Iran

Iran is a large country in the Middle East. It was once the center of the mighty Persian Empire. Iran has deserts, mountains, and some of the most beautiful buildings in the world covered in colorful tiles.

Land and People

About 87 million people live in Iran. The capital is Tehran. Iran has two big deserts, tall mountains, and coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. The country has hot summers and cold winters in the mountains.

Old map showing Persia and the lands around it.
Old map showing Persia and the lands around it. (Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (Great Britain) Engraver or Printer Murchison, I. Engraver or Printer Lubbock, John Engraver or Printer J. & C. Walker Engraver or Printer Smith, Philip Engraver or Printer Woodward, S.P. Engraver or Printer Key, T. Hewett Publication Author Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (Great Britain) / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Iran has a New Year celebration called Nowruz that happens on the first day of spring. Persian rugs and poetry are world famous. People eat kebabs, rice, and stews. The ancient city of Persepolis was built over 2,500 years ago.

Fun Facts

  • Iran was called Persia until 1935.
  • Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide.
  • The ancient Persians invented the postal system over 2,500 years ago.

Did You Know?

The ancient Persians created one of the first postal systems in the world over 2,500 years ago. Messengers on horseback carried letters across the empire using relay stations. The system was so reliable that it inspired postal services for centuries.