Historically, Iran has been referred to as Persia by the West, due mainly to the writings of Greek historians who called Iran Persis (Greek: Περσίς), meaning "land of the Persians." As the most extensive interactions the Ancient Greeks had with any outsider was with the Persians, the term persisted, even long after the Persian rule in Greece. However, Persis (Old Persian: Pārśa; Modern Persian: Pārse) was originally referred to a region settled by Persians in the west shore of Lake Urmia, in the 9th century BC. The settlement was then shifted to the southern end of the Zagros Mountains, and is today defined as Fars Province.

Which historians referred to Iran as Persis?

Greek historians

What has the West historically referred Iran as?

Persia

When did Persians settle on the west shore of Lake Urmia?

the 9th century BC

After Lake Urmia, Persis then shifted over to what region?

the southern end of the Zagros Mountains,

What is Persis known as today?

Fars Province


In 1935, Reza Shah requested the international community to refer to the country by its native name, Iran. As the New York Times explained at the time, "At the suggestion of the Persian Legation in Berlin, the Tehran government, on the Persian New Year, Nowruz, March 21, 1935, substituted Iran for Persia as the official name of the country." Opposition to the name change led to the reversal of the decision, and Professor Ehsan Yarshater, editor of Encyclopædia Iranica, propagated a move to use Persia and Iran interchangeably. Today, both Persia and Iran are used in cultural contexts; although, Iran is the name used officially in political contexts.

When did Reza Shan request that Iran officially be referred to as Iran and not Persia?

Which newspaper reported the official name request in 1935?

New York Times

Who endorsed a move to use Persia and Iran interchangeably after opposition to the official name change?

Professor Ehsan Yarshater

Which name is officially used politically?

Iran


The earliest archaeological artifacts in Iran, like those excavated at the Kashafrud and Ganj Par sites, attest to a human presence in Iran since the Lower Paleolithic era, c. 800,000–200,000 BC. Iran's Neanderthal artifacts from the Middle Paleolithic period, c. 200,000–40,000 BC, have been found mainly in the Zagros region, at sites such as Warwasi and Yafteh Cave.[page needed] Around 10th to 8th millennium BC, early agricultural communities such as Chogha Golan and Chogha Bonut began to flourish in Iran, as well as Susa and Chogha Mish developing in and around the Zagros region.[page needed]

How long ago were the earliest artifacts from that were evidence of humans in Iran?

the Lower Paleolithic era, c. 800,000–200,000 BC

What region of Iran did Neanderthal artifacts from the Middle Paleolithic Period were found?

the Zagros region

When did early agricultural communities in Iran begin to appear and prosper?

10th to 8th millennium BC

What were dug up from the archaeological sites Kashafrud and Ganj Par in Iran?

The earliest archaeological artifacts in Iran


The emergence of Susa as a city, as determined by radiocarbon dating, dates back to early 4,395 BC. There are dozens of prehistoric sites across the Iranian plateau, pointing to the existence of ancient cultures and urban settlements in the 4th millennium BC. During the Bronze Age, Iran was home to several civilizations including Elam, Jiroft, and Zayande River. Elam, the most prominent of these civilizations, developed in the southwest of Iran, alongside those in Mesopotamia. The emergence of writing in Elam was paralleled to Sumer, and the Elamite cuneiform was developed since the 3rd millennium BC.

What ancient city dates back as early as 4395 BC in Iran?

Susa

How long ago did ancient cultures and settlements exist across the Iranian plateau?

the 4th millennium BC

During what Age was Iran the site of several of these ancient civilizations?

Bronze Age

Which ancient civilization in Iran during the 4th Millenium was the most prominent?

Elam

Elam's writing system had paralleled Sumer's cuneiform since what era?

the 3rd millennium BC


From the late 10th to late 7th centuries BC, the Iranian peoples, together with the pre-Iranian kingdoms, fell under the domination of the Assyrian Empire, based in northern Mesopotamia. Under king Cyaxares, the Medes and Persians entered into an alliance with Nabopolassar of Babylon, as well as the Scythians and the Cimmerians, and together they attacked the Assyrian Empire. The civil war ravaged the Assyrian Empire between 616 BC and 605 BC, thus freeing their respective peoples from three centuries of Assyrian rule. The unification of the Median tribes under a single ruler in 728 BC led to the foundation of the Median Empire which, by 612 BC, controlled the whole Iran and the eastern Anatolia. This marked the end of the Kingdom of Urartu as well, which was subsequently conquered and dissolved.

Who dominated the area of Irea between the 10th Century BC to the late 7th Century BC?

the Assyrian Empire

Who lead the Persians into a coalition with the Medes, Babylon, Scythians, and Cimmerians to fight against the Assyrians?

king Cyaxares

When did this Civil War take place to free the Iranian peoples from Assyrian rule?

between 616 BC and 605 BC

How long did the Assyrian Empire control and rule Iran?

three centuries

When did the Median tribes unify under a single ruler to form the Median Empire?

728 BC


In 550 BC, Cyrus the Great, son of Mandane and Cambyses I, took over the Median Empire, and founded the Achaemenid Empire by unifying other city states. The conquest of Media was a result of what is called the Persian Revolt. The brouhaha was initially triggered by the actions of the Median ruler Astyages, and was quickly spread to other provinces, as they allied with the Persians. Later conquests under Cyrus and his successors expanded the empire to include Lydia, Babylon, Egypt, parts of the Balkans and Eastern Europe proper, as well as the lands to the west of the Indus and Oxus rivers.

Who founded the Achaemenid Empire when the city states in Iran came together in unification?

Cyrus the Great

When did Cyrus the Great found the Achaemenid Empire?

550 BC

Who triggered the Persian Revolt?

the Median ruler Astyages

What resulted from the Persian Revolt?

The conquest of Media


At its greatest extent, the Achaemenid Empire included the modern territories of Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, much of the Black Sea coastal regions, northeastern Greece and southern Bulgaria (Thrace), northern Greece and Macedonia (Paeonia and Ancient Macedon), Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, all significant ancient population centers of ancient Egypt as far west as Libya, Kuwait, northern Saudi Arabia, parts of the UAE and Oman, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and much of Central Asia, making it the first world government and the largest empire the world had yet seen.

What was the first world goverment the world had seen at the time it existed?

the Achaemenid Empire

What was the largest empire the world had seen at the time it existed?

the Achaemenid Empire

What sea did the Achaemenid Empire control the majority of the coastal regions of?

the Black Sea

The Achaemenid Empire expanded into what part of Asia?

Central Asia

The Achaemenid Empire controlled all of the significant settlements of what ancient country during its greatest extent?

ancient Egypt


It is estimated that in 480 BC, 50 million people lived in the Achaemenid Empire. The empire at its peak ruled over 44% of the world's population, the highest such figure for any empire in history. In Greek history, the Achaemenid Empire is considered as the antagonist of the Greek city states, for the emancipation of slaves including the Jewish exiles in Babylon, building infrastructures such as road and postal systems, and the use of an official language, the Imperial Aramaic, throughout its territories. The empire had a centralized, bureaucratic administration under the emperor, a large professional army, and civil services, inspiring similar developments in later empires. Furthermore, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, was built in the empire between 353 and 350 BC.

The Achaemenid Empire was the known enemy of what nation's histories during its existence?

the Greek city states

How many people lived in the Archaemenid Empire in 480BC?

50 million people

The Achaemenid Empire had what percentage of the word's population in 480BC?

44% of the world's population

What was the Achaemenid Empire's official language?

Imperial Aramaic

What Seven Wonder of the Ancient world was built by the Archaemenid Empire in the 4th Century BC?

the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus


In 334 BC, Alexander the Great invaded the Achaemenid Empire, defeating the last Achaemenid emperor, Darius III, at the Battle of Issus. Following the premature death of Alexander, Iran came under the control of the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire. In the middle of the 2nd century BC, the Parthian Empire rose to become the main power in Iran, and the century-long geopolitical arch-rivalry between Romans and Parthians began, culminating in the Roman–Parthian Wars. The Parthian Empire continued as a feudal monarchy for nearly five centuries, until 224 CE, when it was succeeded by the Sassanid Empire. Together with their neighboring arch-rival, the Roman-Byzantines, they made up the world's two most dominant powers at the time, for over four centuries.

Who invaded the Archaemenid Empire in 334BC?

Alexander the Great

Who was the last Archaemenid Emperor at the time of its defeat by Alexander the Great?

Darius III

Who controlled the Archaemenid Empire after Alexander the Great died prematurely?

the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire

When did the Parthian Empire rise to become the main power in Iran?

In the middle of the 2nd century BC

When did the Sassanid Empire succeed the Parthian Empire in control of Iran?

224 CE


The prolonged Byzantine-Sassanid Wars, most importantly the climactic Byzantine-Sassanid War of 602-628, as well as the social conflict within the Sassanid Empire, opened the way for an Arab invasion to Iran in the 7th century. Initially defeated by the Arab Rashidun Caliphate, Iran came under the rule of the Arab caliphates of Umayyad and Abbasid. The prolonged and gradual process of the Islamization of Iran began following the conquest. Under the new Arab elite of the Rashidun and later the Umayyad caliphates, both converted (mawali) and non-converted (dhimmi) Iranians were discriminated against, being excluded from the government and military, and having to pay a special tax called Jizya. Gunde Shapur, home of the Academy of Gunde Shapur which was the most important medical center of the world at the time, survived after the invasion, but became known as an Islamic institute thereafter.

What wars in the 600s CE lead to the weakening of Iran and a subsequent invasion by the Arabs?

Byzantine-Sassanid Wars

When did the Arabs invade Iran?

the 7th century

Which Arab Caliphate defeated Iran first?

Arab Rashidun Caliphate

What special tax did the discriminated Iranians - both converted and nonconverted - have to pay?

Jizya

What academy was the most important medical center of the world at the time and became Islamicized after the Arab invasions?

Academy of Gunde Shapur


The blossoming literature, philosophy, medicine, and art of Iran became major elements in the formation of a new age for the Iranian civilization, during the period known as the Islamic Golden Age. The Islamic Golden Age reached its peak by the 10th and 11th centuries, during which Iran was the main theater of the scientific activities. After the 10th century, Persian language, alongside Arabic, was used for the scientific, philosophical, historical, musical, and medical works, whereas the important Iranian writers, such as Tusi, Avicenna, Qotb od Din Shirazi, and Biruni, had major contributions in the scientific writing.

What period was known for an era where Iranian civilization blossomed and peaked?

the Islamic Golden Age

When did the Islamic Golden Age reach its zenith?

by the 10th and 11th centuries

Where was the main area where the peak of scientific activity take place during the Islamic Golden Age?

Iran

Prominent Iranian writers during this time of the Islamic Golden Age contributed to what area of writing?

scientific writing


The 10th century saw a mass migration of Turkic tribes from Central Asia into the Iranian plateau. Turkic tribesmen were first used in the Abbasid army as mamluks (slave-warriors), replacing Iranian and Arab elements within the army. As a result, the mamluks gained a significant political power. In 999, large portions of Iran came briefly under the rule of the Ghaznavids, whose rulers were of mamluk Turk origin, and longer subsequently under the Turkish Seljuk and Khwarezmian empires. These Turks had been Persianized and had adopted Persian models of administration and rulership. The Seljuks subsequently gave rise to the Sultanate of Rum in Anatolia, while taking their thoroughly Persianized identity with them. The result of the adoption and patronage of Persian culture by Turkish rulers was the development of a distinct Turko-Persian tradition.

What tribes migranted en masse to the Iranian plateau in the 10th Century?

Turkic tribes

Where did these Turkic tribes come from before the migrated into Iran in the 10th Century?

Central Asia

The Abbasid army replaced Iranian and Arabic men with Turkic tribesmen as what element in their army?

mamluks (slave-warriors)

In what year did the Ghaznavids briefly control large portions of Iran?

How were the Ghaznavids different from the original Turkics that migrated into Iran?

These Turks had been Persianized and had adopted Persian models of administration and rulership


Following the fracture of the Mongol Empire in 1256, Hulagu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, established the Ilkhanate in Iran. In 1370, yet another conqueror, Timur, followed the example of Hulagu, establishing the Timurid Empire which lasted for another 156 years. In 1387, Timur ordered the complete massacre of Isfahan, reportedly killing 70,000 citizens. The Ilkhans and the Timurids soon came to adopt the ways and customs of the Iranians, choosing to surround themselves with a culture that was distinctively Iranian.

Who established an Ilkhanate in Iran after the break up of the Mongol Empire in 1256?

Hulagu Khan

Timur established the Timurid Empire in Iran in what year?

How long did the Timurid empire last in Iran?

156 years

How many citizens were massacred in Isfahan by Timur in 1387?

70,000 citizens

The Ilkhans and Tumrids had what type of culture when ruling Iran?

a culture that was distinctively Iranian


By the 1500s, Ismail I from Ardabil, established the Safavid Dynasty, with Tabriz as the capital. Beginning with Azerbaijan, he subsequently extended his authority over all of the Iranian territories, and established an intermittent Iranian hegemony over the vast relative regions, reasserting the Iranian identity within large parts of the Greater Iran. Iran was predominantly Sunni, but Ismail instigated a forced conversion to the Shia branch of Islam, by which the Shia Islam spread throughout the Safavid territories in the Caucasus, Iran, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia. As a result, thereof, the modern-day Iran is the only official Shia nation of the world, with it holding an absolute majority in Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, having there the 1st and 2nd highest number of Shia inhabitants by population percentage in the world.

Who established the Safavid Dynasty?

Ismail I from Ardabil

What was the capital of the Safavid Dynasty?

Tabriz

Ismail I forced a conversion to what Islamic branch?

Shia Islam

What country is currently the only official Shia nation of the world?

Iran


The centuries-long geopolitical and ideological rivalry between Safavid Iran and the neighboring Ottoman Empire, led to numerous Ottoman–Persian Wars. The Safavid Era peaked in the reign of Abbas the Great, 1587–1629, surpassing their Ottoman arch rivals in strength, and making the empire a leading hub in Western Eurasia for the sciences and arts. The Safavid Era saw the start of mass integration from Caucasian populations into new layers of the society of Iran, as well as mass resettlement of them within the heartlands of Iran, playing a pivotal role in the history of Iran for centuries onwards. Following a gradual decline in the late 1600s and early 1700s, which was caused by the internal conflicts, the continuous wars with the Ottomans, and the foreign interference (most notably the Russian interference), the Safavid rule was ended by the Pashtun rebels who besieged Isfahan and defeated Soltan Hosein in 1722.

What Empire neighbored and had a rivalry with Safavid Iran?

Ottoman Empire

Safavid Iran peaked during whose reign?

Abbas the Great

When did the Safavid Empire peak?

Who ended Safavid power in Iran in 1722?

Pashtun rebels

Who was the last Safavid ruler who was defeated in 1722 by the Pashtuns in Isfahan?

Soltan Hosein


In 1729, Nader Shah, a chieftain and military genius from Khorasan, successfully drove out and conquered the Pashtun invaders. He subsequently took back the annexed Caucasian territories which were divided among the Ottoman and Russian authorities by the ongoing chaos in Iran. During the reign of Nader Shah, Iran reached its greatest extent since the Sassanid Empire, reestablishing the Iranian hegemony all over the Caucasus, as well as other major parts of the west and central Asia, and briefly possessing what was arguably the most powerful empire at the time.

In what year were the Pashtuns defeated and driven out of Iran?

Who drove out the Pashtuns from Iran in 1729?

Nader Shah

Where was Nader Shan from?

Khorasan

Nader Shah expanded Iranian power to its highest peak since what Empire?

the Sassanid Empire

Nader Shah took back what territories that were annexed by the Ottomans and the Russians?

Caucasian territories


Another civil war ensued after the death of Karim Khan in 1779, out of which Aqa Mohammad Khan emerged, founding the Qajar Dynasty in 1794. In 1795, following the disobedience of the Georgian subjects and their alliance with the Russians, the Qajars captured Tblisi by the Battle of Krtsanisi, and drove the Russians out of the entire Caucasus, reestablishing a short-lived Iranian suzerainty over the region. The Russo-Persian wars of 1804–1813 and 1826–1828 resulted in large irrevocable territorial losses for Iran in the Caucasus, comprising all of Transcaucasia and Dagestan, which made part of the very concept of Iran for centuries, and thus substantial gains for the neighboring Russian Empire.

Whose death in 1779 led to a civil war in Iran?

Karim Khan

Who founded the following Qajar Empire in 1794?

Aqa Mohammad Khan

The Qajars defeated the Russians at what battle to take over Tblisi?

Battle of Krtsanisi

The Qajars drove the Russians out of what entire region?

the entire Caucasus

Iran lost territory in the Caucasus during what wars in the early 1800s?

Russo-Persian wars


As a result of the 19th century Russo-Persian wars, the Russians took over the Caucasus, and Iran irrevocably lost control over its integral territories in the region (comprising modern-day Dagestan, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan), which got confirmed per the treaties of Gulistan and Turkmenchay. The area to the north of the river Aras, among which the contemporary Republic of Azerbaijan, eastern Georgia, Dagestan, and Armenia, were Iranian territory until they were occupied by Russia in the course of the 19th century.

What wars resulted in Iran losing control of the Caucasus to the Russians?

the 19th century Russo-Persian wars

What region consisting of Dagestan, Georgia, Armenia, & Azerbaijan did Iran lose control of to the Russians?

the Caucasus

The Gulistan and Turkmenchay treaties between Iran and Russia confirmed what?

Iran irrevocably lost control over its integral territories in the region

What century did Iran lose the Caucasus to Russia?

the 19th century


Between 1872 and 1905, a series of protests took place in response to the sale of concessions to foreigners by Nasser od Din and Mozaffar od Din shahs of Qajar, and led to the Iranian Constitutional Revolution. The first Iranian Constitution and the first national parliament of Iran were founded in 1906, through the ongoing revolution. The Constitution included the official recognition of Iran's three religious minorities, namely Christians, Zoroastrians, and Jews, which has remained a basis in the legislation of Iran since then.

When did a series of protests over foreign concessions sales in Iran occur?

Between 1872 and 1905

What resulted from the series of protests in Iran over foreign concessions sales?

the Iranian Constitutional Revolution

The first national parliament of Iran was founded in what year?

in 1906

The first Constitution of Iran was founded in what year?

in 1906

The Iranian Constitution did what for Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians in Iran?

official recognition of Iran's three religious minorities


The struggle related to the constitutional movement continued until 1911, when Mohammad Ali Shah was defeated and forced to abdicate. On the pretext of restoring order, the Russians occupied Northern Iran in 1911, and maintained a military presence in the region for years to come. During World War I, the British occupied much of Western Iran, and fully withdrew in 1921. The Persian Campaign commenced furthermore during World War I in Northwestern Iran after an Ottoman invasion, as part of the Middle Eastern Theatre of World War I. As a result of Ottoman hostilities across the border, a large amount of the Assyrians of Iran were massacred by the Ottoman armies, notably in and around Urmia. Apart from the rule of Aqa Mohammad Khan, the Qajar rule is characterized as a century of misrule.

The constitutional movement in Iran lasted from 1906 until what year?

until 1911

Who was defeated and forced to abdicate at the end of the Iranian constitutional movement?

Mohammad Ali Shah

In 1911, Russians occupied Northern Iran under what pretext?

restoring order

The British occupied Western Iran from World War 1 until finally withdrawing in what year?

Who massacred many Assyrian Iranians around Urmia during World War 1?

Ottoman armies


In 1941, Reza Shah was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and established the Persian Corridor, a massive supply route that would last until the end of the ongoing war. The presence of so many foreign troops in the nation also culminated in the Soviet-backed establishment of two puppet regimes in the nation; the Azerbaijan People's Government, and the Republic of Mahabad. As the Soviet Union refused to relinquish the occupied Iranian territory, the Iran crisis of 1946 was followed, which particularly resulted in the dissolution of both puppet states, and the withdrawal of the Soviets.

When was Reza Shah forced to abdicate in Iran?

Who succeeded Reza Shah after his abdication?

his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi established what enormous supply route during World War 2?

the Persian Corridor

Who backed two puppet regimes in/around Iran during WWII?

the Soviet Union

What happened which ended in two puppet states dissolving and Soviet withdrawal out of Iran after WWII?

the Iran crisis of 1946


Due to the 1973 spike in oil prices, the economy of Iran was flooded with foreign currency, which caused inflation. By 1974, the economy of Iran was experiencing double digit inflation, and despite many large projects to modernize the country, corruption was rampant and caused large amounts of waste. By 1975 and 1976, an economic recession led to increased unemployment, especially among millions of youth who had migrated to the cities of Iran looking for construction jobs during the boom years of the early 1970s. By the late 1970s, many of these people opposed the Shah's regime and began to organize and join the protests against it.

What year did oil price spikes in Iran lead to inflation?

What caused inflation to Iran's economy during the oil price spike in 1973?

economy of Iran was flooded with foreign currency

Iran's inflation led to what in 1975-1976?

an economic recession

Why did millions of youth migrate to the urban areas of Iran in the mid 1970s?

construction jobs

Due to increased unemployment, who mainly opposed the Shah's regime?

millions of youth who had migrated to the cities


The immediate nationwide uprisings against the new government began by the 1979 Kurdish rebellion with the Khuzestan uprisings, along with the uprisings in Sistan and Baluchestan Province and other areas. Over the next several years, these uprisings were subdued in a violent manner by the new Islamic government. The new government went about purging itself of the non-Islamist political opposition. Although both nationalists and Marxists had initially joined with Islamists to overthrow the Shah, tens of thousands were executed by the Islamic government afterward.

The new Iranian government following the Shah's downfall dealt with the Kurdish rebellion in what year?

How did the new Iranian government handle the rebellions and uprisings following their rise to power?

in a violent manner

The new Iranian government purged itself of what political opposition?

non-Islamist

What happened to the nationalists and Marxists that had helped the Islamic ruling government to depose the Shah?

were executed


On November 4, 1979, a group of students seized the United States Embassy and took the embassy with 52 personnel and citizens hostage, after the United States refused to return Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to Iran to face trial in the court of the new regime. Attempts by the Jimmy Carter administration to negotiate for the release of the hostages, and a failed rescue attempt, helped force Carter out of office and brought Ronald Reagan to power. On Jimmy Carter's final day in office, the last hostages were finally set free as a result of the Algiers Accords.

When was the US Embassy in Iran seized?

November 4, 1979

Who seized the US Embassy in Iran in 1979?

a group of students

How many hostages were taken in the US Embassy seizure?

52 personnel and citizens

Who won the 1980 US Presidential Elections after President Carter's repeated failed attempts to resolve the US Iranian Embassy situation?

Ronald Reagan

ALl of the hostages were completely freed as the result of what treaty?

Algiers Accords


On September 22, 1980, the Iraqi army invaded the Iranian Khuzestan, and the Iran–Iraq War began. Although the forces of Saddam Hussein made several early advances, by mid 1982, the Iranian forces successfully managed to drive the Iraqi army back into Iraq. In July 1982, with Iraq thrown on the defensive, Iran took the decision to invade Iraq and conducted countless offensives in a bid to conquer Iraqi territory and capture cities, such as Basra. The war continued until 1988, when the Iraqi army defeated the Iranian forces inside Iraq and pushed the remaining Iranian troops back across the border. Subsequently, Khomeini accepted a truce mediated by the UN. The total Iranian casualties in the war were estimated to be 123,220–160,000 KIA, 60,711 MIA, and 11,000–16,000 civilians killed.

Who invaded Iran in 1980?

the Iraqi army

When did the Iranian army push the Iraqis back into Iraq?

mid 1982

When did the Iran-Iraq War finally end?

Who mediated the truce which ended the Iran-Iraq War?

the UN

How many civilians in Iran were killed during the Iran-Iraq War?


Iran has an area of 1,648,195 km2 (636,372 sq mi). Iran lies between latitudes 24° and 40° N, and longitudes 44° and 64° E. Its borders are with Azerbaijan (611 km or 380 mi, with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave, 179 km or 111 mi) and Armenia (35 km or 22 mi) to the north-west; the Caspian Sea to the north; Turkmenistan (992 km or 616 mi) to the north-east; Pakistan (909 km or 565 mi) and Afghanistan (936 km or 582 mi) to the east; Turkey (499 km or 310 mi) and Iraq (1,458 km or 906 mi) to the west; and finally the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the south.

What is the size of Iran?

1,648,195 km2 (636,372 sq mi)

What latitudes does Iran lie between?

24° and 40° N

What longitudes does Iran lie between?

44° and 64° E

Where does Iran border the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman?

to the south

What does Iran border with to its north?

the Caspian Sea


Iran consists of the Iranian Plateau with the exception of the coasts of the Caspian Sea and Khuzestan Province. It is one of the world's most mountainous countries, its landscape dominated by rugged mountain ranges that separate various basins or plateaux from one another. The populous western part is the most mountainous, with ranges such as the Caucasus, Zagros and Alborz Mountains; the last contains Iran's highest point, Mount Damavand at 5,610 m (18,406 ft), which is also the highest mountain on the Eurasian landmass west of the Hindu Kush.

Iran's landscape is dominated by what geographical feature?

rugged mountain ranges

What is Iran's highest mountain?

Mount Damavand

How tall is Mount Damavand?

5,610 m (18,406 ft)

Mount Damavand is located in what range?

Alborz Mountains


Iran's climate ranges from arid or semiarid, to subtropical along the Caspian coast and the northern forests. On the northern edge of the country (the Caspian coastal plain) temperatures rarely fall below freezing and the area remains humid for the rest of the year. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 29 °C (84.2 °F). Annual precipitation is 680 mm (26.8 in) in the eastern part of the plain and more than 1,700 mm (66.9 in) in the western part. United Nations Resident Coordinator for Iran Gary Lewis has said that "Water scarcity poses the most severe human security challenge in Iran today".

Iran's climate along its Capsian coast and northen forests is?

subtropical

During what season does Iran's northern region's temperatures never go higher than 29c?

Summer

What is the annual precipitation in Iran's eastern plains?

680 mm (26.8 in)

What is the annual precipitation in Iran's western plains?

1,700 mm (66.9 in)

According to Gary Lewis of the UN, what is the most pressing human security challenge in Iran?

Water scarcity


To the west, settlements in the Zagros basin experience lower temperatures, severe winters with below zero average daily temperatures and heavy snowfall. The eastern and central basins are arid, with less than 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain, and have occasional deserts. Average summer temperatures rarely exceed 38 °C (100.4 °F). The coastal plains of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in southern Iran have mild winters, and very humid and hot summers. The annual precipitation ranges from 135 to 355 mm (5.3 to 14.0 in).

In Iran's western Zagros Basin, what are the average daily temperatures during winter?

below zero

In Iran's western Zagros Basin, temperatures do not exceed what level during the summer?

38 °C (100.4 °F)

The eastern and central basins of Iran experience how much annual precipitation?

less than 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain

What is the coastal plains of Iran's annual precipitation ranges?

135 to 355 mm (5.3 to 14.0 in)


At least 74 species of Iranian wildlife are on the red list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, a sign of serious threats against the country’s biodiversity. The Iranian Parliament has been showing disregard for wildlife by passing laws and regulations such as the act that lets the Ministry of Industries and Mines exploit mines without the involvement of the Department of Environment, and by approving large national development projects without demanding comprehensive study of their impact on wildlife habitats.

How many species of Iranian wildlife are listed by the IUCN as endangered?

74 species

The Iranian Parliament lets who exploit mines without guidance from the Department of the Environment?

Ministry of Industries and Mines

The Iranian Parliament does not demand environmental impact studies before approving what projects?

large national development projects

The Iranian Parliament passes legislation without the involvement of what department to the detriment of wildlife?

Department of Environment


Shiraz, with a population of around 1.4 million (2011 census), is the sixth major city of Iran. It is the capital of Fars Province, and was also a former capital of Iran. The area was greatly influenced by the Babylonian civilization, and after the emergence of the ancient Persians, soon came to be known as Persis. Persians were present in the region since the 9th century BC, and became rulers of a large empire under the reign of the Achaemenid Dynasty in the 6th century BC. The ruins of Persepolis and Pasargadae, two of the four capitals of the Achaemenid Empire, are located around the modern-day city of Shiraz.

What is the sixth most populous city of Iran?

Shiraz

What is Shiraz' population by the 2011 Census?

1.4 million

Shiraz is the capital of what Province?

Fars Province

What ancient civilization has majorly influenced the Fars Province?

Babylonian civilization

Persians have been in the Fars Province since what century?

9th century BC


The political system of the Islamic Republic is based on the 1979 Constitution, and comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. The Leader of the Revolution ("Supreme Leader") is responsible for delineation and supervision of the general policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Supreme Leader is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, controls the military intelligence and security operations, and has sole power to declare war or peace. The heads of the judiciary, state radio and television networks, the commanders of the police and military forces and six of the twelve members of the Guardian Council are appointed by the Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts elects and dismisses the Supreme Leader on the basis of qualifications and popular esteem.

The Iranina Islamic Republic is based on what document?

the 1979 Constitution

What is the Leader of the Revolution also known as?

Supreme Leader

Who is the Commander in Chief of the Iranian Army?

The Supreme Leader

The Supreme Leader appoints how many members of the Guardian Council?

six

Who is responsible for electing and dismissing the Supreme Leader?

The Assembly of Experts


The President is responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and for the exercise of executive powers, except for matters directly related to the Supreme Leader, who has the final say in all matters. The President appoints and supervises the Council of Ministers, coordinates government decisions, and selects government policies to be placed before the legislature. Eight Vice-Presidents serve under the President, as well as a cabinet of twenty-two ministers, who must all be approved by the legislature.

In Iran, who has the final say in all matters directly related to the Supreme Leader?

the Supreme Leader

Who exercises exective powers in Iran?

The President

The Council of Ministers is appointed and supervised by who?

The President

How many Vice-Presidents serve under the President in Iran?

Eight

The legislature approves the 8 vice presidents and how many cabinet members?

twenty-two


The Guardian Council comprises twelve jurists including six appointed by the Supreme Leader. The others are elected by the Iranian Parliament from among the jurists nominated by the Head of the Judiciary. The Council interprets the constitution and may veto Parliament. If a law is deemed incompatible with the constitution or Sharia (Islamic law), it is referred back to Parliament for revision. The Expediency Council has the authority to mediate disputes between Parliament and the Guardian Council, and serves as an advisory body to the Supreme Leader, making it one of the most powerful governing bodies in the country. Local city councils are elected by public vote to four-year terms in all cities and villages of Iran.

How many jurists are in the Guardian Council?

twelve jurists

Who can veto Parliament?

