Why visit
Iran, for travelers who can visit, offers Isfahan's blue mosques, Persepolis, Yazd's desert architecture, and some of the world's most hospitable hosts.
Country · Asia
Iran
historyculturenature
At a glance
Location
32.0°, 53.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,648,195 km²
636,371 mi²
Country population
89.2 million
54/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Iranian rial (﷼)
IRR
Dial
+98
Language
Persian (Farsi)
Demonym
Iranian
Internet
.ir
UN
Member state
ISO code
IR / IRN
Where in the world
32.0° · 53.0°
Iran
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Iran has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (27) than all but six countries: Persian civilization has 7,000+ years of continuous history.
- Persian poetry is a daily fixture: Hafez and Rumi are quoted as casually as English speakers quote Shakespeare.
- Iran has one of the world's oldest underground cities: Nushabad is 18 m deep and has been continuously inhabited since 1,500 years ago.
Bordering Iran
Traveler notes
- Visa rules change. Check current status before planning
- Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square is a UNESCO masterpiece
- Cash-only for foreigners; prepare accordingly
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Tehran, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Iran
What is the capital of Iran?
Tehran is the capital of Iran.
What currency does Iran use?
Iran uses the Iranian rial (﷼), ISO code IRR.
What languages are spoken in Iran?
The primary language is Persian (Farsi).
Is Iran landlocked?
No, Iran has a coastline.
What countries border Iran?
Iran borders Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan.
What is the international calling code for Iran?
The calling code is +98.
When is the best time to visit Iran?
Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Asia destinations
Kyoto
Kyoto is 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, Arashiyama bamboo, Gion's geisha district, and a food culture that defined Japanese cuisine.
Osaka
Osaka is Japan's food capital. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. And Dotonbori's neon at night. Plus Osaka Castle and an easy day-trip to Nara.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome, a rebuilt city with okonomiyaki variants, and the torii-in-water at Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the Bund's colonial facades facing Pudong's skyline, French Concession lanes, Yu Garden's Ming-dynasty layout, and a food city of exceptional depth.
Xian
Xi'an is ancient Chang'an. Terracotta Army an hour out, 14th-century city walls you can bike, the Muslim Quarter's food street, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Mong Kok's markets, dim sum at its source, and Lantau and Lamma islands for the outlying side of the SAR.