Before the year 1979, iran was a monarchy which was heavily influenced by the western culture. The United States were one of the closest friends with the Shah/leader of Iran. An Iranian revolution put the shah’s rule to an end who had always kept religious affairs out of the way he ruled people. In 1979 Iran formed a unique Islamic republic government when the monarchy was thrown off and religious clerks assumed political power and Ayatollah Khomeini was considered to be their supreme leader. Before the year 1935 Iran was known as Persia and was one of the greatest empires in ancient times. It was known to have its own culture, language and religion which later turned out to be Islam. The country of Iran has an abundance of resources oil reserves and natural gases. About 10% of the world’s oil resources.
Facts:
- Full name: Islamic Republic of Iran
- Population: 75.1 million (UN, 2010)
- Capital: Tehran
- Area: 1.65 million sq km (636,313 sq miles)
- Major language: Persian
- Major religion: Islam
- Life expectancy: 71 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 10 Iranian rials = 1 toman
- Main exports: Petroleum, carpets, agricultural products
- GNI per capita: US $4,530 (World Bank, 2009)
- Internet domain: .ir
- International dialling code: +98