The Guardian Council

What Council acts as a mediator when there are disputes between the Parliament and the Guardian Council?

The Expediency Council

How long are the terms of local city councils that are present in all Iranian cities and villages?

four-year terms

Who is responsible for interpreting the Constitution?

The Guardian Council


The Special Clerical Court handles crimes allegedly committed by clerics, although it has also taken on cases involving lay people. The Special Clerical Court functions independently of the regular judicial framework and is accountable only to the Supreme Leader. The Court's rulings are final and cannot be appealed. The Assembly of Experts, which meets for one week annually, comprises 86 "virtuous and learned" clerics elected by adult suffrage for eight-year terms. As with the presidential and parliamentary elections, the Guardian Council determines candidates' eligibility. The Assembly elects the Supreme Leader and has the constitutional authority to remove the Supreme Leader from power at any time. It has not challenged any of the Supreme Leader's decisions.

When crimes are committed by clerics, who handles the cases?

The Special Clerical Court

The Special Clerical Court is accountable to only which body?

the Supreme Leader

How often does the Assembly of Experts meet?

one week annually

The Assembly of Experts has how many clerics?

Which body can remove the Supreme Leader at any time by constitutional right?

The Assembly of Experts


Since 2005, Iran's nuclear program has become the subject of contention with the international community following earlier quotes of Iranian leadership favoring the use of an atomic bomb against Iran's enemies and in particular Israel. Many countries have expressed concern that Iran's nuclear program could divert civilian nuclear technology into a weapons program. This has led the UN Security Council to impose sanctions against Iran which had further isolated Iran politically and economically from the rest of the global community. In 2009, the US Director of National Intelligence said that Iran, if choosing to, would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon until 2013.

Iran's nuclear program has caused discord within the international community since when?

Since 2005

Which country did Iran's leadership was quoted as being a possible target of its atomic weapons?

Israel

Who imposed sanctions against Iran as a result of Iran's nuclear program?

UN Security Council

When was it estimated by the US Director of National Intelligence that Iran would be able to develop a nuclear weapon?


Iran has a paramilitary, volunteer militia force within the IRGC, called the Basij, which includes about 90,000 full-time, active-duty uniformed members. Up to 11 million men and women are members of the Basij who could potentially be called up for service; GlobalSecurity.org estimates Iran could mobilize "up to one million men". This would be among the largest troop mobilizations in the world. In 2007, Iran's military spending represented 2.6% of the GDP or $102 per capita, the lowest figure of the Persian Gulf nations. Iran's military doctrine is based on deterrence. In 2014 arms spending the country spent $15 billion and was outspent by the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council by a factor of 13.

What is Iran's volunteer militia force named?

the Basij

How many full-time members does the Basij have?

How many members in total does the Basij have?

Up to 11 million men and women

In 2007 what was Iran spending 2.6% of its GDP on?

military spending

In 2014, Iran spent how much on weapons spending?

$15 billion


Since the 1979 Revolution, to overcome foreign embargoes, Iran has developed its own military industry, produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, guided missiles, submarines, military vessels, guided missile destroyer, radar systems, helicopters and fighter planes. In recent years, official announcements have highlighted the development of weapons such as the Hoot, Kowsar, Zelzal, Fateh-110, Shahab-3 and Sejjil missiles, and a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Fajr-3 (MIRV) is currently Iran's most advanced ballistic missile, it is a liquid fuel missile with an undisclosed range which was developed and produced domestically.

What is Iran's most advanced missile?

The Fajr-3 (MIRV)

Since when has Iran developed its domestic military infrastructure?

1979 Revolution

Why did Iran have to build its own military hardware, vehicles, and weapons after the 1979 Revolution?

foreign embargoes

The Fajr-3 missile uses what type of propulsion system?

liquid fuel


In 2006, about 45% of the government's budget came from oil and natural gas revenues, and 31% came from taxes and fees. As of 2007[update], Iran had earned $70 billion in foreign exchange reserves mostly (80%) from crude oil exports. Iranian budget deficits have been a chronic problem, mostly due to large-scale state subsidies, that include foodstuffs and especially gasoline, totaling more than $84 billion in 2008 for the energy sector alone. In 2010, the economic reform plan was approved by parliament to cut subsidies gradually and replace them with targeted social assistance. The objective is to move towards free market prices in a 5-year period and increase productivity and social justice.

By 2007, Iran's crude oil exports resulted in how much of its foreign exchange currency?

$70 billion

What is a main cause of Iran's constant budget deficits?

large-scale state subsidies

In 2008, how much was Iran's state subsidy in its energy sector?

more than $84 billion

What year did Iran pass an economic reform plan that would replace subsidies with targeted social assistance programs?

How much of Iran's budget came from oil and natural gas reserves in 2006?

about 45%


The administration continues to follow the market reform plans of the previous one and indicated that it will diversify Iran's oil-reliant economy. Iran has also developed a biotechnology, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals industry. However, nationalized industries such as the bonyads have often been managed badly, making them ineffective and uncompetitive with years. Currently, the government is trying to privatize these industries, and, despite successes, there are still several problems to be overcome, such as the lagging corruption in the public sector and lack of competitiveness. In 2010, Iran was ranked 69, out of 139 nations, in the Global Competitiveness Report.

What is a main goal of Iran's market reform plans?

diversify Iran's oil-reliant economy

What Iranian nationalized industry has been noncompetitive and managed badly?

the bonyads

What, along with a lack of competition, has held back Iran's nationalized industries?

lagging corruption in the public sector

The Global COmpetitiveness Report in 2010 ranked Iran where out of 139 countries?

ranked 69


Economic sanctions against Iran, such as the embargo against Iranian crude oil, have affected the economy. Sanctions have led to a steep fall in the value of the rial, and as of April 2013 one US dollar is worth 36,000 rial, compared with 16,000 in early 2012. Following a successful implementation of the 2015 nuclear and sanctions relief deal, the resulting benefits might not be distributed evenly across the Iranian economy as political elites such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have garnered more resources and economic interests.

How much was 1 US Dollar worth in Iranian Rials in early 2012?

How much was 1 US Dollar worth in Iranian Rials in April 2013?

What year did a nuclear and sanctions relief deal happen for Iran?

What economic sanction against Iranian crude oil has adversely affected the Iranian economy?

embargo

What would possibly prevent the even spread of relief benefits from Iran's nuclear and sanctions deal of 2015?

the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps


Alongside the capital, the most popular tourist destinations are Isfahan, Mashhad and Shiraz. In the early 2000s, the industry faced serious limitations in infrastructure, communications, industry standards and personnel training. 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. Several organized tours from Germany, France and other European countries come to Iran annually to visit archaeological sites and monuments. In 2003, Iran ranked 68th in tourism revenues worldwide. According to UNESCO and the deputy head of research for Iran Travel and Tourism Organization (ITTO), Iran is rated 4th among the top 10 destinations in the Middle East. Domestic tourism in Iran is one of the largest in the world. Weak advertising, unstable regional conditions, a poor public image in some parts of the world, and absence of efficient planning schemes in the tourism sector have all hindered the growth of tourism.

What does Teheran, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Shiraz have in common?

the most popular tourist destinations

How many tourist visas were granted in 2003?

Which group made up the majority of granted tourist visas in 2003?

Asian Muslims

In 2003, what was Iran's worldwide rank in tourism revenues?

ranked 68th

What was Iran's rank in the top 10 Middle East destinations according to UNESCO?

rated 4th


Iran has the second largest proved gas reserves in the world after Russia, with 33.6 trillion cubic metres, and third largest natural gas production in the world after Indonesia, and Russia. It also ranks fourth in oil reserves with an estimated 153,600,000,000 barrels. It is OPEC's 2nd largest oil exporter and is an energy superpower. In 2005, Iran spent US$4 billion on fuel imports, because of contraband and inefficient domestic use. Oil industry output averaged 4 million barrels per day (640,000 m3/d) in 2005, compared with the peak of six million barrels per day reached in 1974. In the early years of the 2000s (decade), industry infrastructure was increasingly inefficient because of technological lags. Few exploratory wells were drilled in 2005.

How much natural gas reserves does Iran have?

33.6 trillion cubic metres

What is Iran ranked in the world in proved gas reserves?

second largest

How much oil reserves does Iran have?

153,600,000,000 barrels

Where does Iran rank in OPEC's top oil exporting nations?

2nd largest

How much did Iran spend in oil imports in 2005?

US$4 billion


In 2004, a large share of natural gas reserves in Iran were untapped. The addition of new hydroelectric stations and the streamlining of conventional coal and oil-fired stations increased installed capacity to 33,000 megawatts. Of that amount, about 75% was based on natural gas, 18% on oil, and 7% on hydroelectric power. In 2004, Iran opened its first wind-powered and geothermal plants, and the first solar thermal plant is to come online in 2009. Iran is the third country in the world to have developed GTL technology.

When did Iran open its first wind-powered plants?

When did Iran open its first geothermal plants?

How much did Iran's installed capacity of power increase to after it added new hydroelectric power in 2004?

33,000 megawatts

How much of Iran's 33k megawatt installed capacity was based on natural gas?

How much of Iran's 33k megawatt installed capacity was based on oil?


Iranian scientists outside Iran have also made some major contributions to science. In 1960, Ali Javan co-invented the first gas laser, and fuzzy set theory was introduced by Lotfi Zadeh. Iranian cardiologist, Tofy Mussivand invented and developed the first artificial cardiac pump, the precursor of the artificial heart. Furthering research and treatment of diabetes, HbA1c was discovered by Samuel Rahbar. Iranian physics is especially strong in string theory, with many papers being published in Iran. Iranian-American string theorist Kamran Vafa proposed the Vafa-Witten theorem together with Edward Witten. In August 2014, Maryam Mirzakhani became the first-ever woman, as well as the first-ever Iranian, to receive the Fields Medal, the highest prize in mathematics.

Which Iranian scientist co-invented the first gas laser?

Ali Javan

When did Ali Javan, an Iranian scientist, co-invent the first gas laser?

Which Iranian cardiologist developed and invented the first artificial cardiac pump?

Tofy Mussivand

Which Iranian scientist discovered HbA1c to further treatment and research of diabetes?

