Capital of Iran: Tehran
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.
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 and a page on the flag of 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.