Official name: Islamic Republic of Iran. The lands of the legendary persia, or iran on the world map Name of the country iran

On the territory of Iran, which is sometimes also called Persia, once upon a time one of the most ancient civilizations in the world was formed. This country has amazing nature, beautiful mountains, ancient cities, balneological, ski and beach resorts. Iranians are very hospitable people and always welcome tourists who respect their religion.

Geography of Iran

Iran is located in Southwest Asia. In the north and northeast, Iran borders with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Armenia, in the west with Iraq, in the northwest with Turkey, and in the east with Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the north, the shores of Iran are washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea, and in the south of the country there is the Arabian Sea (Persian and Oman Gulfs), which is part of the Indian Ocean. The total area of this country is 1,648,000 sq. km, including the islands, and the total length of the state border is 5,619 km.

In the west of Iran is the Elburz mountain system, as well as the Caucasus Mountains. In general, most of the territory of Iran is occupied by mountains. The highest peak in the country is Damavend Peak, whose height reaches 5,604 meters. However, in the east of Iran there are deserts (for example, Deshte-Kevir), and in the north there are large plains.

Capital

The capital of Iran is Tehran, which is now home to more than 8.8 million people. Archaeologists say that the settlement of people on the site of modern Tehran already existed 7 thousand years ago.

Official language

The official language in Iran is Persian, belonging to the Iranian group of the Indo-European language family.

Religion

About 98% of Iran's population is Muslim (89% are Shiite Muslims and 9% are Sunni Muslims).

State structure of Iran

According to the current Constitution of 2004, Iran is an Islamic republic. Its head is the President, elected by popular vote for a term of 4 years. The President appoints the members of the Council of Ministers by decree and supervises their activities.

However, in Iran, the real power does not belong to the President, but to the "Supreme Leader", who is elected by the Council of Experts, consisting of 86 people (they are elected by the people).

A special role in Iran belongs to the Council of Guardians of the Constitution (12 people). Members of this Council should check whether the laws adopted in Iran comply with the Constitution.

The right of legislative initiative in Iran has a unicameral parliament - the Majlis. It consists of 190 deputies elected by direct universal suffrage for 4 years.

Climate and weather

The climate in Iran is changeable. In the north, along the coast of the Caspian Sea, the climate is subtropical. In the northwest, winters are cold (there is often a lot of snow), spring and autumn are warm, and summers are dry and hot. As for the south of the country, there are warm winters and hot summers. In July, in the south of Iran, the average air temperature is + 38C. In general, in general, in Iran, the average annual air temperature is +16.7C. The average annual rainfall is 213 mm.

Average air temperature in Iran:

January - +3.5С
- February - +6С
- March - +11C
- April - +16С
- May - +28C
- June - +27C
- July - +30C
- August - +28.5С
- September - +25C
- October - +18C
- November - +10C
- December - +5.5С

Sea in Iran

In the north, Iran is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea. In the south of the country is the Arabian Sea (Persian and Oman Gulfs), which is part of the Indian Ocean. The length of the coast of the Caspian Sea in Iran is 740 kilometers, and the coast along the Persian and Oman gulfs stretches for 2,440 kilometers.

Iran consists of several islands. The most famous of them is, perhaps, the island of Kish in the Strait of Hormuz, which is now a popular place for a beach holiday.

Rivers and lakes

There are not many rivers in Iran, which determines its geographical location. Moreover, only one of them is navigable - Karun, flowing in the north-west of the country.

In the north-west of Iran, there is also the most famous Iranian lake - Urmia, whose salty waters are chemical composition similar to the water of the Dead Sea. Due to its waters, Lake Urmia is a very popular balneological resort in Iran.

History of Iran

According to archaeological finds, people on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea (i.e. in the territory of modern Iran) lived already in 10,000 BC. Scientists believe that this region managed to avoid all the "charms" of the Ice Age.

Previously, Iran was called Persia, however, now this name is also still used.

The first mention of the Iranians refers to 844 BC. (in Assyrian texts). In the 6th century, Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire, which was destroyed in 330 BC. Alexander the Great.

In the following centuries, Persia was invaded by the Parthians, Arabs, Mongols, and Seljuk Turks. In the middle of the 7th century, after Persia was conquered by the Arabs, Islam began to spread among the Iranians, displacing their ancient religion, Zoroastrianism.

