events like the Iran hostage crisis. It maintains strategic alliances with Syria and groups like Hezbollah, and has close ties with Russia and China. The nuclear program has been a central issue in international diplomacy, leading to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and subsequent tensions. It is a founding member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the OPEC. Regional rivalries with Saudi Arabia and Israel are significant features of its diplomatic engagements.