IRAN
play the national Anthem
Country name
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran
conventional short form: Iran
local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran
local short form : Iran
Data code: IR
Location
Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan
Flag description
Three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah) in red is centered in the white band; ALLAH AKBAR (God is Great) in white Arabic script is repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along the top edge of the red band
Ethnic groups
Persian 51%, Azerbaijani 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%
Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Balochi 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%
Iran has great geographical and climatic variety within a few hours, one can travel from deserts to sub-tropical gardens to snowy mountains and from luxuriant forests to areas of extensive cultivation to the warm waters of the coast. A wide selection of natural and scenic attractions exists in all parts of the country.
Many different cultures and peoples are found, and there is considerable contrast between the customs and ways of life of the different regions. With a long and varied history, Iran has a rich cultural heritage. There is an abundance of historical, archaeological and religious sites of outstanding interest.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a country of great religious significance. There is an Islamic constitution and the official religion is Islam's Jafari faith of the Twelve Imams. Over Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 10%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 1% . There are many important shrines and places of pilgrimage.
Besides Islam there are minority faiths which flourish: principally Christianity, Zoroastrians and Judaism.
The variety in artistic pursuits and various kinds of handicrafts is immense. Apart from its famous carpet weaving, miniature painting, calligraphy, Marquette, metal work, ceramics and carving and there is a further wide range of craft products. There are many musical forms of great interest, while Iran can boast some of the leading writers and poets of universal history. There also exists, of course, an exciting range of architecture from the various periods of history. Contemporary art is as vibrant as ever, finding many new forms of expression.
There is also a range of recreational pursuits from skiing in the north to sailing in the south.
The infrastructure of the country is developing and there are continuing improvements being made in water, and power supplies, telecommunications and roads, airports and harbors. There is also a relatively efficient railway system.
These various features make Iran an ideal country for tourism. The Government, however, is pursuing a selective marketing policy, attracting a particular type of tourism compatible with the country's value system, customs and way of life. These represent tourists especially able to appreciate the unique combination of Iran's attractions and attributes.
Import allowance:
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200cigarettes or equivalent tobacco products
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A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use
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Gifts of which the applicable import duty/tax does not exceed USD 80