Since 1502, representatives of the Safavid dynasty became the Shahs of Iran. In this era, the Iranian Shah Ismail I makes the Shia trend in Islam the state religion.

In the XVIII-XIX centuries, Iran fell into the sphere of interests of Great Britain and Russia. In the early 1900s, oil intensified the rivalry between Britain and Russia for influence in Iran.

In 1921, an army officer, Reza Khan, established a military dictatorship in Iran, and in 1925 he appropriated the title "Shah" to himself.

In 1979, a revolution took place in Iran, as a result of which the Shah was overthrown, and Iran became an Islamic republic. The founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran is Ayatollah Khomeini.

culture

Iran is a very conservative Muslim country. Perhaps that is why the Iranians have retained many of their customs and traditions. Most Iranian customs and holidays are religious in nature.

In March, Iranians celebrate Novruz, which is dedicated to the beginning of the New Year (the Iranians have their own calendar). Before the onset of the New Year, Iranians always arrange a general cleaning in their homes, and also buy sweets and dried fruits for themselves, their relatives and friends.

Iranian cuisine

Iranian cuisine is very diverse. Each province of Iran has its own culinary traditions and delicious dishes. The main food products are rice, meat (including chicken meat), fish, vegetables, nuts, spices. However, Greek, Arabic, Turkish, and even Russian culinary traditions had a noticeable influence on Iranian cuisine.

Ash-e Jow - a thick soup made from barley beans, lentils and vegetables;
- Fesenjan - chicken with pomegranates in nut sauce;
- Kalam polo - pilaf with the aroma of cinnamon and saffron;
- Khoresht ghaimeh - stew with peas;
- Khoresht-e Aloo - lamb stew with prunes;
- Kookoo - omelette with spices;
- Kufteh - spicy cutlets;
- Reshteh Polo - "green" pilaf (it is green because of the herbs added to it).

Alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Iran (instead of alcohol, Iranians smoke hookah). But the traditional Iranian soft drinks include yogurt, coffee and tea.

Sights of Iran

To get acquainted with the sights of Iran, this country needs to be visited several times. Perhaps, in terms of the number (and their beauty) of sights, Iran is second only to such countries as Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. The top ten Iranian attractions, in our opinion, may include the following:

Tomb of the Persian king Cyrus II in Pasargadae
Sad Abad Museum in Tehran
Friday Mosque in Isfakan
Meybod fortress
Imam Mosque in Isfakan
Tomb of poet Hafez in Shiraz
Ancient ziggurat Choga Zembil
Zoroastrian shrine in Yazd
The ruins of the Assassin fortress of Alamut

Cities and resorts

The largest Iranian cities are Karaj, Tabriz, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Ahvaz, and, of course, Tehran.

It would seem that there should be many beach resorts in Iran, because. the country has access to the Caspian and Arabian seas, however, this is not yet the case. This is influenced, in part, by the political situation in which Iran finds itself.

However, in last years in Iran, beach resorts are still beginning to develop. So, on the island of Kish (Shahid-Zakeri, Laft, Bahman), located 17 km from the coast of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, many high-class hotels have been built in recent years, and excellent conditions for diving have been created. You can swim and sunbathe on Kish Island in winter. By the way, on the island of Kish, men are forbidden to wear ties, because. they "are part of the Western way of life".

There are many mineral springs in Iran (most of them are in the north-west of the country). The most famous balneological Iranian resort is Temriz. In the vicinity of Termiz there is Lake Urmia, the water of which is close in composition to the water of the Dead Sea.

We have already said that there are a lot of mountains in Iran (especially in the west of the country). Therefore, it is not surprising that several ski resorts are now operating in Iran - Dizin, Toshal and Ab Ali. The skiing season is from November to April. By the way, the Ab Ali ski resort was built back in 1953.

Of course, the infrastructure of Iranian ski resorts is not very developed. But these resorts have mineral springs, which slightly compensate for the shortcomings of the infrastructure.

Souvenirs/Shopping

Tourists from Iran bring carpets, bags, scarves, blankets, towels, dishes, ceramics, baskets, jewelry, various sweets, hookahs as souvenirs.

