Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran (I.R.I.), and also referred to as Persia, is a country located in Western Asia. It shares borders with Turkey to the northwest, Iraq to the west, Azerbaijan, Armenia, the Caspian Sea, and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan to the east, Pakistan to the southeast, and the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is situated in the western part of the Asian continent. It borders Iraq and Turkey to the west, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan to the north. It has a coastline along the Caspian Sea in the north and along the maritime region of the organization and the Gulf of Oman in the south. The total area of the republic is approximately 1,648,195 square kilometres.

Iran’s total population is estimated to be around 92.4 million people by mid-2025, according to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as part of the 2025 global population statistics.
The population of cities and coastal areas in Iran exceeds 18 million people, according to the 2016 census, which accounts for approximately 23% of the country’s total population at that time.
The total length of the coastline of the Islamic Republic of Iran is about 2,440 kilometres, including the coasts along the maritime region of the organization and the Caspian Sea in the north. The length of Iran’s southern maritime coasts in the region is approximately 1,950 kilometres

The Islamic Republic of Iran has an extensive network of waterways and rivers, estimated to include more than 2,500 rivers and streams. Among the most important rivers in Iran is the Karun River, which is the largest inland river in the country and the only navigable river within Iran. Another notable river is the Zayandeh Rud, located in central Iran, which passes through the city of Isfahan and holds significant cultural and geographical importance. The Karkheh River, one of the major rivers in western Iran and the Persian Gulf basin within the ROPME maritime region, is frequently cited in environmental and water studies. Other rivers include the Atrak River in northeastern Iran and the Sefidrud River in the north, which flows into the Caspian Sea.
Among the rivers that flow into the ROPME (Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment) maritime region are:

Qeshm Island: One of the largest Iranian islands, located in the south of the country opposite the city of Bandar Abbas. It stretches approximately 135 kilometers in length and is renowned for its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Iran.

The Zohreh River, originating in the Zagros Mountains and emptying into the Gulf near the city of Hendijan in Khuzestan Province.

The Minab River in Hormozgan Province, which flows into the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman, and is ecologically important for local ecosystems and coastal areas.

The Shur River in southeastern Iran, which flows toward the Gulf of Oman and is notable for originating in desert regions and discharging into the Gulf along Iran’s eastern coast.

The Helleh River, formed by the confluence of the Shapur and Dalaki rivers, which flows into the Gulf north of Bushehr city, and is vital for the coastal ecosystem there.
These rivers are considered geographically and environmentally significant, playing a central role in agricultural use and coastal development in Iran.
Iran also possesses a number of islands located within the ROPME maritime region, with more than 40 islands geographically situated in the provinces of Hormozgan, Bushehr, and Khuzestan. The majority of these islands are uninhabited. Among the most prominent is:

Notable Iranian Islands in the ROPME Maritime Region

Dara Island: Located at the mouth of the Musa River, it is a nesting site for seagulls and is considered one of Iran’s national marine reserves.

Hormuz Island: Located in southern Iran, it is one of the country’s top tourist destinations. It is famous for its stunning natural scenery, white sandy beaches, historic caves, salt mountains, and vividly red sands (the “Red Beach”). This red hue intensifies the color of the waves—a rare natural phenomenon caused by high concentrations of iron oxide in the island’s soil. When it rains, the water reacts with the iron oxide, dyeing the waves a deep red.

Hengam Island: A small island southeast of Qeshm Island, surrounded by the blue waters of the Gulf. Most residents work in fish, shrimp, and oyster farming, as well as fishing. The island features sparkling sandy beaches, magical seashells, limestone rocks, and diverse wildlife. Dolphins visit the surrounding waters in autumn and stay until May.

Lavan Island: The third-largest Iranian island in the Gulf by area, with significant economic importance. Most of its roughly 2,000 residents now work in fishing, though many were formerly pearl divers. Lavan is also a nesting site for hawksbill sea turtles, adding to its ecological value.

Shidvar Island: Also known as Maru due to its abundance of snakes. It is a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, and its untouched natural environment is crucial for their reproduction.

Farur Islands: Comprising two islands—Greater Farur and Lesser Farur—separated by about 15 kilometers. These uninhabited islands are known for their pristine flora and fauna, especially Greater Farur, which is home to mountain gazelles.
Islands in the Bushehr Region

Iran has many small islands in Bushehr Province, most of which are uninhabited and relatively unknown due to their size. Notable ones include: