Capital of Iran: Tehran — Facts & 5-Question Quiz
The capital of Iran is Tehran. Iran sits in Asia, has a population of 88,550,570, and uses the IRR. Official languages include Persian.
Quick facts
- Capital: Tehran
- Continent: Asia
- Population: ~88,550,570
- Area: 1,648,195 km²
- Population density: 53.7 people per km²
- Official language: Persian
- Currency: IRR
- ISO code: IR
How big is Iran?
By population, Iran ranks 17th in the world, holding roughly 1.11% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 17th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Iran has 53.7 people per square kilometre, which is close to the world average of 59.4. Its population and area ranks line up exactly, which is uncommon.
Within Asia, Iran is the 9th most populous country of 48.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Iran in population are Turkey (85,341,241) and Germany (83,369,843).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Mongolia (1,564,110 km²) and Libya (1,759,540 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Persian is listed as an official language of Iran alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Iran uses the IRR, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
How to remember Iran
Tehran sits below the Alborz mountains and is the most populous city in West Asia. Iran was historically known as Persia, so think 'Persia then, Iran now, Tehran its capital'. For the flag, look for the writing along the stripe edges: 11 times on the green, 11 times on the red.
The flag of Iran: green, white and red
🇮🇷 The flag is three horizontal stripes of green, white and red, with a red emblem in the centre and the words 'Allahu Akbar' written 22 times in white along the edges of the green and red stripes. Green is the colour of Islam and also stands for growth, white for honesty and peace, and red for bravery. The central emblem is a stylised form of the word 'Allah' shaped like a tulip.
Region and neighbours
Iran is a country in West Asia between the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the south. It shares land borders with 7 countries: Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Iraq 🇮🇶 — capital Baghdad
- Turkey 🇹🇷 — capital Ankara
- Armenia 🇦🇲 — capital Yerevan
- Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 — capital Baku
- Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 — capital Ashgabat
- Afghanistan 🇦🇫 — capital Kabul
- Pakistan 🇵🇰 — capital Islamabad
Three facts about Iran
- Iran is among the world's top five producers of pistachios, dates, figs and walnuts.
- Iran has 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 10th-highest number of any country.
- Darius the Great began building the palace city of Persepolis.
Sources: Wikipedia: Iran, Wikipedia: Flag of Iran, Wikipedia: Tehran, CIA World Factbook.
Quiz yourself on Iran
- Asian capitals quiz — match Iran to Tehran
- Asian flags quiz — spot the Iran flag among its neighbours
Iran capital quiz
What is the capital of Iran 🇮🇷?
- Bishkek
- Dushanbe
- Sana'a
- Tehran
Show answer
Tehran
What is the capital of Turkey 🇹🇷?
- Vientiane
- Ankara
- Amman
- Riyadh
Show answer
Ankara
What is the capital of Vietnam 🇻🇳?
- Ankara
- Sana'a
- Muscat
- Hanoi
Show answer
Hanoi
What is the capital of Thailand 🇹🇭?
- Jakarta
- Sana'a
- Tashkent
- Bangkok
Show answer
Bangkok
What is the capital of Philippines 🇵🇭?
- Tehran
- Pyongyang
- Manila
- Beijing
Show answer
Manila
Iran is also in the Middle East capitals quiz.
Iran in Asia
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Asia is the block Iran belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Iran.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Iran?
The capital of Iran is Tehran.
What is the population of Iran?
About 88,550,570, making it the 17th most populous country in the world.
How big is Iran?
1,648,195 square kilometres, ranking 17th by land area, at a density of 53.7 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Iran use?
The IRR, which no other country uses.
What are the colours of the Iran flag?
The flag of Iran is three horizontal stripes of green, white and red, with a red emblem in the centre and the words 'Allahu Akbar' written 22 times in white along the edges of the green and red stripes. Green is the colour of Islam and also stands for growth, white for honesty and peace, and red for bravery. The central emblem is a stylised form of the word 'Allah' shaped like a tulip.
Which countries border Iran?
Iran shares land borders with Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
How can I remember the capital of Iran?
Tehran sits below the Alborz mountains and is the most populous city in West Asia. Iran was historically known as Persia, so think 'Persia then, Iran now, Tehran its capital'. For the flag, look for the writing along the stripe edges: 11 times on the green, 11 times on the red.
More capitals to learn
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