Geography
Iran is a huge country of 1,648,000 square Kilometers with varying
ecosystems. From the tropical Caspian shore with its rice and tea
plantations, to the oilfields and sugar cane fields of Khuzestan; from the
orchards and wheat fields of the province of Azerbaijan, to the deserts of
Kavir and Lut with their oasis towns; from the central arid plateau, to the
snowcapped Zagros and Alburz mountains – Iran is a land of extraordinary
contrasts. The mountains are cold in the winter, the deserts hot in the
summer, yet in spring and autumn there is no more beautiful a place on
earth. Carpets of wild flowers are everywhere; little villages extend a shy
welcome. This truly is God’s own land.
The beauty and variety of
scenery to be found throughout Iran is simply second to none. In addition to
the natural splendors, you are very likely to see nomadic tribes in many
parts of the country. Iran has the world’s largest population of nomads, the
majority of whom still live and dress in their traditional ways.
The
wealth of Islamic architecture found all over Iran makes the entire country
a world heritage site. Minarets and domes glitter in the distance and almost
all the sites can be visited and enjoyed at leisure. Spiritual serenity and
architectural perfection abound in this country of poets, artists and
philosophers.