The Islamic Republic of Iran, formerly known as Persia, is a large country located in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is bordered to the north by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan; to the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan; to the south by the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf (across which lie Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates); to the south-west by Iraq; and to the north-west by Turkey. It is equal in size to the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany combined.

Visitors to the country may find it hard to reconcile their own experiences with the pronouncements that Iran is part of an 'axis of evil'. For culture seekers, Iran has magnificent ruins of ancient cities, plus glorious mosques and mausoleums, and museums so interesting they're bound to leave your feet sore.

The more adventurous can enjoy trekking, budget-priced skiing, or swooping off cliffs strapped to a hang-glider. For the traveller who doesn't mind covering up or forgoing alcohol and heartfelt feminist discourse, Iran has a vast amount to offer.