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             IRAN
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Iran lies across The Gulf from
the Arabian peninsula and
stretches from the Caspian Sea
to the Arabian Sea. It is a
land dominated by mountains in
the north and west, with a
huge expanse of desert in its
centre. The climate is mainly
hot and dry, although more
temperate conditions are found
on the shores of the Caspian
Sea. Most of the population
live in the north and west,
where Tehran is situated. The
only good agricultural land is
on the Caspian coastal plains,
and here rice is grown. Most
of Iran's oil is in the
southwest on The Gulf. The
main exports are
petrochemicals, carpets and
rugs, textiles, raw cotton and
leather goods.

Area (Sq. Km.): 1,647,990

Population: 56,800,000

Capital: Tehran

Language:
Farsi

Religion:
Shi'a Moslem 95%

Government Type:
Islamic republic

Currency: Rial

Embassy:
27 Princes Gate
London
SW7 1PX
0171-584-8101

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Foreign Office Advice:

Visitors should take no risks
at all, in particular
making sure that all their
travel documentation is in
order, including visas.

Photography near any
government installation is
prohibited. There is a total
ban on video cameras.

Iran/Azerbaijan and
Iran/Turkmenistan borders are
closed to non nationals.

Visitors should register with
the British Embassy in Tehran
(Tel: 675 011), and should
consul them without delay
should problems arise.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129