Iran
by Emely Delgado
Relative Location
Iran is positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia, and is situated in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. Iran is bordered by the countries of Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.
Country Facts
The capital of Iran is Tehran and the population is 81,824,270. The official language of Iran is Persia, or Farsi, but there are many other languages because of all the different ethnic groups such as Kurdish, Luri and Arabic. The official government of Iran is Theocratic Republic. Historically known as Persia, Iran was one of the greatest empires of the ancient world, which was frequently invaded. Iran's hereditary monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, fled the country in 1979 when there was corruption, mounting religion, and political unrest. The exiled Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to lead Iran through the Islam revolution and an 8 year war followed with Iraq.
Plant/Animal life of Iran
Plant & Animal life and Major Features
1. Cheetahs used to be found in 44 different countries but are now only found in 29.2. The Persian fallow deer is the largest weighing 40-100 kg (90-220 Ib).3. By 1951, they had thought the Persian fallow deer had become instinct but in 1955 a small number were found in a forest in Iran.4. Iran consists of 167 families of vascular plants.5. There are 1215 genera that are either one species or like 800 (Astragalus).6. The total taxa in Iran are about 8000 which include 6417 species, 611 subspecies, 465 varieties, and 83 hybrids. Major features in Iran are the deserts Dasht-e Lut (Emptiness Desert), Kasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert),and Kalout (Yardang). The forests Golestan Province, Mazandaran Province, and Guilan Province. The mountains Alborz Range, Damavand Mountain, and Zagros Range. Finally the Seas, Lakes, and Lagoons Caspian Sea (Darya-ye Khazar), Persian Gulf (Khalij-e Fars), Anzali Lagoon, and Zarivar Lake.
Iran flag meaning
The centered symbol is said to symbolize the 5 principles of Islam. The white stylized script on the red and green panels repeated 22 times is the islamic phrase Allahu Akbar, meaning "God is greater than to be described". The centered sword is said to represent the country's strength.
Religion
Muslim 99.3%
Other 0.3%
Unspecified 0.4%
Unique Culture
Iran has unique aspects of its own. Its food, economy, clothing and much more is different from ours. The Iran diet is very healthy consisting of fruits and vegetables. But they do not eat pork, as there is a dietary taboo against it. This is different than the many assortments that we have here in America will all sorts of food, healthy and unhealthy. But rather interestingly alcoholic beverages are banned by Islamic rule but is still widely practiced. The society classes is rather different than those here in America. In Iran, you cannot judge someone on how they look. A man in rages could in fact be rich and very powerful. And there seems to be in gender role. A woman is a large part in Iranian life but hardly ever a public role. But there has been a great difference where they are more open to helping women become more known in all areas of life such as politically. They have overall been doing well except in female employment, where it has declined since the revolution.
Global Issue
A major global issue is the Economy. More specifically unemployment. It has been said that of the 64 million Iranians there are only 23 that work. 7 million have said that out of the 23 have unofficial jobs. For example, a woman who had been laid off of work was now an unofficial taxi driver. There have been many promises made of better economy but there has been little to none improvement. The unemployment rate in 2014 was 10.6%. It has been said that now in 2015 it was 10-12%. This could show a growing increase of unemployment.
Three fun Facts!!!
- In Iran if a couple want to get a marriage license they need to sit through an hour lecture on contraception.
- Iran's capital and largest city, Tehran, has some of the worst air pollution in the world. An estimated 27 people die a day from air pollution-related diseases
- Approximately 70% of Iran's population is under 30