Samuel Rahbar

In 2014, Maryam Mirzakhani became the first women ever and first Iranian to win what prestigious mathematics award?

the Fields Medal


As with the spoken languages, the ethnic group composition also remains a point of debate, mainly regarding the largest and second largest ethnic groups, the Persians and Azerbaijanis, due to the lack of Iranian state censuses based on ethnicity. The CIA's World Factbook has estimated that around 79% of the population of Iran are a diverse Indo-European ethno-linguistic group that comprise the speakers of Iranian languages, with Persians constituting 53% of the population, Gilaks and Mazanderanis 7%, Kurds 10%, Lurs 6%, and Balochs 2%. Peoples of the other ethnicities in Iran make up the remaining 22%, with Azerbaijanis constituting 16%, Arabs 2%, Turkmens and Turkic tribes 2%, and others 2% (such as Armenians, Talysh, Georgians, Circassians, Assyrians).

What is Iran's presumed largest ethnic group?

Persians

What is Iran's presumed 2nd largest ethnic group?

Azerbaijanis

Persians make up what percentage of Iran's population?

Ethnic minorities such as Azerbaijanis make up what percentage of Iran's population?

What percentage of Iran speaks any type of Iranian language?


Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the Sunni branch of Islam are officially recognized by the government, and have reserved seats in the Iranian Parliament. But the Bahá'í Faith, which is said to be the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran, is not officially recognized, and has been persecuted during its existence in Iran since the 19th century. Since the 1979 Revolution, the persecution of Bahais has increased with executions, the denial of civil rights and liberties, and the denial of access to higher education and employment.

What other branch of Islam is recognized by the Iranian government?

Sunni branch

Are the religious minorities in Iran - Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Sunnis - a part of the Iranian Parliament?

have reserved seats

What religious minority is not officially recognized by the Iranian government?

the Bahá'í Faith

How long has the Bahai Faith been persecuted in Iran?

since the 19th century

Which religious minority since the 1979 Revolution has been persecuted and in some cases executed by the Iranian government?

the Bahá'í Faith


The earliest examples of visual representations in Iranian history are traced back to the bas-reliefs of Persepolis, c. 500 BC. Persepolis was the ritual center of the ancient kingdom of Achaemenids, and the figures at Persepolis remain bound by the rules of grammar and syntax of visual language. The Iranian visual arts reached a pinnacle by the Sassanid Era. A bas-relief from this period in Taq Bostan depicts a complex hunting scene. Similar works from the period have been found to articulate movements and actions in a highly sophisticated manner. It is even possible to see a progenitor of the cinema close-up in one of these works of art, which shows a wounded wild pig escaping from the hunting ground.

What were the first known examples of Iranian visual art?

the bas-reliefs of Persepolis

How far back can the first known examples of Iranian visual art be traced to?

c. 500 BC

What city was the ritual center of the Archaemenids?

Persepolis

In what era did Iranian visual art reach its peak?

the Sassanid Era


The 1960s was a significant decade for Iranian cinema, with 25 commercial films produced annually on average throughout the early 60s, increasing to 65 by the end of the decade. The majority of production focused on melodrama and thrillers. With the screening of the films Kaiser and The Cow, directed by Masoud Kimiai and Dariush Mehrjui respectively in 1969, alternative films established their status in the film industry. Attempts to organize a film festival that had begun in 1954 within the framework of the Golrizan Festival, bore fruits in the form of the Sepas Festival in 1969. The endeavors also resulted in the formation of the Tehran World Festival in 1973.

What decade was significant to Iranian film?

What Iranian film festival in 1954 was the progenitor of future film festivals in 1969 and 1973?

the Golrizan Festival

How many commercial films were produced yearly on average in the early 1960s in Iran?

25 commercial films

How many commercial films were produced yearly on average by the end of the 1960s in Iran?

What Iranian film festival was created in 1973?

Tehran World Festival


After the Revolution of 1979, as the new government imposed new laws and standards, a new age in Iranian cinema emerged, starting with Viva... by Khosrow Sinai and followed by many other directors, such as Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi. Kiarostami, an admired Iranian director, planted Iran firmly on the map of world cinema when he won the Palme d'Or for Taste of Cherry in 1997. The continuous presence of Iranian films in prestigious international festivals, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival, and the Berlin International Film Festival, attracted world attention to Iranian masterpieces. In 2006, six Iranian films, of six different styles, represented Iranian cinema at the Berlin International Film Festival. Critics considered this a remarkable event in the history of Iranian cinema.

Which director led off a new age of Iranian film after the 1979 Revolution?

Khosrow Sinai

What was the name of Sinai's film that ushered in Iran's new era of film after the 1979 Revolution?

Viva...

Which Iranian director won the Palm d'Or at Cannes in 1997?

Abbas Kiarostami

What was the name of Kiarostami's film which won the Palm d'Or at Cannes in 1997?

Taste of Cherry

What year did 6 different Iranian films of six different styles represent at the Berlin International Film Festival?


Iran received access to the Internet in 1993. According to 2014 census, around 40% of the population of Iran are Internet users. Iran ranks 24th among countries by number of Internet users. According to the statistics provided by the web information company of Alexa, Google Search and Yahoo! are the most used search engines in Iran. Over 80% of the users of Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging service, are from Iran. Instagram is the most popular online social networking service in Iran. Direct access to Facebook has been blocked in Iran since the 2009 Iranian presidential election protests, due to organization of the opposition movements on the website; but however, Facebook has around 12 to 17 million users in Iran who are using virtual private networks and proxy servers to access the website. Around 90% of Iran's e-commerce takes place on the Iranian online store of Digikala, which has around 750,000 visitors per day and more than 2.3 million subscribers. Digikala is the most visited online store in the Middle East, and ranks 4th among the most visited websites in Iran.

When did the Internet arrive in Iran?

What percentage of Iran's population were internet users in 2014?

around 40%

What is Iran's most popular online social network?

Instagram

What percentage of cloud-based instant messaging platform Telegram's users are from Iran?

Over 80%

What site is responsible for around 90% of Iran's online e-commerce?

Digikala


Iranian cuisine is diverse due to its variety of ethnic groups and the influence of other cultures. Herbs are frequently used along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins. Iranians usually eat plain yogurt with lunch and dinner; it is a staple of the diet in Iran. To achieve a balanced taste, characteristic flavourings such as saffron, dried limes, cinnamon, and parsley are mixed delicately and used in some special dishes. Onions and garlic are normally used in the preparation of the accompanying course, but are also served separately during meals, either in raw or pickled form. Iran is also famous for its caviar.

In Iranian cuisine, what is habitually used with fruits?

Herbs

Iranians usually eat what diet staple with lunch and dinner?

plain yogurt

What delicacy is Iran famous for?

caviar

Why is Iranian cuisine so diverse besides being influenced by other cultures?

its variety of ethnic groups


Other non-governmental estimations regarding the groups other than the Persians and Azerbaijanis roughly congruate with the World Factbook and the Library of Congress. However, many scholarly and organisational estimations regarding the number of these two groups differ significantly from the mentioned census. According to many of them, the number of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran comprises between 21.6–30% of the total population, with the majority holding it on 25%.cd In any case, the largest population of Azerbaijanis in the world live in Iran.

Iran has the highest population of what group in the world?

Azerbaijanis

What is the percentage range of Iran's total population is seemingly comprised of Azerbaijanis?

between 21.6–30%

What is the majority of organizational estimations of Azerbaijanis' percentage of Iran's population?


Iran has leading manufacturing industries in the fields of car-manufacture and transportation, construction materials, home appliances, food and agricultural goods, armaments, pharmaceuticals, information technology, power and petrochemicals in the Middle East. According to FAO, Iran has been a top five producer of the following agricultural products in the world in 2012: apricots, cherries, sour cherries, cucumbers and gherkins, dates, eggplants, figs, pistachios, quinces, walnuts, and watermelons.

What melon is Iran a Top 5 producer in the world in 2012?

watermelons

How many agricultural products in 2012 was Iran a top 5 producer in the world? Answer: 12

apricots, cherries, sour cherries, cucumbers and gherkins, dates, eggplants, figs, pistachios, quinces, walnuts, and watermelons.

What type of materials is Iran a leading manufacturer of in the Middle East?

construction materials

What type of appliances is Iran a leading manufacturer of in the Middle East?

home appliances

What type of chemicals is Iran a leading manufacturer of in the Middle East?

petrochemicals


Iranian art encompasses many disciplines, including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking, and stonemasonry. The Median and Achaemenid empires left a significant classical art scene which remained as basic influences for the art of the later eras. Art of the Parthians was a mixture of Iranian and Hellenistic artworks, with their main motifs being scenes of royal hunting expeditions and investitures. The Sassanid art played a prominent role in the formation of both European and Asian medieval art, which carried forward to the Islamic world, and much of what later became known as Islamic learning, such as philology, literature, jurisprudence, philosophy, medicine, architecture, and science, were of Sassanid basis.

The Achaemind Empire along with what other group became the foundation for the art in later Iranian history?

The Median

A blend of Iranian and what other type of artwork were the Parthians' art comprised of?

Hellenistic

What Iranian art played a major role in the formation of medieval art from Europe and Asia?

Sassanid art

The Sassanid became a cornerstone of what type of learning?

Islamic learning


The British Isles are a group of islands off the north-western coast of continental Europe that consist of the islands of Great Britain, Ireland and over six thousand smaller isles. Situated in the North Atlantic, the islands have a total area of approximately 315,159 km2, and a combined population of just under 70 million. Two sovereign states are located on the islands: Ireland (which covers roughly five-sixths of the island with the same name) and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The British Isles also include three Crown Dependencies: the Isle of Man and, by tradition, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the Channel Islands, although the latter are not physically a part of the archipelago.

What is two islands that are part of the British Isles?

Great Britain, Ireland

Where are the British Isles located?

North Atlantic,

How many people live in the British Isles?

just under 70 million

What is one of the three Crown Dependencies of the British Isles?

Isle of Man

Where are the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey located?

in the Channel Islands

What are the only teo islands belonging to the British Isles

I'm not sure.

What countries border the ATlantic Ocean?

I'm not sure.

Which Island has just under 70 million people?

I'm not sure.

What group of Islands has just over 70 million people?

I'm not sure.

What archipelago are the Bailicick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey part of?

I'm not sure.

The British Isles are a group of islands located off the southwestern coast of which continent?

I'm not sure.

The British Isles consist of over 9,000 small islands, Great Britain and which other country?

I'm not sure.

With a total population of just over 75 million, what is the total area of the islands?

I'm not sure.

