Politics and society

Although our media paints a grim picture of Iran, the atmosphere in Iran for visitors is relaxed and friendly. While the government is in the hands of conservative clerics, the average Iranian is very friendly and hospitable, mostly well educated and loves meeting tourists. You will often meet Iranians who, as tourist in their own country, visit historical places of interest. At these encounters you will experience the Iranian friendliness and courteousness: there is no anti-western sentiment and they are more than happy to meet you and proud that the reason for your visit is the legacy of the Persian empires. The Iranian people feel that meeting you releases them from the isolation of the international sanctions. You will be pleasantly surprised to experience the warmth and welcome the people will extend to you.


Iran is situated in southwest Asia. This geographical position explains the historical expansion of Iran towards Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Also the war with the Ottoman Empire, the influence of Russia and Europe on Iran, and the invasions of the Central Asian tribes such as the Seljuks and Mongols can be attributed to Iran’s location.

The size of Iran is nearly one fifth of that of Australia. There is a large variation in landscape and climate. Central Iran is a plateau, largely an uninhabitable arid salt desert surrounded by a mountain range which in places is 3000m high. Cities such as Kashan, Yazd and Kerman are located on the edge of this desert. In the north of Iran, on the Caspian Sea coast, lie the Al Burgh mountains some of which exceed 5000m. The Zagros Mountains bisect the country from northwest to southeast.


The road infrastructure is good: there are wide highways; the railway network is constantly being extended and electrification of the railway system is planned.

In large cities such as Tehran, traffic congestions are the order the day, but the metro is being expanded to alleviate this.

History and culture

The ancient history and cultural diversity of Iran are reflected in the resplendent museum collections and the stunning buildings left by previous rulers. For the last 2500 years much money, effort and time has been invested in the construction of palaces, citadels, fire temples, towers of silence, mosques and schools.  Decoration techniques are testimony of superb craftsmanship, the mosaics are skilled, intricate and very colourful.  Gardens and tombs of famous Persian poets are integral to the monuments found in Iran.


The population shows great diversity: Persians are the major group, significant minorities are Azeris, Kurds, Turkmens, Afghans, Arabs, Armenians and Baluchis. Various languages are spoken: Farsi, Azeri, Kurdish, Arabic; many young people speak English.

Also from a religious point of view Iran is varied, with the large majority being Shiite Muslim. Minority groups are Sunnis, Christians, Zoroastrians, Baha’is and Jews. Although Iran is an Islamic republic, in the cities there are few mosques to be seen or heard.