Office Hours

Please note that the most favorable time to visit the country is the autumn and spring months. Winter pastime in Iran is represented by skiing (in the mountains, the skiing season lasts until April).

Iran: where is the former Persia?

The location of Iran (the capital is Tehran) is Western Asia: on the east side with it is granite, on the north -, on the west -, on the northwest -, and. In the southern part, Iran has access to the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, and in the north - to the waters of the Caspian Sea.

Former Persia lies on the Iranian plateau (the exception is the Caspian coast and Khuzestan). The west of Iran is occupied by Elburz and the Caucasus Mountains (the title of the highest point was assigned to the 5600-meter peak Damavend), and the east - by saline deserts and semi-deserts (Dashte Lut, Deshte Kevir). As for the flat terrain, it dominates the northern part of Iran along the Caspian Sea and in the southwest of the country along the Persian Gulf.

Iran is divided into stops - Qom, Khuzestan, Hamadan, Lorestan, Semnan, Alborz, Kurdistan, Zanjan, Fars and others (there are 31 in total).

How to get to Iran?

Direct flight - lasting 3 hours 45 minutes, operated by Aeroflot and Iran Air (flights do not depart only on Tuesdays and Mondays). If desired, a transfer can be made at, which is why the duration of the trip will be more than 9 hours, at - 10 hours, at or - more than 8 hours.

Those who went on a flight will stop for a rest at the airport and spend 13 hours and 15 minutes on the road. Those who fly to Shiraz from will be offered to make a stop in Doha (14.5 hours will be spent on the road), (the trip will stretch up to 12.5 hours) or Tehran (the journey will take about 9 hours).

Moscow route - involves a flight through Tehran (passengers will be on the spot after 10.5 hours) or Istanbul (the journey will end after 11 hours).

Vacation in Iran

Guests of Iran are recommended to relax in Tehran (famous for the Yousef Abad Synagogue, Golestan Palace, Azadi Tower, 435-meter TV Tower, St. Sargis Cathedral, Carpet Museum, Mellat Park, Negarestan Garden) and (of interest is the mausoleum of Imam Reza, a caravanserai, more than 100 years, where the market is located, as well as Sangi Hill, to the top of which steps are carved into the rocks, and the mosque of the 15th century, dedicated to 72 martyrs, and which is decorated with beautiful lamps and mosaics of the late Timurid period), go to the Shirabad waterfall (consists of 12 cascades, the largest of which falls from a 30-meter height) and to the Khabr National Park (there you can climb the 3800-meter Chakhbarf or 3700-meter Serita, meet mountain sheep, Iranian antelope, wolves, golden eagles, wolves).

Iranian beaches

Beach holidays in Iran are developed on the island of Kish, whose beaches are divided into men's and women's (you will have to pay $ 1 for the entrance to the women's beach), are covered with sand and are famous for their cleanliness.

Souvenirs from Iran

You should not return from Iran without saffron and other spices, three-dimensional wood carvings, gold items, Nishapur turquoise jewelry, Persian carpets, Iranian sweets, rose water, porcelain, ceramics, painted oriental dishes, colorful stoles, “pateduzi” bedspreads, Iranian henna, Damascus steel products.

(Islamic Republic of Iran)

General information

Geographical position. Iran is a state in southwest Asia. In the north it borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, in the east with Afghanistan and Pakistan, in the west with Iraq and Turkey. In the north it is washed by the Caspian Sea, in the south by the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

Square. The territory of Iran occupies 1,648,000 square meters. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital is Tehran. The largest cities: Tehran (6,830 thousand people), Mashhad (2011 thousand people), Isfahan (1,915 thousand people), Tabriz (994 thousand people), Shiraz (848 thousand people). Administrative-territorial division of the country: 24 ostanas (provinces).

Political system

Iran is an Islamic republic. The spiritual head of state is the ayatollah. The secular head of state is the president. Legislative power is held by the unicameral Assembly of the Islamic Council (Majlis).

Relief. Most of Iran is occupied by the central plateau, about 1,200 m above sea level and almost completely surrounded by mountain ranges.