The Channel Islands are a group of islands located off the northwestern coast of which continent?

I'm not sure.

The Bailiwick of Jersey has a total area of 31,5,159 km squared and a total population of how many?

I'm not sure.


The oldest rocks in the group are in the north west of Scotland, Ireland and North Wales and are 2,700 million years old. During the Silurian period the north-western regions collided with the south-east, which had been part of a separate continental landmass. The topography of the islands is modest in scale by global standards. Ben Nevis rises to an elevation of only 1,344 metres (4,409 ft), and Lough Neagh, which is notably larger than other lakes on the isles, covers 390 square kilometres (151 sq mi). The climate is temperate marine, with mild winters and warm summers. The North Atlantic Drift brings significant moisture and raises temperatures 11 °C (20 °F) above the global average for the latitude. This led to a landscape which was long dominated by temperate rainforest, although human activity has since cleared the vast majority of forest cover. The region was re-inhabited after the last glacial period of Quaternary glaciation, by 12,000 BC when Great Britain was still a peninsula of the European continent. Ireland, which became an island by 12,000 BC, was not inhabited until after 8000 BC. Great Britain became an island by 5600 BC.

What is the age of the oldest rocks in the north western part of Scotland?

2,700 million years old

What is the elevation of Ben Nevis?

1,344 metres (4,409 ft

What type of climate does this area have?

temperate marine

Around 12,000 BC, Great Britain was still a peninsula on what continent?

European continent.

When is it believed that Ireland became inhabited?

after 8000 BC

what is the age of the oldest rocks in Europe?

I'm not sure.

How far below sea level is Ben Nevis?

I'm not sure.

What is the largest lake in Europe?

I'm not sure.

What continent is Great Britian a peninsula of?

I'm not sure.

What Island was inhabited in 12,000 B.C.

I'm not sure.

The oldest rocks are 1,500 years old and located where?

I'm not sure.

Located in the North Atlantic, how old are the oldest rocks?

I'm not sure.

By 4600 BC, Great Britain was established as what?

I'm not sure.

Lough Neagh reaches an elevation of 390 metres and Ben Nevis covers how many square miles?

I'm not sure.

Ireland became an old reock in 12,000 BC but wasn't inhabited until when?

I'm not sure.


Hiberni (Ireland), Pictish (northern Britain) and Britons (southern Britain) tribes, all speaking Insular Celtic, inhabited the islands at the beginning of the 1st millennium AD. Much of Brittonic-controlled Britain was conquered by the Roman Empire from AD 43. The first Anglo-Saxons arrived as Roman power waned in the 5th century and eventually dominated the bulk of what is now England. Viking invasions began in the 9th century, followed by more permanent settlements and political change—particularly in England. The subsequent Norman conquest of England in 1066 and the later Angevin partial conquest of Ireland from 1169 led to the imposition of a new Norman ruling elite across much of Britain and parts of Ireland. By the Late Middle Ages, Great Britain was separated into the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, while control in Ireland fluxed between Gaelic kingdoms, Hiberno-Norman lords and the English-dominated Lordship of Ireland, soon restricted only to The Pale. The 1603 Union of the Crowns, Acts of Union 1707 and Acts of Union 1800 attempted to consolidate Britain and Ireland into a single political unit, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands remaining as Crown Dependencies. The expansion of the British Empire and migrations following the Irish Famine and Highland Clearances resulted in the distribution of the islands' population and culture throughout the world and a rapid de-population of Ireland in the second half of the 19th century. Most of Ireland seceded from the United Kingdom after the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Anglo-Irish Treaty (1919–1922), with six counties remaining in the UK as Northern Ireland.

Which is one of the tribes that spoke Insular Celtic?

Pictish (northern Britain)

When did the Pictish tribe start to inhabit the islands?

beginning of the 1st millennium AD

Who foreign group conquered Britain around AD 43?

Roman Empire

When did the Vikings invade Britain?

9th century

What are the six counties in Ireland called that are still part of the United Kingdom?

Northern Ireland

Wich was the first tribe to speak Insular Celtic?

I'm not sure.

Whaen did Britian conquer the Roman Empire?

I'm not sure.

What group arrived with the Romans?

I'm not sure.

Where did the Romans invade in the 9th century?

I'm not sure.

How many counties fought with the UK during the Irish War of Independence?

I'm not sure.

The Hiberni tribes of northern Britain speak which language?

I'm not sure.

The Pictish tribe of Southern Ireland inhabited the islands when?

I'm not sure.

The Anglo-Saxon empire was conquered by the Roman Empire from when?

I'm not sure.

The Anglo Saxons arrived in the 3rd century and would end up dominated what is modernly known as what country?

I'm not sure.

The Anglo-Viking treaty is associated with which time frame?

I'm not sure.


The term British Isles is controversial in Ireland, where there are objections to its usage due to the association of the word British with Ireland. The Government of Ireland does not recognise or use the term and its embassy in London discourages its use. As a result, Britain and Ireland is used as an alternative description, and Atlantic Archipelago has had limited use among a minority in academia, although British Isles is still commonly employed. Within them, they are also sometimes referred to as these islands.

Why is the name the British Isles disputed in Ireland?

association of the word British

Does the Government of Ireland use the British Isle term?

does not recognise or use the term

What is the alternative name that Government of Ireland uses instead of British Isles?

Atlantic Archipelago

Does the Government of Ireland's London embassy use the name British Isles?

its embassy in London discourages its use

Why does Britian dispute the name British Isles?

I'm not sure.

What term does the British government not recognize?

I'm not sure.

What name does the government of Britian use instead of the British Isles?

I'm not sure.

What does Britian prefer to refer to as the Atlantic Archipelago?

I'm not sure.

The term Atlantic Archipelago is considered controversial in which country?

I'm not sure.

Which term does the Atlantic government not recognize?

I'm not sure.

The embassy in Paris discourages the use of what term?lon

I'm not sure.

Which country names are used as an alternative to the phrase Atlantic Archipelago?

I'm not sure.


The earliest known references to the islands as a group appeared in the writings of sea-farers from the ancient Greek colony of Massalia. The original records have been lost; however, later writings, e.g. Avienus's Ora maritima, that quoted from the Massaliote Periplus (6th century BC) and from Pytheas's On the Ocean (circa 325–320 BC) have survived. In the 1st century BC, Diodorus Siculus has Prettanikē nēsos, "the British Island", and Prettanoi, "the Britons". Strabo used Βρεττανική (Brettanike), and Marcian of Heraclea, in his Periplus maris exteri, used αἱ Πρεττανικαί νῆσοι (the Prettanic Isles) to refer to the islands. Historians today, though not in absolute agreement, largely agree that these Greek and Latin names were probably drawn from native Celtic-language names for the archipelago. Along these lines, the inhabitants of the islands were called the Πρεττανοί (Priteni or Pretani). The shift from the "P" of Pretannia to the "B" of Britannia by the Romans occurred during the time of Julius Caesar.

Where did the first known occurrence of the British Isle name appear in written material?

writings of sea-farers

What is one of the earliest surviving records that mention the name British Isles?

Massaliote Periplus (6th century BC)

What language do most historians agree upon where the Greek names for the British Isles came from?

native Celtic-language

What did the ancient Greeks call the people that lived in the British Isles?

Πρεττανοί (Priteni or Pretani)

When did the "P" sound of Pretannia change to the "B" sound of Britannia?

during the time of Julius Caesar

What group of islands was first discovered my the Greek colony of Massalia.

I'm not sure.

What languages bored from the Greeks when they named the islands?

I'm not sure.

What Roman named the Islands?

I'm not sure.

Who changed Britannia to Pretannia?

I'm not sure.

The oldest known references to the agreements as a whole appeared where?

I'm not sure.

Most historians today agree that these British names most likely originated from what native languages names?

I'm not sure.

During the time of Julius Caesar, the shift from the B of Britannia to the P of what occurred?

I'm not sure.

Although the original records have since been found, later writings that quoted from what are lost?

I'm not sure.


The Greco-Egyptian scientist Claudius Ptolemy referred to the larger island as great Britain (μεγάλης Βρεττανίας - megális Brettanias) and to Ireland as little Britain (μικρής Βρεττανίας - mikris Brettanias) in his work Almagest (147–148 AD). In his later work, Geography (c. 150 AD), he gave these islands the names Alwion, Iwernia, and Mona (the Isle of Man), suggesting these may have been names of the individual islands not known to him at the time of writing Almagest. The name Albion appears to have fallen out of use sometime after the Roman conquest of Great Britain, after which Britain became the more commonplace name for the island called Great Britain.

What did name did Claudius Ptolemy (Greco-Egyptian scientist) use for Ireland?

little Britain (μικρής Βρεττανίας - mikris Brettanias)

In later writings, what did Claudius Ptolemy called the British Isles?

Alwion, Iwernia, and Mona

After the Romans conqured the British Isles what became the more common name for the country?

Great Britain

Who refered to the islands as little Britian?

I'm not sure.

What did Claudis Ptolemy write in the 1st century AD

I'm not sure.

Who wrote Geography in the 1st century AD?

I'm not sure.

Who's conquest lead to the more common use of the name Albion?

I'm not sure.

What islands were descovered in 150 AD?

I'm not sure.

What did the German scientist call the larger island?

I'm not sure.

What did the German scientist refer to Ireland as?

I'm not sure.

What names did the British scientist give the islands in his later work?

I'm not sure.

During what years did the British scientist Claudius Ptolemy complete his work, Almagest?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the British scientist Claudius Ptolemy complete his work, Geography?

I'm not sure.


The earliest known use of the phrase Brytish Iles in the English language is dated 1577 in a work by John Dee. Today, this name is seen by some as carrying imperialist overtones although it is still commonly used. Other names used to describe the islands include the Anglo-Celtic Isles, Atlantic archipelago, British-Irish Isles, Britain and Ireland, UK and Ireland, and British Isles and Ireland. Owing to political and national associations with the word British, the Government of Ireland does not use the term British Isles and in documents drawn up jointly between the British and Irish governments, the archipelago is referred to simply as "these islands". Nonetheless, British Isles is still the most widely accepted term for the archipelago.

What is the earliest English usage of the term Brytish Illes?

a work by John Dee

When was this Brytish Illes name used in the English language by John Dee?

What is another name that is used for the British Isles?

Anglo-Celtic Isles

What is the common term that the Government of Ireland uses when documents are written jointly with the British?

