Population:
Ranking as the fifteenth populous country in the world, Iran with a total population of 58,500,000 demonstrated an annual growth of 3.6% during late 1980s and early 1990s.

Geographical location:
Encompassing a 1,648195 Sq. km area and strategically located in the middle east region, Iran is situated both in the northern hemisphere and east of Greenwich meridian on 25-40 degree lat and 43-63 degree long.

Coasts:
Islamic Republic of Iran's coastal lines include 700 km long strip by the Caspian sea in the north and 2000 km long coastal strip in Persian Gulf, in the south, extending from the Arvand river by the Iraqi border all the way to the Indian ocean via the Oman sea, thus exposing Iran to an overall 2700 km of strategically significant coast line with unique natural features.

With the exception of Karoon river, 890 km in length and located in the southern region, majority of flowing rivers in Iran lack necessary geographical features and suitable natural conditions for international shipping or navigation.

Geographical and administrative divisions:
Islamic Republic of Iran is officially divided into 25 provinces, 195 cities, 500 districts and also the city of Tehran and its suburbs, with over 10 million inhabitants, constitute the capital.
The following is a list of major cities and their distances from the capital: