Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a Middle Eastern nation located between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. It shares borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Turkey. With a population of 92 million, Iran is the 17th-largest country in the world by population and land area. The capital and largest city is Tehran. The official language is Persian (Farsi), although other ethnic languages are also spoken. The majority of the population adheres to Shia Islam, which is the state religion.
Iran has a diverse geography, ranging from deserts to mountains, including the Zagros and Alborz ranges. The country is rich in oil and gas resources, ranking as the world's ninth-largest oil producer and third-largest natural gas producer. In recent years, Iran has faced internal unrest, with widespread anti-government protests escalating amid concerns about the economy. These protests have been met with deadly crackdowns and internet shutdowns. As of February 2026, Iran's geopolitical standing has been weakened, particularly due to the Israel-Hamas war and the potential for renewed conflict with Israel, which struck critical parts of Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure in June 2025.
