Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Iran Business Profile

Iran Business Profile

Economy: Iran’s main sources of income are its huge oil and gas deposits, which are among the world’s largest. The agricultural sector is important for the numbers employed, although output has been depressed by drought and migration of rural labour to the cities. Both subsistence crops, mainly wheat, barley and sugar, and cash crops are grown. The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about one-sixth of total output, produces textiles, food-processing and transport equipment. Apart from hydrocarbons, Iran also has viable deposits of coal, magnesium ores and gypsum. Government policy has sought to promote the agricultural and light industry in order to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil and increase the influence of the private sector – about 80 per cent of economic activity is state controlled. The economy is performing fairly steadily at present: annual growth is about 5 per cent and inflation is 12 to 15 per cent. As in other areas, economic policy is dominated by fundamental difference of approach between the elected government and the ruling clergy. On the trade front, Iran has developed important new links with the newly independent states of central Asia as well as Turkey and China but, more importantly, existing trade with traditional partners in Europe, Japan and the Middle East have been restored. Bilateral trade with the US remains, not surprisingly, at a low level.

Business: Most Iranian businesspeople speak English and are polite and conservative in manner and expect an appropriate response from visitors. Exchanging calling cards is normally restricted to senior people. Appointments should be made and punctuality is expected for business meetings. Business gifts are quite acceptable. Office hours: Sat to Wed 0800-1600, Thurs 0900-1200 (some offices may close all day).

Iran Social Profile

Iran Social Profile

Food & Drink: Rice is the staple food and the Iranians cook it superbly. Dishes include chelo khoresh (rice topped with vegetables and meat in a nut sauce), polo chele (pilau rice), polo sabzi (pilau rice cooked with fresh herbs), polo chirin (sweet-sour saffron-coloured rice with raisins, almonds and orange), adas polo (rice, lentils and meat), morgh polo (chicken and pilau rice), chelo kababs (rice with skewered meats cooked over charcoal), kofte (minced meat formed into meatballs), kofte gusht (meatloaf), abgusht (thick stew), khoreshe badinjan (mutton and aubergine stew), mast-o-khier (cold yoghurt-based soup flavoured with mint, chopped cucumber and raisins) and dolmeh (stuffed aubergine, courgettes or peppers). Most Iranian meals are eaten with a spoon and fork, but visitors may choose a Western dish and eat with a knife and fork.
Fruit and vegetable juices are popular, as are sparkling mineral waters. Tea is also popular and drunk in the many tea-houses (ghahve khane). The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden.
Shopping: While the shops offer a wide selection of quality goods, local items can be bought in the many bazaars. Purchases include hand-carved, inlaid woodwork, carpets, rugs, silks, leather goods, mats, tablecloths, gold, silver, glass and ceramics. Bargaining is customary. There are restrictions on which items may be taken out of the country; see Duty-Free section for details. Shopping hours: Generally 0900-1300 and 1500-2000.

Special Events: For a complete list of special events, contact the Iran Touring and Tourism Organisation (ITTO) (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a special event occurring in Iran in 2005:
Mar Chahar Shanbeh Suri, usually the first Wednesday before the Spring Equinox; bonfires are lit in the streets for people to jump through in order to exorcise the old year and bring about the regeneration of the world through the new one; various towns.

Social Conventions: Feelings about certain countries (such as the USA and the UK) run high, so the visitor should avoid contentious subjects. The Westernisation of the Iranian way of life has been arrested since the fall of the Shah, and Koranic law exercises a much more traditional influence over much of the populace. In general, Western influences are now discouraged. Handshaking is customary, but not with members of the opposite sex. It must be remembered that intimate relations between non-Muslim men and Muslim women is illegal, and may incur imprisonment. Visitors should address hosts by their surname or title. Iranians are very hospitable and like to entertain. It is also customary to be offered tea, and guests are expected to accept such offers of hospitality. Because of Islamic customs, dress should be conservative and discreet, especially women’s. This has been especially enforced of late; women should cover their heads when in the public sphere, wear loose-fitted clothing, and ensure that their arms and legs are also concealed. Businesspeople are expected to wear a suit and more formal attire is also needed in smart dining rooms and for important social functions. During Ramadan, smoking, eating and drinking in public are prohibited between sunrise and sunset; however, facilities are always available in major hotels. Tipping: In large hotels, a 10 to 15 per cent service charge is added to the bill. In restaurants (chelokababis) it is usual to leave some small change. Tipping is not expected in tea-houses or small hotels.

