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History . . .
The tourist industry declined dramatically during the war with Iraq in the 1980s but has subsequently revived. The majority of the 300,000 tourist visas granted in 2003 were obtained by Asian Muslims, who presumably intended to visit important pilgrimage sites in Mashhad and Qom. About 1,659,000 foreign tourists visited Iran in 2004; most came from Asian countries, including the republics of Central Asia, while a small share came from the countries of the European Union and North America. Several organized tours from Germany, France, and other European countries come to Iran annually to visit archaeological sites and monuments. The government reported that in 2004 some 4 million tourists, including over 2 million Iranians on vacation, spent nearly US$2 billion in Iran, an increase of 10 percent over 2003. However, in the early 2000s the industry still faced serious limitations in infrastructure, communications, regulatory norms, and personnel training.[82] Iran currently ranks 68th in tourism revenues worldwide. Iran with attractive natural and historical sites is rated among the 10 most touristic countries in the world. Close to 1.8 percent of national employment is generated in the tourism sector which is slated to increase to 10 percent in the next five years.[83] Iranian hospitality is one of the unique and distinctive features of its people. Whether one thinks of Iran as Eden or Garden the smell of musk abounds there from friend and companion.—Ferdowsi
The first distinct people who emerge on the Iranian plateau may be were the Elamites. Elamites established a city at Shush in the far south-west of Iran. The seconds are Aryans who came to the Iran region in the second millennium BC, bringing with them some domestic and agricultural skills. It wasn't until the middle of the sixth century BC, when the Achaemenian king Cyrus the Great ruled the region for his people, (Persian history was documented). The Achaemenian Dynasty is recognized as the founder of the Persian Empire in Ancient Iran.
Tehran (The Capital City of Iran)
With nearly 9 million inhabitants (one sixth of the country's total population) in less than 20000 square kilometers, Tehran is the country's most densely populated province. The province's geographical setting includes mountains, plains and valleys with temperate climate in highlands, and semi-desert climate in the plains. The cities of Tehran. Ray, Damavand, Varamin, Karaj and ShemIranat are in the province of Tehran. |
