State Map of Iran
Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is located in Western Asia and covers an area of 1,648,195 square kilometers, making it the 17th largest country in the world. It is bordered by countries such as Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, as well as the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south.
Administratively, Iran is divided into 31 provinces, locally known as ostans, each governed by a provincial governor. The capital city, Tehran, is the largest and most populous city in Iran and serves as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. The provinces showcase Iran’s diverse culture, landscapes, and historical significance, ranging from arid deserts to lush forests and snow-capped mountains.
Major Provinces and Regional Significance
- Tehran Province: The heart of Iran, Tehran is the political and economic hub, hosting key institutions and industries.
- Isfahan Province: Known for its architectural marvels, Isfahan is a cultural treasure trove with landmarks like Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
- Fars Province: Home to the ancient city of Persepolis, Fars is the cradle of Persian civilization.
- Khorasan Razavi Province: Located in northeastern Iran, it houses the holy city of Mashhad, a major religious pilgrimage site.
- Khuzestan Province: Rich in oil reserves, Khuzestan is vital to Iran’s economy and features ancient sites like Shushtar.
- Mazandaran Province: Situated along the Caspian Sea, this province is known for its lush forests and beautiful coastline.
List of Iran’s Provinces with Capitals, Areas, and Major Cities
This table provides an overview of Iran’s 31 provinces, including their capitals, area, codes, and major cities.
| No. | Province | Capital City | Area (sq. km) | Region | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Alborz | Karaj | 5,833 | North-Central | Karaj, Nazarabad |
| 2. | Ardabil | Ardabil | 17,953 | Northwest | Ardabil, Meshginshahr |
| 3. | Bushehr | Bushehr | 22,743 | South | Bushehr, Borazjan |
| 4. | Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari | Shahrekord | 16,332 | Southwest | Shahrekord, Borujen |
| 5. | East Azerbaijan | Tabriz | 45,650 | Northeast | Tabriz, Marand |
| 6. | Fars | Shiraz | 122,608 | South | Shiraz, Marvdasht |
| 7. | Gilan | Rasht | 14,042 | North | Rasht, Anzali |
| 8. | Golestan | Gorgan | 20,367 | North | Gorgan, Gonbad-e Kavus |
| 9. | Hamadan | Hamadan | 19,493 | West | Hamadan, Malayer |
| 10. | Hormozgan | Bandar Abbas | 70,669 | South | Bandar Abbas, Qeshm |
| 11. | Ilam | Ilam | 20,164 | West | Ilam, Dehloran |
| 12. | Isfahan | Isfahan | 107,027 | Central | Isfahan, Kashan |
| 13. | Kerman | Kerman | 183,285 | Southeast | Kerman, Rafsanjan |
| 14. | Kermanshah | Kermanshah | 24,998 | West | Kermanshah, Eslamabad-e Gharb |
| 15. | Khuzestan | Ahvaz | 63,213 | Southwest | Ahvaz, Abadan |
| 16. | PernaKohgiluyeh-Boyer Ahmadmbuco | Yasuj | 15,504 | Southwest | Yasuj, Dehdasht |
| 17. | Kurdistan | Sanandaj | 29,137 | West | Sanandaj, Saqqez |
| 18. | Lorestan | Khorramabad | 28,392 | West | Khorramabad, Borujerd |
| 19. | Markazi | Arak | 29,125 | Central | Arak, Saveh |
| 20. | Mazandaran | Sari | 23,833 | North | Sari, Amol |
| 21. | North Khorasan | Bojnurd | 28,434 | Northeast | Bojnurd, Shirvan |
| 22. | Qazvin | Qazvin | 15,549 | North-Central | Qazvin, Takestan |
| 23. | Qom | Qom | 11,526 | Central | Qom |
| 24. | Razavi Khorasan | Mashhad | 144,681 | Northeast | Mashhad, Sabzevar |
| 25. | Semnan | Semnan | 97,491 | North-Central | Semnan, Shahroud |
| 26. | Sistan-Baluchestan | Zahedan | 181,785 | Southeast | Zahedan, Zabol |
| 27. | South Khorasan | Birjand | 95,385 | East | Birjand, Ferdows |
| 28. | Tehran | Tehran | 13,692 | North-Central | Tehran, Rey, Eslamshahr |
| 29. | West Azerbaijan | Urmia | 37,411 | Northwest | Urmia, Khoy |
| 30. | Yazd | Yazd | 76,469 | Central | Yazd, Ardakan |
| 31. | Zanjan | Zanjan | 21,773 | Northwest | Zanjan, Abhar |