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ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF 
IRAN 

KEY FACTS

Geograhicl Feature

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

Iran is a diverse country with a wide range of geographical features, including mountains, deserts, plateaus, coastlines, and fertile plains. Here are some of the key geographical features of Iran:

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  1. Caspian Sea: Iran's northern border is defined by the Caspian Sea, which is the largest enclosed inland body of water in the world. The coastal areas are lush and green, in contrast to many other parts of the country.

  2. Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman: Iran has a long coastline along the Persian Gulf in the south and the Gulf of Oman in the southeast. These coastal regions are economically important, hosting major ports and cities, including Bandar Abbas.

  3. Caves: : Iran has numerous caves, some of which are significant for their size and geological features including Ali Sadr Cave, which is one of the world's largest water caves, and the Katale-Khor Cave.

  4. Fertile Plains: Despite the arid nature of much of the country, there are fertile plains in regions like Khuzestan, which benefit from the waters of the Karun and other rivers. These areas are important for agriculture.

  5. Volcanic Mountains: Some parts of Iran, particularly in the northwest, have volcanic mountains, including Mount Sahand and Mount Sabalan.

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1.      Plateaus:

Iranian Plateau: The majority of Iran is located on a vast plateau, which is a high, flat, and arid expanse. This plateau is flanked by the Zagros Mountains in the west and the Alborz Mountains in the north.

 

2.      Mountains:

    Zagros Mountains: The western part of Iran is dominated by the Zagros mountain range, which runs from the northwest to the southwest  of the country. These mountains are known for their rugged terrain and high peaks, including Mount Dena, which is the highest peak in the Zagros range.

Alborz Mountains: The northern part of Iran is home to the Alborz mountain range, which runs along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Mount Damavand, located in the Alborz range, is the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East.

3.      Deserts:

Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert): Located in central Iran, it is one of the world's largest deserts and is known for its vast salt flats.

Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert): In southeastern Iran, this desert is known for having one of the hottest surface temperatures on Earth.

4.      Lakes:

Lake Urmia: Located in the northwest, it is one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world.

Lake Hamun: In the southeastern part of the country, often experiences significant fluctuations in water levels.

5.      Forests

Forests: Northern Iran, especially the Caspian region, is home to dense forests, including the Hyrcanian or Caspian Forests, known for their biodiversity.

6.      Rivers:

Iran has several major rivers, including the Karun, Dez, and Karkheh. These rivers are important for agriculture and water resources in various regions of the country.

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CLIMATE

​Iran exhibits a wide range of microclimates due to its diverse topography, varying elevations, and geographical location. The country's climate varies from arid and semi-arid to subtropical, with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Here are some of the main microclimates found in different regions of Iran:

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  1. Caspian Coast:

    • The northern regions along the Caspian Sea have a humid subtropical climate.

    • It is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, humid summers.

    • The lush, green landscapes of this area contrast with the arid regions of central Iran.

  2. Western Mountains:

    • The western part of Iran, including the Zagros Mountains, experiences a Mediterranean climate.

    • Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cool and wet, with some areas receiving snowfall.

  3. Central Plateau:

    • Much of central Iran, including cities like Tehran and Isfahan, has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.

    • Temperature fluctuations between day and night are significant in this region.

  4. Desert Regions:

    • Large parts of southeastern and central Iran are covered by deserts, including the Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert) and Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert).

    • These areas have arid or even hyper-arid climates with scorching hot summers and cold winters.

    • The Lut Desert holds the record for one of the hottest surface temperatures ever recorded on Earth.

  5. Mountainous Areas:

    • Elevated regions of Iran, including the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges, have cooler climates with significant temperature variations.

    • These areas often receive more precipitation than the surrounding lowlands, leading to more fertile landscapes.

  6. Eastern Borderlands:

    • The southeastern region, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, has a hot desert climate.

    • Extremely hot summers with little rainfall characterize this area.

  7. Southwestern Coastal Areas:

    • The southwestern coastal regions, near the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, have a hot desert climate with high temperatures and low rainfall.

  8. Northern Plateau:

    • The northern plateau has a climate that can be considered transitional between the Mediterranean climate of the western mountains and the continental climate of the central plateau.

These various microclimates make Iran a geographically diverse country in terms of climate and landscape. The country's climate variations have a significant impact on agriculture, water resources, and the daily lives of its people.