In the north, parallel to the coast of the Caspian Sea, there are the Elburs Mountains, where the highest point of the country is located - Mount Demavand (5,604 m). Along the western border, the Zagros Mountains stretch southeast to the Persian Gulf. To the east of the plateau lie lower mountains. Plain territories lie along the coastal strip near the Caspian Sea. In the center of the state there are two vast deserts: the sandy-rocky Dasht-i-Lut and the salt Dasht-i-Kavir.

Geological structure and minerals. The bowels of the country contain rich reserves of oil, natural gas, less significant - coal, iron ore, chromium, copper, zinc, lead, manganese, sulfur.

Climate. According to climatic features, Iran can be divided into three regions: the very hot coast of the Persian and Oman Gulfs; temperate but arid climate of the central highlands; cold climate in the area of the Elburz mountains. The average January temperature in Tehran is from -3°С to +7°С, in July - from +22°С to +37°С. In Abadan (on the coast of the Persian Gulf) - from +7°С to +17°С in January and from +28°С to +44°С in July. The average annual rainfall in Tehran is about 250 mm, in Abadan - less than 200 mm.

Inland waters. In winter and spring, small rivers flow into the Dasht-i-Kavir desert. Most Iranian rivers dry up during the dry season. The main non-drying rivers, mostly short, originate in the foothills in the north or south of the country and flow into the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman. The Karun River is the country's main navigable river. There are few large lakes in Iran, they mostly dry up during the dry period. The largest lake that lies entirely on the territory of Iran is Lake Urmia (Rezaye) in the north of the country.

Soils and vegetation. In the Zagros mountains there are forest areas where oak, walnut, elm, pistachio tree grow. On the slopes of the Elbursk Mountains facing the sea and in the Caspian Valley, the vegetation is very rich: a large number of ash, elm, elm, oak, birch, some evergreens. Cacti and thorns grow in desert areas.

Animal world. The fauna is represented quite widely: rabbit, fox, wolf, hyena, jackal, leopard, deer, porcupine, ibex (mountain goat), bear, tiger, badger. Among the birds in the center of the country there are a large number of pheasants and partridges, on the coast of the Persian Gulf - flamingos and pelicans. Beluga, herring, sturgeon live in the Caspian Sea.

Population and language

The population of Iran is about 68.96 million people, the average population density is about 49 people per sq. km. km. Ethnic groups: Persians - 51%, Azerbaijanis - 24%, Gilaks and Mazendarans - 8%, Kurds - 7%, Arabs - 3%, Lurs - 2%, Balochs - 2%), Turkmens - 2%. Languages: Farsi (new Persian) (state), Turkic, Kurdish.

Religion

Shiites - 95% (state religion), Sunnis - 4%, Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians, Baha'is.

Brief historical outline

In the middle of the first millennium BC. e. Cyrus the Great created the Persian Empire, which lasted until 333 BC. when it was conquered by Alexander the Great. In the next century, Persia regained its independence, and the Persian kingdom lasted until the 7th century. n. e. With the advent of Islam to the territory of Persia, the country was included in the Medina, and later in the Damascus Caliphate. The old Zoroastrian religion of Persia has practically disappeared, completely suppressed by Islam. In the XI century. Iran was captured by the Turks, and later by the Seljuks, the Mongols of Genghis Khan, the army of Tamerlane and the Turkmens, who stayed in Iran longer than others, until 1502. In 1502, Iran regained its independence with the coming to power of the Persian Safavid dynasty, which ruled the country until 1722. Shah Abbas I, who ruled in the second quarter of the 17th century, is considered the most powerful ruler of this dynasty. After his death, the gradual decline of the country began, leading to the conquest of Iran by the Afghan army in 1722. However, a few years later a new dynasty was founded, which led Iran to relative prosperity.

In 1906, a constitutional monarchy was proclaimed in Iran, which lasted until 1979, when Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was overthrown from the throne. In January of the same year, Ayatollah Khomeini proclaimed Iran an Islamic republic. Khomeini's rule was notable for its brutality and was marked by an international scandal when American diplomats were taken hostage in Tehran in November 1979, as well as by the death sentence for the British writer of Indian origin Salman Rushdie, who wrote the book "The Satanic Verses", offensive to Islam. In 1993, Rafsanjani confirmed the verdict.