"these islands

What phrase can be dated back to the 15th century?

I'm not sure.

Who used the phrase Brytish Iles in the 15th century?

I'm not sure.

What term is not used by the UK?

I'm not sure.

What two countries use the term British Isles when drawing up documents together?

I'm not sure.

John Doe cites the earliest known use of Brytish Iles as occurring in what year?

I'm not sure.

What are some other names used to describe the phrases?

I'm not sure.

The most widely accepted term for Ireland is what?

I'm not sure.

What name is seen by some as having Atlantic overtones?

I'm not sure.

What term does the British government not use?

I'm not sure.


The British Isles lie at the juncture of several regions with past episodes of tectonic mountain building. These orogenic belts form a complex geology that records a huge and varied span of Earth's history. Of particular note was the Caledonian Orogeny during the Ordovician Period, c. 488–444 Ma and early Silurian period, when the craton Baltica collided with the terrane Avalonia to form the mountains and hills in northern Britain and Ireland. Baltica formed roughly the northwestern half of Ireland and Scotland. Further collisions caused the Variscan orogeny in the Devonian and Carboniferous periods, forming the hills of Munster, southwest England, and southern Wales. Over the last 500 million years the land that forms the islands has drifted northwest from around 30°S, crossing the equator around 370 million years ago to reach its present northern latitude.

When did the Caledonian Orogeny occur?

c. 488–444 Ma and early Silurian period

What happened during the c. 488–444 Ma and early Silurian period?

craton Baltica collided with the terrane Avalonia

What formed after the craton Baltica and the terrane Avalonia collision?

mountains and hills

What formed the hills of Munster and the southern part of Wales?

Variscan orogeny

In which direction have the British Isles been drifting?

northwest

What orogeny occurred in the 4th century?

I'm not sure.

What collided in the 4th century?

I'm not sure.

What formed before the craton Baltica and Avalonia collision?

I'm not sure.

What has been drifting north east for the last 500 million years?

I'm not sure.

The hills in northern England and Ireland were formed when what collided with Avalonia?

I'm not sure.

What formed the southwestern half of Ireland and Scotland?

I'm not sure.

Avalonia formed the northwestern half of Ireland and what other country?

I'm not sure.

During what time span was the Orogenic Period?

I'm not sure.

What did Baltica collide with to form the equator?

I'm not sure.


The islands have been shaped by numerous glaciations during the Quaternary Period, the most recent being the Devensian.[citation needed] As this ended, the central Irish Sea was deglaciated and the English Channel flooded, with sea levels rising to current levels some 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, leaving the British Isles in their current form. Whether or not there was a land bridge between Great Britain and Ireland at this time is somewhat disputed, though there was certainly a single ice sheet covering the entire sea.

What was the most recent glaciation that has shaped the British Isles?

Devensian

What happened with the Devensian glaciation ended?

the English Channel flooded

When did sea levels reach their current highth?

4,000 to 5,000 years ago

What covered the sea between Ireland and Great Britian during the last glacier?

a single ice sheet

When did sea levels rise to prehistoric levels?

I'm not sure.

It is undisputed that there was a land bridge between Great Britain and what country?

I'm not sure.

Multiple sheets and layers of what covered the entire sea?

I'm not sure.

During which Period have the land bridges been shaped by glaciations?

I'm not sure.

During this period, it is certain a land bridge existed between England and which country?

I'm not sure.


The islands are at relatively low altitudes, with central Ireland and southern Great Britain particularly low lying: the lowest point in the islands is Holme, Cambridgeshire at −2.75 m (−9.02 ft). The Scottish Highlands in the northern part of Great Britain are mountainous, with Ben Nevis being the highest point on the islands at 1,343 m (4,406 ft). Other mountainous areas include Wales and parts of Ireland, however only seven peaks in these areas reach above 1,000 m (3,281 ft). Lakes on the islands are generally not large, although Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland is an exception, covering 150 square miles (390 km2).[citation needed] The largest freshwater body in Great Britain (by area) is Loch Lomond at 27.5 square miles (71 km2), and Loch Ness, by volume whilst Loch Morar is the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles, with a maximum depth of 310 m (1,017 ft). There are a number of major rivers within the British Isles. The longest is the Shannon in Ireland at 224 mi (360 km).[citation needed] The river Severn at 220 mi (354 km)[citation needed] is the longest in Great Britain. The isles have a temperate marine climate. The North Atlantic Drift ("Gulf Stream") which flows from the Gulf of Mexico brings with it significant moisture and raises temperatures 11 °C (20 °F) above the global average for the islands' latitudes. Winters are cool and wet, with summers mild and also wet. Most Atlantic depressions pass to the north of the islands, combined with the general westerly circulation and interactions with the landmass, this imposes an east-west variation in climate.

What is the lowest elevation in the British Isles?

Holme, Cambridgeshire at −2.75 m

Where is the highest point in the British Isles?

Ben Nevis

Where are other mountain areas in the British Isles?

Wales and parts of Ireland

What is the longest river in Ireland?

the Shannon

What is the weather like in the summer time in the British Isles?

mild and also wet

The highest point of the islands is Holme, at how many feet?

I'm not sure.

At, 1700 feet, Holme, Cambridgeshire is the lowest point in what?

I'm not sure.

At 9,000 feet tall, what is the highest point on the islands?

I'm not sure.

Covering 250 square miles, Lough Neagh is located in which country?

I'm not sure.

At 33.5 square miles, what is the largest freshwater body in Great Britain?

I'm not sure.


The islands enjoy a mild climate and varied soils, giving rise to a diverse pattern of vegetation. Animal and plant life is similar to that of the northwestern European continent. There are however, fewer numbers of species, with Ireland having even less. All native flora and fauna in Ireland is made up of species that migrated from elsewhere in Europe, and Great Britain in particular. The only window when this could have occurred was between the end of the last Ice Age (about 12,000 years ago) and when the land bridge connecting the two islands was flooded by sea (about 8,000 years ago).

Which continent has similar plant and animal life as the British Isles?

European continent

In Ireland where does the native animal and plant species mostly come from?

Europe, and Great Britain

When did the land bridge between Ireland and Britain disappear?

about 8,000 years ago

When did the last Ice Age end in the British Isles?

about 12,000 years ago

The islands have no soil and what kind of climate?

I'm not sure.

What type of life is similar to life in southern Asia?

I'm not sure.

The land bridge connecting two European continents was flooded by see about how many years ago?

I'm not sure.

The beginning of the last Ice Age occurred when?

I'm not sure.

Plant and animal life varies greatly from that of life in which continent?

I'm not sure.


As with most of Europe, prehistoric Britain and Ireland were covered with forest and swamp. Clearing began around 6000 BC and accelerated in medieval times. Despite this, Britain retained its primeval forests longer than most of Europe due to a small population and later development of trade and industry, and wood shortages were not a problem until the 17th century. By the 18th century, most of Britain's forests were consumed for shipbuilding or manufacturing charcoal and the nation was forced to import lumber from Scandinavia, North America, and the Baltic. Most forest land in Ireland is maintained by state forestation programmes. Almost all land outside urban areas is farmland. However, relatively large areas of forest remain in east and north Scotland and in southeast England. Oak, elm, ash and beech are amongst the most common trees in England. In Scotland, pine and birch are most common. Natural forests in Ireland are mainly oak, ash, wych elm, birch and pine. Beech and lime, though not native to Ireland, are also common there. Farmland hosts a variety of semi-natural vegetation of grasses and flowering plants. Woods, hedgerows, mountain slopes and marshes host heather, wild grasses, gorse and bracken.

When did the clearing of swamp land and forests begin in the British Isles?

around 6000 BC

When did the clearing of the swamp land and forest begain to rapidly increase?

medieval times

Why was Britain able to keep its ancient forests longer than Europe?

due to a small population

When did lumber shortages start to occur in Britain?

17th century

What are three of the most typical type of tress that can be found in Ireland?

oak, ash, wych elm

Ice and snow covered prehistoric Britain and what other country?

I'm not sure.

Ice and snow covered prehistoric Ireland and what other country?

I'm not sure.

Due to a large population, which country's primeval forests lasted longer than most?

I'm not sure.

During which century did swamp shortages become a problem?

I'm not sure.

Who maintains most barren land in Ireland?

I'm not sure.


Many larger animals, such as wolf, bear and the European elk are today extinct. However, some species such as red deer are protected. Other small mammals, such as rabbits, foxes, badgers, hares, hedgehogs, and stoats, are very common and the European beaver has been reintroduced in parts of Scotland. Wild boar have also been reintroduced to parts of southern England, following escapes from boar farms and illegal releases. Many rivers contain otters and seals are common on coasts. Over 200 species of bird reside permanently and another 200 migrate. Common types are the common chaffinch, common blackbird, house sparrow and common starling; all small birds. Large birds are declining in number, except for those kept for game such as pheasant, partridge, and red grouse. Fish are abundant in the rivers and lakes, in particular salmon, trout, perch and pike. Sea fish include dogfish, cod, sole, pollock and bass, as well as mussels, crab and oysters along the coast. There are more than 21,000 species of insects.

Which two animals became extinct in the British Isles?

wolf, bear

Which species of deer is protected in the British Isles?

red deer

How many bird species does the British Isles have?

Over 200 species of bird

What are three of the most common birds in the British Isles?

chaffinch, common blackbird, house sparrow

What kinds of fish are abundent in the British Isles?

salmon, trout, perch and pike

Small animals like wolves or bears are what today?

I'm not sure.

What status does the brown deer have?

I'm not sure.

The Asian beaver was reintroduced into parts of which country?

I'm not sure.

The northern part of this country has been reintroduced to the wild boar?

I'm not sure.

Where are seals and otters uncommon?

I'm not sure.


Few species of reptiles or amphibians are found in Great Britain or Ireland. Only three snakes are native to Great Britain: the common European adder, the grass snake and the smooth snake; none are native to Ireland. In general, Great Britain has slightly more variation and native wild life, with weasels, polecats, wildcats, most shrews, moles, water voles, roe deer and common toads also being absent from Ireland. This pattern is also true for birds and insects. Notable exceptions include the Kerry slug and certain species of wood lice native to Ireland but not Great Britain.

Which snakes are considered native to the British Isles but not Ireland?

European adder, the grass snake and the smooth snake

What is the name of the slug that is native to both Britain and Ireland?

