Iran is located in Southern Asia, and its capital is Tehran. It has a population of approximately 91,567,738 and covers an area of about 1,745,150 km². Its official currency is the Iranian rial (IRR).
What stands out
People & place
52.5 /km² across 1,745,150 km²
Iran has a recorded population of 91,567,738 and a reported surface area of 1,745,150 km².
Economic snapshot
$475.25 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $475.25 billion and GDP per capita at $5,190 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Iran, known historically as Persia, is a land of ancient civilization and striking contrasts, stretching from the rugged Zagros Mountains to the vast deserts of Dasht-e Kavir, and boasting a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that continues to shape its modern identity.
Dominated by towering mountain ranges such as the Alborz and Zagros, Iran also features expansive plateaus, fertile valleys along the Caspian Sea, and arid deserts like Dasht-e Lut, home to some of the planet's hottest surface temperatures, while the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman outline its southern coastline.
Iranian culture is celebrated for its poetic legacy, intricate carpet weaving, and world‑renowned cuisine that blends saffron, pomegranate, and herbs; traditional music, Persian calligraphy, and vibrant festivals such as Nowruz (the Persian New Year) reflect a deep reverence for art, hospitality, and family.
A pivotal moment in Iran's history was the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which transformed the monarchy of the Shah into the Islamic Republic, reshaping the nation's political, social, and cultural landscape and influencing regional geopolitics for decades.
Key facts
Iran is the 17th largest country in the world by land area.
It is home to 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Persepolis and the Golestan Palace.
Persian (Farsi) is the official language, and the country has a population of over 86 million people.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Iran has a recorded population of approximately 91,567,738 people.
How big is Iran?
Iran covers an area of about 1,745,150 km².
What is the population density of Iran?
Iran has a population density of roughly 52.5 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Iran?
Iran has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $475.25 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Iran?
Iran has a GDP per capita of approximately $5,190.
What currency is used in Iran?
Iran uses the Iranian rial (IRR), with the symbol ﷼.
Where is Iran located?
Iran is located in Southern Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Iran?
The native name of Iran is ایران.
What are people from Iran called?
People from Iran are referred to as Iranian, Persian.
What is the phone calling code for Iran?
The international dialing code for Iran is +98.
What is the internet domain for Iran?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Iran is .ir.
What time zone is Iran in?
Iran uses the Asia/Tehran time zone.
What is Iran known for?
Iran, known historically as Persia, is a land of ancient civilization and striking contrasts, stretching from the rugged Zagros Mountains to the vast deserts of Dasht-e Kavir, and boasting a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that continues to shape its modern identity.
Southern Asia