Brief economic essay

Iran is an agro-industrial country with a developed oil industry. Extraction of oil, gas, coal, chromites, lead-zinc, copper, manganese and iron ores. Oil refineries, petrochemical enterprises. Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. Mechanical engineering and metalworking. Food flavoring, textile industry. Handicraft production (carpets, hardware). The main food crops are cereals (wheat, barley), rice, legumes; industrial cotton, sugar beet, sugar cane, tobacco, tea. Fruit growing, melon growing, viticulture, planting walnut and pistachio trees. Extensive animal husbandry (sheep, goats, cattle, camels). Sericulture. Sea fishing. Export: oil and oil products (95-99% of the value), carpets, caviar. (

The monetary unit is the Iranian rial.

A Brief Outline of Culture

Art and architecture. Tehran. the Bastan Museum with exhibits of archeology from ancient Persian cities; imam mosque; shrine of Aka; Apiyabad - burial place of Ayatollah Khomeini; the Shakhiyad tower, 45 m high, built in 1971; the Negarestan Museum with a collection of Iranian art from the period of the Persian Empire; Ethnographical museum; Carpet Museum; National Art Museum. Shiraz. Mosque Masjid-i-Jama (IX century); the tombs of the Persian poets Hafiz and Saadi; the Kom Museum and the Pars Museum. Urmia (the birthplace of the prophet Zoroaster). Jama Mosque; Mosque of the Three Domes. Tabriz. Blue Mosque (XIII century); Citadel (XIV century). Hamadan. Esther's tomb and Avicenna's tomb. Isfahan. Royal Mosque Masjid-i-Shah (XVII century); mosque Masjid-i-Sheikh-Lutfulla; royal garden with a throne room on 40 columns; the school of dervishes Shah Hussain, founded in 1710 by Nishair. Tomb of Omar Khayyam. Mashhad (the holy city of Shiite Muslims). Tomb of Ali-ar-Rida and tomb of Caliph Haroun al-Rashid.

Literature. Omar Khayyam (c. 1048-after 1122) - poet, author of the world-famous philosophical quatrains - rubai; Saadi (between 1203 and 1210-1292) - writer and thinker (poem "Bustan", collection of parables "Gulistan").

Geography of Iran

Capital

The capital of Iran is Tehran, which is now home to more than 8.8 million people. Archaeologists say that the settlement of people on the site of modern Tehran already existed 7 thousand years ago.

Official language

The official language in Iran is Persian, belonging to the Iranian group of the Indo-European language family.

Religion

About 98% of Iran's population is Muslim (89% are Shiite Muslims and 9% are Sunni Muslims).

State structure of Iran

However, in Iran, the real power does not belong to the President, but to the "Supreme Leader", who is elected by the Council of Experts, consisting of 86 people (they are elected by the people).

A special role in Iran belongs to the Council of Guardians of the Constitution (12 people). Members of this Council should check whether the laws adopted in Iran comply with the Constitution.

The right of legislative initiative in Iran has a unicameral parliament - the Majlis. It consists of 190 deputies elected by direct universal suffrage for 4 years.

Climate and weather

Average air temperature in Iran:

January - +3.5С
- February - +6С
- March - +11C
- April - +16С
- May - +28C
- June - +27C
- July - +30C
- August - +28.5С
- September - +25C
- October - +18C
- November - +10C
- December - +5.5С

Sea in Iran

Iran consists of several islands. The most famous of them is, perhaps, the island of Kish in the Strait of Hormuz, which is now a popular place for a beach holiday.

Rivers and lakes

There are not many rivers in Iran, which determines its geographical location. Moreover, only one of them is navigable - Karun, flowing in the north-west of the country.

In the north-west of Iran, there is also the most famous Iranian lake - Urmia, whose salty waters are similar in chemical composition to the water of the Dead Sea. Due to its waters, Lake Urmia is a very popular balneological resort in Iran.

History of Iran

Previously, Iran was called Persia, however, now this name is also still used.

The first mention of the Iranians refers to 844 BC. (in Assyrian texts). In the 6th century, Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire, which was destroyed in 330 BC. Alexander the Great.

Since 1502, representatives of the Safavid dynasty became the Shahs of Iran. In this era, the Iranian Shah Ismail I makes the Shia trend in Islam the state religion.