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ENDEMIC PLANTS

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Iran, with its diverse landscapes and varied climates, hosts a rich biodiversity of flora, including numerous endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world. Some of the notable endemic plants in Iran include:

1.            Pistacia atlantica (Wild Pistachio): Found in various regions of Iran, particularly in the Zagros Mountains, this tree species is known for its edible nuts and resin.

2.            Eremurus spp. (Foxtail Lily): Several species of Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail Lily, are endemic to Iran. These tall, flowering plants are often found in rocky or mountainous areas.

3.            Amygdalus scoparia (Scoparia Almond): Indigenous to Iran and neighboring countries, this species of almond tree is adapted to dry and rocky habitats.

4.            Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood): Found primarily in northern Iran, this deciduous tree is valued for its ornamental qualities, displaying vibrant autumn foliage.

5.            Iris barnumiae: A species of iris endemic to Iran, characterized by its beautiful flowers with varying shades of purple.

6.            Eremostachys laciniata: A flowering plant belonging to the mint family, found in Iran's arid and mountainous regions.

7.            Tulipa spp. (Wild Tulips): Iran is known for its diverse species of wild tulips, many of which are endemic to specific regions within the country.

8.            Fritillaria spp. (Fritillaries): Several species of Fritillaria, with unique bell-shaped flowers, are endemic to Iran's mountainous areas.

9.            Salvia reuterana: A species of sage found in Iran, known for its aromatic properties and distinctive purple flowers.

10.         Allium iranicum: An endemic species of ornamental onion found in Iran's mountainous regions, recognized for its globe-like flowers.

11.         Fritillaria imperialis (Imperial fritillary): This striking flowering plant, known for its tall stalks and clusters of bell-shaped flowers, is found in Iran's mountainous

12.         Eremurus spectabilis (Foxtail lily): A tall, flowering plant found in the steppes and semi-desert regions of Iran, characterized by its long spikes of yellow or white flowers.

13.         Centaurea hohenackeri (Hohenacker's knapweed): A thistle-like plant with purple flowers, endemic to Iran's Zagros Mountains

14.         Scrophularia atropatana: A species of flowering plant found in northern Iran, known for its medicinal properties and distinct red flowers.

15.         Alyssum iranicum: A small, perennial herb endemic to Iran, found in rocky areas and known for its clusters of yellow flowers.

16.         Echium amoenum (Persian viper's bugloss): A flowering plant with vivid blue flowers, primarily found in the Alborz Mountains and other regions of Iran.

 

 These are just a few examples of the diverse array of endemic plant species in Iran. The country's varied climate and topography have contributed to the evolution of numerous plants found exclusively within its borders, making it a region of significant botanical interest.

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WILD LIFE

The Caspian Sea is home to a variety of species of fish, including sturgeon, Caspian salmon, carp, and catfish. Sturgeon is one of the most important fish species in the Caspian Sea, as it is the source of caviar, a delicacy that is highly valued around the world.

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However, the Caspian Sea is also facing environmental challenges that are threatening its marine life. Pollution, overfishing, and the introduction of invasive species are some of the biggest threats to the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea.

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MARINE LIFE

The Caspian Sea region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world. Here are some examples of the wildlife found in and around the Caspian Sea:

Caspian Seal (Pusa caspica): This is the only mammal that is endemic to the Caspian Sea. These seals are small and are primarily found in the northern parts of the Caspian Sea. They are currently listed as endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and pollution.

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans): This is a large gull species that is found throughout the Caspian Sea region. It is known for its distinctive yellow bill and is a common sight along the shoreline.

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia): This is a migratory bird species that breeds in the northern parts of the Caspian Sea region. It is the largest tern species in the world and is known for its distinctive red bill and long migratory flights.

Saiga Antelope (Saiga tatarica): This is a critically endangered antelope species that is found in the steppes and deserts surrounding the Caspian Sea. They are known for their distinctive bulbous nose, which helps them filter out dust and warm up cold air before it reaches their lungs.

Goitered Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa): This is a small antelope species that is found in the deserts and semi-deserts surrounding the Caspian Sea. They are known for their distinctive black and white facial markings and are a common sight in the region.

Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata): The Caspian tiger was a subspecies of tiger that was native to the Caspian Sea region, but it is now considered extinct due to hunting and habitat loss.

Caspian cobra (Naja oxiana): The Caspian cobra is a venomous snake that is found in the Caspian Sea region. It is known for its highly toxic venom and can be dangerous to humans.

These are just a few examples of the wildlife in the Caspian Sea region. The region's unique geography and climate have given rise to a diverse array of plant and animal life, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. However, many of these species are under threat due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these valuable ecosystems.

MINERAL RESOURCES

 

Besides oil and gas, the Caspian Sea region also has significant mineral resources in the form of various metals and non-metallic minerals. Here are some examples:

Here are some examples of the mineral resources found in the Caspian Sea:

Sulfur: The Caspian Sea region is also known for its sulfur deposits, which are used in the production of fertilizers, paper, and other products. Sulfur is mined from deposits in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Copper: Copper deposits are found in the mountains surrounding the Caspian Sea, particularly in Azerbaijan and Iran. Azerbaijan's Qarabagh mine is one of the largest copper mines in the region, with reserves estimated at around 3.2 million tons. Copper is used in a variety of applications, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and construction.

Iron: Iron ore deposits are also found in the Caspian Sea region, particularly in Kazakhstan. Iron is used in the production of steel, which is used in a variety of applications, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

Gold: Small deposits of gold are found in the Caspian Sea region, particularly in Azerbaijan. Gold: Gold deposits have also been found in the Caspian Sea region, particularly in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Azerbaijan's Zod gold mine is one of the largest in the region, with reserves estimated at around 36 tons of gold.  Gold is used in jewelry, electronics, and other applications.

These are just a few examples of the mineral resources found in the Caspian Sea region. The region's mineral wealth has played a significant role in its economic development, but also raises questions about resource management and sustainability. The responsible extraction and use of these resources are crucial to ensure their continued availability for future generations.

Uranium: Kazakhstan is one of the world's largest producers of uranium, with significant deposits located in the Caspian Sea region. The country's uranium reserves are estimated to be around 50,000 tons.

These are just a few examples of the mineral resources in the Caspian Sea region. The region's rich natural resources have attracted significant investment and development, but have also raised concerns about the environmental impact of extraction and production activities.

Sulphur: The Caspian Sea region is a significant producer of sulphur, which is used in various industries including fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Azerbaijan is the largest producer of sulphur in the region, with significant deposits located in the Absheron Peninsula.

Salt: The Caspian Sea is also a major source of salt, with significant deposits located along its shores. Iran is one of the largest producers of salt in the region, with several salt mines located in the country's coastal areas.

Precious stones: The Caspian Sea region is known for its deposits of precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. Kazakhstan is one of the largest producers of diamonds in the region, with significant deposits located in the central and eastern parts of the country.

Building materials: The Caspian Sea region is also rich in various building materials, including limestone, sandstone, and clay. These materials are used in the construction industry for building roads, bridges, and buildings. Azerbaijan is one of the largest producers of limestone in the region, with significant deposits located in the Gobustan region.

Potash: Potash is a mineral that is used in the production of fertilizers. The Caspian Sea region has significant deposits of potash, with Kazakhstan being one of the largest producers i

OIL & GAS

he Caspian Sea region is one of the world's most significant oil and gas producing regions, with substantial reserves of both oil and gas. Here are some key facts about oil and gas reserves in the Caspian Sea:

  1. The Caspian Sea contains some of the world's largest oil and gas fields, with estimated reserves of around 50 billion barrels of oil and 9.2 trillion cubic meters of natural gas.

  2. The majority of the oil and gas reserves in the Caspian Sea are located offshore, with most of the significant fields situated in the northern and western parts of the sea.

  3. The largest oil producing country in the Caspian Sea region is Kazakhstan, which accounts for around 80% of the region's total oil output. Azerbaijan is the second largest oil producer in the region, followed by Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran.

  4. The largest natural gas producing country in the Caspian Sea region is Turkmenistan, which accounts for around 70% of the region's total gas output. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are the second and third largest gas producers in the region, respectively.

  5. Several major international oil and gas companies have operations in the Caspian Sea region, including BP, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron. These companies have played a significant role in the development of the region's oil and gas reserves, and have invested heavily in exploration and production activities.

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