Kerry slug

Is the grass nake or the smooth snake native to Ireland?

none are native to Ireland

What type of wild life are not native to Ireland but are in Britain?

water voles, roe deer and common toads

Which four snakes are native to Ireland?

I'm not sure.

In Great Britain and what other country are there a large number of reptile species?

I'm not sure.

Certain species of wood lice are native to Great Britain but not where?

I'm not sure.

In Great Britain and what other country are there a large number of amphibian species?

I'm not sure.

In Ireland and what other country are there a large number of reptile species?

I'm not sure.


The demographics of the British Isles today are characterised by a generally high density of population in England, which accounts for almost 80% of the total population of the islands. In elsewhere on Great Britain and on Ireland, high density of population is limited to areas around, or close to, a few large cities. The largest urban area by far is the Greater London Urban Area with 9 million inhabitants. Other major populations centres include Greater Manchester Urban Area (2.4 million), West Midlands conurbation (2.4 million), West Yorkshire Urban Area (1.6 million) in England, Greater Glasgow (1.2 million) in Scotland and Greater Dublin Area (1.1 million) in Ireland.[citation needed]

Which area in the British Isles is s the most populated?

England

What percentage of the population does England have compared to the other areas in the British Isles?

How many people live in the area of London?

9 million

What are two other major populated cities in England?

Greater Manchester Urban Area (2.4 million), West Midlands conurbation (2.4 million)

What is the most populated city in Ireland?

Greater Dublin Area (1.1 million)

England accounts for almost 25% of the total population of where?

I'm not sure.

Which is the smallest urban area with only 9 million people?

I'm not sure.

Which area is the largest urban area, with a population of 27,000 civilians?

I'm not sure.

There is a low population density in England, which accounts for what percent of the total population?

I'm not sure.


The population of England rose rapidly during the 19th and 20th centuries whereas the populations of Scotland and Wales have shown little increase during the 20th century, with the population of Scotland remaining unchanged since 1951. Ireland for most of its history comprised a population proportionate to its land area (about one third of the total population). However, since the Great Irish Famine, the population of Ireland has fallen to less than one tenth of the population of the British Isles. The famine, which caused a century-long population decline, drastically reduced the Irish population and permanently altered the demographic make-up of the British Isles. On a global scale, this disaster led to the creation of an Irish diaspora that numbers fifteen times the current population of the island.

Which two areas in the British Isles hasn't experienced a large population growth in the last one hundred years?

Scotland and Wales

How does Ireland's population compare to the rest of the British Isles?

less than one tenth of the population of the British Isles

How long did the Great Irish Famine cause a population decline in Ireland?

century-long population decline

How large is the Irish diaspora that was caused by the Great Irish Famine?

fifteen times the current population of the island

The population in England declined fast during which centuries?

I'm not sure.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, what happened to the population in England?

I'm not sure.

The population in Scotland and what other country have increased rapidly?

I'm not sure.

The population of Scotland has experienced a significant change in every year since when?

I'm not sure.

The Great British Famine caused the population of Ireland to fall below one tenth of the population of?

I'm not sure.


The linguistic heritage of the British Isles is rich, with twelve languages from six groups across four branches of the Indo-European family. The Insular Celtic languages of the Goidelic sub-group (Irish, Manx and Scottish Gaelic) and the Brittonic sub-group (Cornish, Welsh and Breton, spoken in north-western France) are the only remaining Celtic languages—the last of their continental relations becoming extinct before the 7th century. The Norman languages of Guernésiais, Jèrriais and Sarkese spoken in the Channel Islands are similar to French. A cant, called Shelta, is spoken by Irish Travellers, often as a means to conceal meaning from those outside the group. However, English, sometimes in the form of Scots, is the dominant language, with few monoglots remaining in the other languages of the region. The Norn language of Orkney and Shetland became extinct around 1880.

How many groups do these languages belong to?

six groups

What are the three Insular Celtic languages?

Irish, Manx and Scottish Gaelic

What are the remaining Cetic languages that are still used today?

Cornish, Welsh and Breton

Which cant is often used by Irish Travellers?

Shelta

In 1980, what happened to the Norn language of Orkney and Shetland?

I'm not sure.

Where are the Norman languages, similar to German, spoken?

I'm not sure.

Which language of Gaelic and Shetland became extinct in 1880?

I'm not sure.

The Insular Travellers languages of the Goidelic subgroup, along with what other sub group are the only Celtic languages remaining?

I'm not sure.


At the end of the last ice age, what are now the British Isles were joined to the European mainland as a mass of land extending north west from the modern-day northern coastline of France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Ice covered almost all of what is now Scotland, most of Ireland and Wales, and the hills of northern England. From 14,000 to 10,000 years ago, as the ice melted, sea levels rose separating Ireland from Great Britain and also creating the Isle of Man. About two to four millennia later, Great Britain became separated from the mainland. Britain probably became repopulated with people before the ice age ended and certainly before it became separated from the mainland. It is likely that Ireland became settled by sea after it had already become an island.

What mainland was the British Isles once connected to?

European mainland

What happened to British Isles area when the ice melted after the last ice age?

sea levels rose

When sea levels rose what occured in the British Isles area?

separating Ireland from Great Britain

When did the British Isles area become separated from the European continent?

two to four millennia

Did Britain become populated with people again before or after the ice came to an end?

before the ice age ended

During the start of the first ice age, the British Isles were connected to which continent as a mass of land?

I'm not sure.

When sea levels rose, Scotlan was separated from what other country to create the Isle of Man?

I'm not sure.

Nearly 6 millennia later, what did Great Britain separate from?

I'm not sure.

After it was already a continent, Ireland probably became settled by what?

I'm not sure.

Which countries were covered almost entirely by coastlines?

I'm not sure.


At the time of the Roman Empire, about two thousand years ago, various tribes, which spoke Celtic dialects of the Insular Celtic group, were inhabiting the islands. The Romans expanded their civilisation to control southern Great Britain but were impeded in advancing any further, building Hadrian's Wall to mark the northern frontier of their empire in 122 AD. At that time, Ireland was populated by a people known as Hiberni, the northern third or so of Great Britain by a people known as Picts and the southern two thirds by Britons.

The people that lived in the British Isles during the Roman Empire era spoke which language?

Celtic dialects of the Insular Celtic group

What was the name of the wall that the Romans built to mark their northern territory in the British Isles in 122AD?

Hadrian's Wall

During the Roman Empire occupation in the British Isles, what was the name of the people that lived in Ireland?

Hiberni

The northern area of Great Britain was populated by what native people during the Roman Empire occupation?

Picts

What was the name of the native people that lived in the southern parts of the British Isles during the Roman Empire occupation?

Britons

During the Briton Empire, tribes spoke which dialect?

I'm not sure.

What year did the British build Hadrian's Wall?

I'm not sure.

In what year was Hadrian's wall constructed to mark the southern frontier of the Roman Empire?

I'm not sure.

Which empire expanded to control southern Spain?

I'm not sure.

The northern third of Ireland was inhabited by Picts, while the southern two thirds by who?

I'm not sure.


Anglo-Saxons arrived as Roman power waned in the 5th century AD. Initially, their arrival seems to have been at the invitation of the Britons as mercenaries to repulse incursions by the Hiberni and Picts. In time, Anglo-Saxon demands on the British became so great that they came to culturally dominate the bulk of southern Great Britain, though recent genetic evidence suggests Britons still formed the bulk of the population. This dominance creating what is now England and leaving culturally British enclaves only in the north of what is now England, in Cornwall and what is now known as Wales. Ireland had been unaffected by the Romans except, significantly, having been Christianised, traditionally by the Romano-Briton, Saint Patrick. As Europe, including Britain, descended into turmoil following the collapse of Roman civilisation, an era known as the Dark Ages, Ireland entered a golden age and responded with missions (first to Great Britain and then to the continent), the founding of monasteries and universities. These were later joined by Anglo-Saxon missions of a similar nature.

Which people arrived in the British Isles when the Roman Empire's power was diminishing?

Anglo-Saxons

What area did the Anglo-Saxons begin to dominate in the British Isles?

southern Great Britain

What happened to the British Isles and Europe after the Roman Empire ended?

the Dark Ages

What era did Ireland enter when the Roman Empire ended?

golden age

What did the Irish build during the Golden Age?

monasteries and universities

Who arrived during the 7th century as Roman power expanded?

I'm not sure.

What suggests Picts made up most of the population?

I'm not sure.

What area did Cornwall dominate in the British Isles?

I'm not sure.

While Europe entered the golden age, Ireland was entering what ages?

I'm not sure.

What were the British founding during the golden age?

I'm not sure.


Viking invasions began in the 9th century, followed by more permanent settlements, particularly along the east coast of Ireland, the west coast of modern-day Scotland and the Isle of Man. Though the Vikings were eventually neutralised in Ireland, their influence remained in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford. England however was slowly conquered around the turn of the first millennium AD, and eventually became a feudal possession of Denmark. The relations between the descendants of Vikings in England and counterparts in Normandy, in northern France, lay at the heart of a series of events that led to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The remnants of the Duchy of Normandy, which conquered England, remain associated to the English Crown as the Channel Islands to this day. A century later the marriage of the future Henry II of England to Eleanor of Aquitaine created the Angevin Empire, partially under the French Crown. At the invitation of a provincial king and under the authority of Pope Adrian IV (the only Englishman to be elected pope), the Angevins invaded Ireland in 1169. Though initially intended to be kept as an independent kingdom, the failure of the Irish High King to ensure the terms of the Treaty of Windsor led Henry II, as King of England, to rule as effective monarch under the title of Lord of Ireland. This title was granted to his younger son but when Henry's heir unexpectedly died the title of King of England and Lord of Ireland became entwined in one person.

When did Viking invasions begin in the British Isles?

9th century

What is one area where the Vikings created a permanent settlement in the British Isles?

east coast of Ireland

England became a possession of which country when it became conquered after the first millennium?

Denmark

When did the Norman Conquest occur?

In 1169, Ireland was invaded by which people?

Angevins

During the 10th century, who was invading?

I'm not sure.

Around the turn of the first millennium AD, which country was quickly conquered?

I'm not sure.

The Norman conquest of Spain took place during which year?

I'm not sure.

The Angevin Empire was created by the marriage between Henry VI and who?

I'm not sure.

In what year did the Angevins invade Adrian?

I'm not sure.