Iran Sports & Activities

Iran Sports & Activities

Watersports: Water-skiing facilities are available at the Karadj Dam near Tehran. Hotel swimming pools are open to non-residents and an entrance fee is charged.

Fishing: Many streams are well stocked with trout including the Djaje-Rud, the Karadje and the Lar. The dammed lakes of the Karadje River and the Sefid Rud are also filled with fish. The Caspian Sea is another good choice, with large numbers of bream, mullet, salmon and sturgeon.

Wintersports: The skiing season is from January to March in the Alborz Mountains. Resorts include Abe Ali, 62km (38 miles) east of Tehran; the Noor Slope, 71km (44 miles) from the capital; Shemshak, 59km (37 miles) from Tehran, and Dizine near the town of Gatchsar. Equipment for hire and all the usual winter sports facilities are available.

Other: Horseracing meetings are held at the Park-e-Mellat, Tehran. Polo matches are played at the polo grounds on the Karadj road out of Tehran. Iran Air operate trekking and climbing package holidays, which can be booked at any of their offices throughout the world. Some hotels have tennis courts and instruction is available at the Amjadieh Sports Centre in Tehran. There are several horse riding clubs, particularly in Tehran. There is an 18-hole golf course in Tehran affiliated to the Hilton Hotel on Valiye Asr Avenue.

Iran Climate

Iran Climate

Climate: Dry and hot in summer, harsh in winter. Low annual rainfall. Iran is highly prone to earthquakes and tremors.

Required clothing: Tropical attire is worn from April to October. Mediumweights are advised from November to March.

Iran Accommodations

Iran Accommodations

HOTELS: A number of hotels are available and there is a fair range of accommodation. Student accommodation is available in small hotels. Schools and private houses also offer accommodation. For more information contact the Iran Tourist Company or the Iran Touring and Tourism Organisation (ITTO) (see Contact Addresses section).

CAMPING/CARAVANNING: There are limited camping facilities and off-site camping is discouraged. Registration with the police is required if camping. Visit www.oxfordtravels.com/middleeast/iran/index.html for complete list of Iran Hotels accommodations.

Iran Travel International

Iran Travel International

AIR: Iran’s national airline is Iran Air (IR) (website: www.iranair.com), which operates three/four direct flights per week to Tehran from London (Heathrow). British Mediterranean (a franchise partner of British Airways) operates four services a week from London to Tehran. Other airlines serving Iran include Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

Approximate flight times: From Tehran to London is six hours.

International airports: Tehran (THR) (Mehrabad) is 5km (3 miles) west of the city. Airline buses are available to the city (travel time – 45 minutes) for approximately IR200-500. Taxis are also available to the city centre for approximately IR10,000 (travel time – 30 minutes). Airport facilities include a bank, post office, restaurants and snack bar, duty-free shop, gift shops, tourist information and first aid/vaccination facilities.

Departure tax: IR70,000.

SEA: The main port was Khorramshahr until its destruction during the war with Iraq. It is currently under reconstruction. The ports of Abbas and Bushehr are to be found in the Persian Gulf and Nowshahr and Anzelli on the Caspian Sea. P&O Ferries connects Iranian ports with Persian Gulf States and Karachi.

RAIL: RAJA Trains (part of Iranian Islamic Republic Railways) operates passenger services from Tehran to Isanbul (Turkey) and Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic); from Tabiz to Djolfa (for the CIS) and Van (Turkey); and from Zahedan to Quetta (Pakistan). The Qom-Zahedan Line, when completed, will link Europe with India. Contact RAJA Trains (c/o Iranian Islamic Republic Railways).

ROAD: No reliable international through-road links. There are various routes possible from Turkey and Pakistan, but these are not recommended. Cars can also be put on boats at Venice or Brindisi and picked up at Ezmir. For details of political conditions governing access, contact the Embassy.

Iran Travel Internal

Iran Travel Internal

AIR: Iran Air runs services to Ahwaz, Esfahan, Kish, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz, Tehran and Zahedan and other major cities. Aseman Air also runs services to the major cities. The vast size of Iran makes internal flights the most practical method of transport.

RAIL: RAJA Trains run a fairly comprehensive internal rail network. Major intercity trains operate on five main regional routes: Azarbaijan route (Tehran – Jolfa); Golestan route (Tehran – Gorgan); Hormozgan route (Tehran – Bandar-e-Abbas); Khorasan route (Tehran – Mashhad); and Khozetan route (Tehran – Khorramshahr). There are many areas in the mountains and the desert which can only be reached by rail. There are some air-conditioned trains, and sleeping and dining cars on many trains. For further details, contact RAJA Trains (c/o Iranian Islamic Republic Railways) (see Travel – International section) for details.