In the XVIII-XIX centuries, Iran fell into the sphere of interests of Great Britain and Russia. In the early 1900s, oil intensified the rivalry between Britain and Russia for influence in Iran.

In 1921, an army officer, Reza Khan, established a military dictatorship in Iran, and in 1925 he appropriated the title "Shah" to himself.

In 1979, a revolution took place in Iran, as a result of which the Shah was overthrown, and Iran became an Islamic republic. The founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran is Ayatollah Khomeini.

culture

Iran is a very conservative Muslim country. Perhaps that is why the Iranians have retained many of their customs and traditions. Most Iranian customs and holidays are religious in nature.

Iranian cuisine

Alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Iran (instead of alcohol, Iranians smoke hookah). But the traditional Iranian soft drinks include yogurt, coffee and tea.

Sights of Iran

Tomb of the Persian king Cyrus II in Pasargadae
Sad Abad Museum in Tehran
Friday Mosque in Isfakan
Meybod fortress
Imam Mosque in Isfakan
Tomb of poet Hafez in Shiraz
Ancient ziggurat Choga Zembil
Zoroastrian shrine in Yazd
The ruins of the Assassin fortress of Alamut

Cities and resorts

The largest Iranian cities are Karaj, Tabriz, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Ahvaz, and, of course, Tehran.

However, in recent years, beach resorts have begun to develop in Iran. So, on the island of Kish (Shahid-Zakeri, Laft, Bahman), located 17 km from the coast of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, many high-class hotels have been built in recent years, and excellent conditions for diving have been created. You can swim and sunbathe on Kish Island in winter. By the way, on the island of Kish, men are forbidden to wear ties, because. they "are part of the Western way of life".

Of course, the infrastructure of Iranian ski resorts is not very developed. But these resorts have mineral springs, which slightly compensate for the shortcomings of the infrastructure.

Souvenirs/Shopping

Tourists from Iran bring carpets, bags, scarves, blankets, towels, dishes, ceramics, baskets, jewelry, various sweets, hookahs as souvenirs.

Office Hours

a country in southwestern Asia. It borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the north, with Afghanistan and Pakistan in the east and Iraq and Turkey in the west. In the north it is washed by the Caspian Sea, and in the south - by the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

The name of the country comes from the ethnonym of the Arii tribe - "noble".

Official name: Islamic Republic of Iran

Capital:

The area of the land: 1.648 million sq. km

Total population: 71 million people

Administrative division: 24 stops (provinces).

Form of government: Theocratic parliamentary republic.

Head of State: President (secular head of state), elected for a term of 4 years. The head of the country (spiritual head of state) is the ayatollah.

Composition of the population: 51% - Persians, 24% - Azerbaijanis, 8% - Gilaks and Mazendarans, 7% - Kurds, 3% - Arabs, 2% - Lurs, 2% - Balochs, 2% - Turkmens.

Official language: Farsi (Persian). Turkic dialects, Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic, etc. are also used. English and French used in business circles.

Religion: 90% are Shia Muslims, 8% of believers are Sunni Muslims, and the remaining 2% are Zoroastrians, Christians, Jews and Baha'is.

Internet domain: .ir

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +98

Country barcode: 626

Climate

Iran has a tropical desert type of climate. Only in the northern part of the country on the plains along the coast of the Caspian Sea is dominated by a subtropical continental climate type.

On the coast of the Caspian Sea in winter in the daytime, the air warms up to +12..+14 degrees, and at night it cools down to +4..+6 degrees. During the summer time during the day the air temperature reaches +30..+32 degrees, at night - 22..24 degrees of heat.

In the mountainous regions of Iran, the climate depends on the altitude of the area.

In the northern (Elburs) and northwestern (Iranian Azerbaijan and northern Zagros) parts of the country at altitudes from 1500 to 2000 m in January, night temperatures can reach -10 degrees, daytime temperatures - 2..4 degrees of heat. During the summer months in these regions, the air cools down to +15..+17 degrees at night, and warms up to +33..+35 degrees during the day. At the southern foothills of the Zagros in Tehran, 7..9 degrees of heat is observed during the daytime in winter, 0..-2 degrees at night, and in summer the corresponding figures are +37 and +24 degrees.

