Category: Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran, formerly Persia, is a country in Western Asia, strategically located between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. There are 83 million residents (2016). The capital is Tehran. Cradle of one of the oldest civilizations, ancient Persia received the status of empire with Cyrus, in 539 BC. In the 7th century of the Christian Era, Arabs dominated the region. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, built forts on the coast and controlled trade in the Persian Gulf. In the 19th century, Persia was divided into areas of influence, between Russians and British. In 1935, the name of the country was changed to Iran. In 1979, the Islamic Revolution overthrew the shah government and installed an Islamic republic.