ROAD: The road network is extensive, with more than 51,300km (31,800 miles) of paved roads and 490km (304 miles) of motorways, but the quality is unreliable. The two main roads, the A1 and A2, link the Iraqi and Pakistani borders and the Afghan and Turkish borders. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Widespread, cheap and comfortable, although services tend to be erratic. Taxi: Available in all cities. The urban taxis (orange or blue) will carry several passengers at a time and are much cheaper than the private taxis which only carry one person. Unofficial taxis should be avoided; use only legitimate taxis or those ordered through legitimate agencies. Group taxis for up to 10 people are available for intercity travel. Prices are negotiated beforehand and tipping is not necessary. Car hire: Available in most cities and from airports. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended but it is not a legal requirement. Personal insurance is required. All motorists entering Iran must possess a Carnet de Passage en Douane and an International Certificate of Vehicle ownership.

URBAN: Tehran has an extensive bus system, including double-deckers. Tickets are bought in advance at kiosks.

Travel times: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Tehran to other major cities/towns in Iran.

Iran History and Government

Iran History and Government

History: The name Iran is derived from the Aryan tribes who took control of Persia around 1600 BC. In 550 BC Cyrus the Great seized the throne of one of the dominant tribes, the Medes, from which he established an empire covering Babylonia, Syria and Asia Minor and, later on, Thrace, Macedonia and Egypt. Cyrus’ empire was conquered in the latter part of the fourth century BC by the Greek general Alexander the Great, and then overrun by the Parthians in the early third century BC. They in turn were supplanted by Ardashir, founder of the Sassanian empire in the early third century AD. Four hundred years later, in AD 640, Persia was conquered by the Arabs, who established the Islamic religion in the region.
After a brief occupation by the Turks, Persia was taken over by the Mongols and then, in the 1380s, by Timur, better known as Tamerlane, the Mongol leader of an empire centred in modern-day Uzbekistan. Timur also conquered Azerbaijan and parts of Iraq, Syria and Turkey before his death during an invasion of China at the turn of the 15th century. Violent disorder consumed the country for the next 100 years until the first of the Safavid dynasty took control at the beginning of the 16th century. Their rule lasted until the beginning of the 18th century; Ardir Shah, a legendary figure in Iranian history, then ruled for 20 years until deposed in 1747. A new dynasty of rulers, the Qajars, established themselves at the end of the 18th century. By this time, Persian territory, which included parts of modern Georgia, Armenia and Afghanistan, was coming under threat from Russia, then in one of its expansionist periods, and Britain, which sought to consolidate its already substantial position in south Asia.

The two imperial powers occupied Persia during World War I, after which a senior army officer, Colonel Reza Khan, launched a successful military coup and – with the blessing of the British and Russians – took control of the country in 1921. In 1925, Reza Khan was proclaimed Shah, bringing an end to the Qajar Dynasty. Reza Khan himself was forced to abdicate in favour of his son (Reza Pahlavi) in 1941. The British and Russians again took effective control of the country for the duration of World War II, before withdrawing in 1946. It took until the early 1960s for the new Shah to establish effective control over the country, promising prosperity through industrialisation and modernisation. The discovery of large oil deposits provided the financial resources to put this into effect.

The regime developed close relations with the West, especially the USA, which saw Iran as a bulwark against communism and militant Arab nationalism. However, in pursuing this political agenda, the Shah ignored the traditional influence exerted by the Islamic clergy, and this was the ultimate cause of his downfall. The destabilising effects of rapid change on traditional Iranian society, coupled with the Shah’s intolerance of opposition, produced increasing political tension in the country. By the late 1970s the growing discontent had found a focus in the fundamentalist preachings of the exiled religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini. Faced with massive opposition from both Islamic fundamentalists and secular liberals, as well as uncertainty within the ranks of the previously loyal army, by January 1979 the Shah’s position was untenable and he fled the country.

Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran in triumph, and in doing so he effectively ensured that the Islamic clergy would prevail over secular elements in establishing the new order in Iran. Over the next two years, secular opponents of the Shah were steadily displaced as the Islamic clergy asserted total political control. The global resurgence of Islam since then owes much to the Iranian revolution: Muslims throughout Asia and North Africa were inspired by the example of Iran and most countries with a significant Muslim population have experienced some political turbulence, in many cases affecting significant change as a result. The reaction in the West was almost uniformly hostile, and focused on the occupation of the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 as a cause célèbre.