In the southern part of the Zagros Mountains and in the mountainous regions of the eastern part of the country, in winter during the daytime, the air warms up to +10..+12 degrees, and at night it cools down to 0..-2 degrees, in summer during the day the air temperature reaches +36. .+38 degrees, at night - 20..22 degrees of heat.

In the central regions of Iran on the deserted Iranian plateau in winter in the daytime the air temperature reaches +14..+16 degrees, and at night - 2..4 degrees of heat. In summer, during the day, the air here can warm up to +40 degrees and above, and at night it cools down to +27 degrees.

On the coasts of the Persian and Oman Gulfs, winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. In winter, daytime air temperatures reach +20..+22 degrees, and at night - 10..12 degrees of heat. In summer, during the day on the coasts, the air warms up to +40 degrees, and at night it cools down to +30 degrees.

Precipitation in Iran falls mainly in the period from November to April, and the monthly norm of precipitation in the summer period (June-September) most often does not exceed 10 mm. In the mountainous regions of the western and northern parts of the country, on the windward western slopes and on the coast of the Caspian Sea, up to 1700 mm of precipitation falls annually. The leeward eastern slopes of the mountains receive about 400 mm of precipitation per year. In the central arid regions of Iran and in the east of the country, the annual rainfall ranges from 100 to 300 mm. On the coasts of the Persian and Oman Gulfs, about 600 mm of precipitation falls annually.

Geography

Iran is located in the southwestern part of Asia. The area of the country is 1648 thousand square meters. km. In the northwest, the state borders with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey, in the west - with Iraq, in the east - with Afghanistan and Pakistan, in the northeast - with Turkmenistan.

From the north, Iran is washed by the Caspian Sea, from the south - by the Persian and Oman gulfs. Iran is a mountainous country. Its western part is occupied by the Zagros Mountains, the maximum heights of which reach 4000 m. The coast of the Caspian Sea in the north of the country is bordered by the Elburs Mountains. Here is the highest point of Iran - the extinct volcano Damavend (5610 m). Between the Zagros and Elburs mountains, there is a vast Iranian plateau with an average height of about 1200 m.

In the eastern part of the plateau are the deserts of Deshte-Kevir and Deshte-Lut. From the northeast, the Iranian Plateau is bounded by the East Iranian Mountains, and from the south by the Makran Mountains. The plains stretch in the north of the country along the coast of the Caspian Sea, in the southwest - along the coast of the Persian Gulf and in the southeast - along the coast of the Gulf of Oman.

The longest river in Iran is Karun (890 km). It originates in the Zagros Mountains and flows into the Persian Gulf. Also in the Zagros, such large rivers as the Karkhe, Dez and Zayande originate. In the north of the country, small rapids flow, which originate in Elburz and flow into the Caspian Sea. In the central part of Iran, rivers appear only when snow melts in the mountains, and in the rest of the year their channels dry up. In the northwestern part of Iran, the largest lake in the country is located - the salt lake Urmia with an area of 4868 square meters. km.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

In the arid conditions of Iran, the distribution of vegetation cover depends on the degree of moistening of the territory and economic activity people, especially agriculture and grazing. The northern most humid slopes of the Elburz up to a height of 2500 m are covered with dense broad-leaved forests with a predominance of oak, hornbeam, maple, beech, ironwood, elm, plane tree, ash, walnut, plums. On the coast of the Caspian Sea, in places there are impenetrable subtropical forests intertwined with lianas.

The northern and central regions of the Zagros, formerly occupied by oak forests, are now largely destroyed during intensive indiscriminate logging and due to excessive grazing of sheep and goats. They were replaced by sparse shrubs with a significant participation of oak, the role of which gradually decreases as you move south, where there is less rainfall, xerophilic light forests of pistachio, cherry plum, almond, as well as steppe and semi-desert vegetation.

In other mountainous areas, woody vegetation occurs locally in the most humid places along rivers and in intermountain valleys. In the river valleys in the south-west of the country, tugai and marsh vegetation is widespread. On the coast of the Persian Gulf, mangroves are found in places.

Steppe and desert vegetation is characteristic of many low mountains. The steppes are dominated by perennial and annual grasses, wormwood, and astragalus. Often the steppes are interspersed with patches of shrubs. The deserts are dominated by saxaul, camel thorn, comb, saltwort, and aristida.

