Where is Iran located? Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country located in Western Asia, in the region often referred to as the Middle East. It is situated in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula and the western part of the Asian continent. Iran shares borders with several countries. To the northwest, it is bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. To the northeast, it shares a border with Afghanistan, and to the east, it is bounded by Pakistan. To the west, Iran shares borders with Iraq, and to the north, it is bordered by Turkey.
Where is Iran located: Asia.
Location of Iran on the World Map
Iran World
Map of Iran.
Iran Profile – Where is Iran located
Here are 10 of the most important facts about Iran:
- Official Name: Islamic Republic of Iran
- Capital City: Tehran
- Population: Approximately 85 million (as of 2021)
- Official Language: Persian (Farsi)
- Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
- Major Religion: Islam (predominantly Shia with a minority of Sunni Muslims)
- Government: Theocratic republic
- Area: Approximately 1,648,195 square kilometers
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product): $583.8 billion (as of 2021)
- Main Exports: Petroleum, natural gas, petrochemicals, fruits, and nuts.
Borders of Iran
Iran shares land borders with eight countries.
| Bordering Country | Approximate Length of Border (in kilometers) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 921 km |
| Armenia | 35 km |
| Azerbaijan | 432 km |
| Iraq | 1,599 km |
| Pakistan | 959 km |
| Turkey | 540 km |
| Turkmenistan | 1,148 km |
Iran Map
Navigate over this map with your mouse to discover Iran’s map location.
Iran
Most Extreme Points of Iran
Iran has several extreme points in different directions:
- Northernmost Point: Near Astara, on the border with Azerbaijan.
- Southernmost Point: Jazireh-ye Khark, in the Persian Gulf.
- Easternmost Point: Near Zabol, on the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Westernmost Point: On the border with Iraq and Turkey, west of Qasr-e Shirin.
Highest Point of Iran
The highest point in Iran is Mount Damavand, reaching an elevation of approximately 5,610 meters above sea level. It is an iconic stratovolcano and the highest peak in the Middle East.
| No. | Mountain | Elevation (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Damavand | 5,610 |
| 2 | Alam Kuh | 4,850 |
| 3 | Takhte Soleyman | 4,872 |
| 4 | Azad Kuh | 4,765 |
| 5 | Sabalan | 4,811 |
How big is Iran?
Iran covers an area of approximately 1,648,195 square kilometers, making it the 17th largest country in the world.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Here is a comparison of Iran with its neighboring countries based on approximate size and population as of 2021:
| Country | Approximate Size (sq. km) | Approximate Population | Iran’s Size Compared to Neighboring Country | Iran’s Population Compared to Neighboring Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 652,864 | 39.8 million | 2.52 times bigger | 2.13 times bigger |
| Armenia | 29,743 | 2.9 million | 55.40 times bigger | 29.31 times bigger |
| Azerbaijan | 86,600 | 10.3 million | 19.05 times bigger | 8.26 times bigger |
| Iraq | 438,317 | 41.7 million | 3.77 times bigger | 2.04 times bigger |
| Pakistan | 881,913 | 225.2 million | 1.87 times bigger | 0.38 times smaller |
| Turkey | 783,356 | 84.8 million | 2.10 times bigger | 1.00 times bigger |
| Turkmenistan | 491,210 | 6.1 million | 3.36 times bigger | 13.94 times bigger |
What to Visit in Iran?
Iran offers a wealth of historical and cultural treasures, as well as natural wonders. Here are the top 7 tourist attractions:
- Persepolis: Ancient ruins of a ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
- Isfahan: A city with stunning Islamic architecture, including Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
- Shiraz: Known for its gardens and the tomb of the famous poet Hafez.
- Tehran: The capital city with museums, palaces, and the Golestan Palace.
- Yazd: A well-preserved desert city with unique wind towers and Zoroastrian heritage.
- Kashan: Famous for its traditional Persian gardens and historical houses.
- Qeshm Island: A beautiful island with diverse landscapes and natural attractions.
These Iranian destinations provide a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient history and cultural significance to enjoying the lively urban atmosphere and immersing oneself in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Iran’s landscapes.
