Touristic Geography: Iran is a vast country, which covers an area of 1648195 square kilometers, with a great variety of geographical environment. The lush and rainy shores of the Caspian sea, the spectacular mountainous regions of the north and the west of the country, and low coastal land and great deserts are among the natural gifts that Iran possesses. Therefore, it can be found a great variety of climates. There is always a difference of about 20 degrees centigrade between the central and the mountain regions. Thus it is possible to benefit from winter sport in the mountains and at the same time from sun bathing in the southern region within a few hours of travel Iran is widely known for its historical sights and structures dating back to as old as 5000 years. Ancient civilizations in Iran have left behind such wonders that seeing them is a must for every visitor to this country. The breathtaking mosques and monuments of Isfahan and some of its historical structures are second to none in the world.

Persepolis near Shiraz which has more than 2500 years of history behind it attracts numerous groups of visitors a year. Kerman, Kashan, Yazd, Hamadan and Kermanshah, just to mention a few, are among some of the most ancient cities that are well worthy of visiting.

The Silk Road: The ancient Silk Road was till some time ago, an unattainable

dream for travelers. With the constructions of the Iran-Turkmenistan railroad and the connection of railroad lines of Iran to eastern Asia, traveling the Silk Road will become extremely easy, and the prospect visiting and spending a night at the ancient caravanserais which remind one of the stories of one thousand and one night will become possible again Population: According to 1992 census 70 million people live in Iran which approximately 57% live in the cities and 43% live in the rural areas.

‍Tribes: From anthropological point of view, Iranians are mainly descendants of Aryans that emigrated to Iranian plated during the first and second millennium B.C from Pamir Ranges and in the course of history have been divided into many ethnic groups. Some of the Iranian tribes today leading a nomadic life in specific provinces for example the Turks in north-west, the Kurds in west and north west, the Lurs neighboring the Kurds are originally descendants of the Medes, The Turkmans living living between the Caspian coast and Khorasan regions are descendants of the Mongols, the Baluchis in the south east are scattered around, in a vast area from Pakistan border to the Iranian deserts . Other nomadic tribes such as the Qashqais, the Bakhtiaris, the Shahsavans, the Afshars etc...and their multiple sub-divisions whose main source of income is rising cattles, mainly sheep, have been dwelling in Iranian plateau for centuries.

In short, Iran is a country of perfect blend of old and new, history and culture, a country where you are most welcome with a warm smile and last not the least and idea place to spend your vacation.

How to get there: Most airlines operate scheduled weekly flights from and to Tehran, including Iran Air the nation carrier. Flights reconfirmation must be made 72 hours prior to departure.

For all passengers entering and visiting Iran, a valid passport bearing an entry visa is required. Raja travel & tours agency makes facilities for this procedure through Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Religion: The official religion is islam with the majority of 98% and the "shie" sect is much more followed rather than "sunnis". Other known religions, are Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism against which there is no discrimination.

Language: the nation language is Persian also called farsi, which is an indo-european. The Arabic script was adopted to Persian after the introduction of islam. Turkish and Armenian are two other languages spoken in Iran by the minority. English is the best known western languages specialy around tourist spots.

How to dress: According to Islamic law and social beliefs it is necessary for all ladies to have hejab (Modest dress) a manteau and scarf will be sufficient.

Customs: All passengers entering the country can have reasonable goods of personal nature and of reasonable quantities.

All pets, must have inoculation certificates against rubies issued by consulate in the country of origin.

The following items are prohibited from entry: Alcoholic beverages, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs have server punishments, all kinds of fire-arms obscene articles and publications.

Fore those departing Iran, one piece of carpet or two rugs (12 Sqm), gold maximum 150 grams, unlimited amount of new Iranian handicrafts, reasonable quantity of cigarettes are free for export.

Banking hours and currency: Banks are open from 08:30 to 16:00 Saturday to Wednesday and 08:30 to 11:30 Thursday. Friday is a public holiday.

The unit of currency is Rial. Each 10 Rials make 1 toman.

According to the latest statistics each American Dollar is approximately equal to 8000 Iranian Rials. Foreign currencies should be declared upon arrival on a special form.

Exchange of these currencies are possible through Bank Melli of Iran. There is no limit on the amount personal funds the visitor may bring in to the country. Tourists are allowed entry with foreign bank notes and other monetary. Instruments (travel cheques and bank drafts or visa and master credit cards), provided they are declared upon arrival, departing foreign visitors may take out of the country no more than 200.000 Rls of currency.

Time: Local time of the capital, Tehran is three and half hours ahead of G.M.T.

Main holidays reports: Comfortable hotels, motels by the coast of Caspian Sea, the largest lake of the world the most attractive tourist center among Iranians, which is very famous for her Caviar all around the world. Ski reports at Dizin, Shemshak,

Ab Ali and Tochal slopes around Tehran make idea places for winter sports and mountaineering. Kish island is also one the main attractions among the population because of her location in the southern waters of the Persian Golf one can enjoy water of eager shoppers in a year.

What to buy: Fantastic handicrafts are well known all over the world for instance, tribal rugs of amazing colors and designs, carpets, hand carved silver, brass and copper trays of Isfahan, batik silk hand printed cottons. Potteries, ceramics and

glass ware, leather works, inlaid wood works and miniatures paintings.

Electricity: The electricity current in Iran is 220 Volts, as 50 Htz. electrical appliances must have two pins, and if your appliances are 110v, you will require an adaptor.