Extensive areas of the internal plateaus of Iran, due to lack of moisture and soil salinization, are practically devoid of vegetation. Areas of quicksand are also barren.

Animal world

The fauna of Iran is rich. In order to preserve it species diversity about 30 reserves have been created. Ungulates are widespread. Among them, the goitered gazelle, ibex, Iranian fallow deer, mountain sheep urial, bearded goat, mouflon, kulan, common gazelle, and wild boar stand out. In the mountains there are brown and white-breasted bears.

Such predators as leopard, reed cat, manul, jackal, wolf, striped hyena, caracal are characteristic, there are cheetah, ordinary mongoose.

There are numerous rodents and birds (grouse, partridge, bustard-beauty, Caspian snowcock, tupach, gray francolin, partridge, long-legged buzzard, white stork, gray crane, little bustard, etc.). Many birds nest and winter in Iran. The avifauna of the coasts of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf is especially rich (flamingos, pelicans, sandpipers, geese, ducks, marble teal and etc.).

The fauna of reptiles is rich. In the floodplain Serbaz in Balochistan is found marsh crocodile. Green sea turtles are found in the coastal waters of the Persian Gulf. The waters of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf abound with valuable species of commercial fish.

Attractions

Iran is one of the centers of civilization on the planet, the birthplace of one of the largest empires in the world and one of the most distinctive countries in Asia. A vast country that stretches from the warm sea to the snowy mountain peaks, Iran has a unique set of truly interesting monuments that can be considered the property of all civilization. The richest historical relics are hidden in the bowels of the country: ancient ruins, dilapidated cities, statues and archaeological excavations of ancient dynasties are found here at every step.

Travelers will find here ancient cities, many of which still feel quite comfortable in our time, unique examples of art and architecture, waterless deserts with precious oases and green forests of mountainous regions, an amazing history, only official sources of which date back about 5 thousand years, and original peoples with their unique culture.

Examples of thousands of years of coexistence of various religious communities and one of the most closed societies on earth, a colossal cultural heritage, carefully guarded, despite any vicissitudes of history, and centuries-old traditions of arts and crafts. All these contrasts make Iran a pipe dream for many travelers.

Banks and currency

The official currency of Iran is the Iranian rial. In circulation there are denominations of 50000, 20000, 10000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100 rials, as well as coins of 500, 250, 100 and 50 rials.

In the country, very often prices are indicated in one more unit - toman. 1 toman is equal to 10 rials. This is done in order not to waste time on large sums, because 1 US dollar is approximately equal to 10,000 Iranian rials. In this regard, it is always worth clarifying in which units the price is indicated: in rials or tomans. Moreover, in order not to utter unnecessary words, sellers tend to say that this or that product costs, for example, 2 tomans, implying that it costs 2000 tomans. Therefore, sellers should be asked to name the exact amount.

Banks are open from 08.00 to 15.00-16.00 from Saturday to Wednesday, some branches are open from 08.00 to 20.00. Days off - Thursday and Friday, although large banks are open on Thursday from 8.00 to 13.00.

In tourist areas, US dollars, pounds sterling and euros are accepted for payment, in other parts of the country their circulation is formally illegal, although this rule is widely ignored.

Currency can be changed at the Tehran airport, in some hotels or banks, at exchange offices (very few) on the streets and markets, and only at the official rate. It is possible to make an exchange with numerous private money changers in the market, which usually offer a more favorable rate, but officially this is considered illegal, although in practice it is not prosecuted. Recently, the difference between the official exchange rate and what is offered on the black market has been reduced to a minimum. In this regard, it hardly makes sense to turn to private money changers.

Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted for payment only in large banks and hotels in the capital and on the island of Kish. It is almost impossible to use them in other areas. Also, owners of non-cash payment instruments issued by US and European banks often face great difficulties.

Due to Iran's trade boycott and difficulties in using plastic cards leading world systems, you can use a special "tourist card" of Parsian Bank, which can be paid in several tens of thousands of shops, shopping and tourist centers, and when leaving the country, convert the balance into any currency. However, it is unlikely that the tourist will have time to deal with the design of such a card.

Useful information for tourists

As a result of the unstable situation, there are practically no foreign tourists in the state.