The Persians are an Iranian ethnic group primarily located in Iran, where they constitute the majority of the population. The term "Persian" is often used interchangeably with "Iranian," though "Persian" specifically refers to the ethnic group united by the Persian language (also known as Farsi) and a shared cultural system. Estimates place the Persian population around 52 million.
Persians trace their origins to Indo-European nomadic peoples who settled on the Iranian Plateau around 1000 BCE. By the 9th century BC, they had migrated to Persis, now Iran's Fars Province. They established powerful empires that significantly influenced the ancient world. The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE, became the largest empire of its time. Today, Persians are known for their contributions to art, science, and especially literature, with Persian poetry holding a revered place in global literary traditions.
The vast majority of Persians practice Shia Islam. However, there are smaller communities who adhere to Zoroastrianism, the faith of ancient Persia, and the Baháʼí Faith. Persian culture is celebrated through various holidays, including the Persian New Year, Nowruz, and Muslim ʿīds. While most Persians reside in Iran and nearby Middle Eastern countries, communities can also be found across the globe, including in the United States.