By September 1980, the new government in Tehran had a far more serious situation to deal with when Iraq, which was looking to exploit post-revolutionary instabilities to pursue territorial and other claims against its ancient foe, launched a full-scale invasion. The eight years of fighting which followed, often resembling the worst excesses of the trench warfare of World War I, came to a close in August 1988, with next to nothing gained by either side and with the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives on both. While Iran turned inwards after the war, its former adversary decided to take on the rest of the world in the ill-fated invasion of Kuwait. Iran was largely a spectator to the conflict, although it did gain diplomatically from Iraq’s subsequent defeat. It also gained another surge of refugees fleeing Saddam’s post-war vengeance.

Added to the existing Afghan, Kurdish and Iraqi refugees, this left Iran host to one of the world’s single largest population of refugees. On the domestic front, the late 1980s saw the rise to power of the Majlis (parliament) speaker, Hojat-al-Islam Ali Akbar Hasemi Rafsanjani. While Khomeini was alive, effective political power was concentrated in his hands. Upon his death in 1989, it was divided between two key posts: the ‘supreme religious leader’ and the elected president of the republic. Conflicts between these two centres of power have dominated Iranian politics ever since Khomeini’s death. In 1989, Rafsanjani assumed the presidency while a close ally of Khomeini’s, Ayatollah Khamene’i, replaced his former mentor.

Rafsanjani was re-elected in 1993 against nominal opposition. When Rafsanjani finally stood down in 1997, a number of candidates (approved by the Council of Guardians, the religious body headed by Khamene’i) were authorised. Among these, and unknown at the time, was Sayed Muhammad Khatami, who by virtue of exhaustive campaigning and an appeal to the liberal parts of Iranian society, won a substantial majority. Khatami pledged, and has tried to put into effect, reforms easing the more severe aspects of Islamic doctrine, particularly as it has affected social mores, the media and aspects of economic development. His arguments rest on the clear failings of the immediate post-Khomeini era. He also enjoys the overwhelming support of the population. Standing for a second term in June 2001, he secured 78 per cent of the popular vote. But he has repeatedly come into conflict with the conservative clergy and their supporters in key parts of the state bureaucracy, especially the police, security services and the judiciary. The conservatives can also broadly rely on the Council of Guardians, which Khatami can do little to challenge directly, to block reforms. Crackdowns on prominent reformers and the media are a regular occurrence. Abroad, the conservatives are deeply suspicious of his efforts to improve links with the West. These have had some success, notably in Europe where all the major states, now including the UK, have re-established full diplomatic and trade links with Tehran. The US, however, has set itself in firm opposition to Iran, denouncing it in 2002 as part of a so-called ‘axis of evil’: short of a complete change of regime, it seems that there is nothing the Iranians can do to mollify the enmity of the US. In particular, the Americans are highly suspicious of Iranian influence over the new government in Afghanistan, with which Iran enjoys historical and ethnic links.

Government: Legislative power is vested in the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis), with 270 members. The chief executive is the President, elected (as is the Assembly) by universal adult suffrage for a four-year term. A 12-member Council of Guardians, led by the country’s supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Khamene’i, officially ensures that legislation is in accordance with the constitution and Islamic precepts but, in reality, enjoys extensive powers and influence over all aspects of policy. Iran is divided into 26 provinces; each has an appointed governor.

Iran Health Tips

Iran Health Tips

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from infected areas.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Iran. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for further information.

3: Immunisation against typhoid is advised.

4: Limited malaria risk exists from March to November in rural areas of the provinces of Sistan-Baluchestan, Hormozgan and Kerman (tropical part); in some areas north of the Zagros mountains and in western and southwestern regions during the summer months. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported in the malignant falciparum strain. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine in the vivax risk areas; chloroquine plus proguanil in the falciparum risk areas.

Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Pasteurised milk is available; unpasteurised milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in southwestern Iran. Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Diarrhoeal diseases such as dysentery, giardiasis and typhoid fever are common. Tick-borne relapsing fever, cutaneaous leishmaniasis and hepatitis A and B occur. Trachoma is reported to be common.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Health facilities are limited in remote areas. Medical insurance is essential.

Public Holidays in Iran 2007

Public Holidays in Iran 2007
DATE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

January 20, 2007 Islamic New Year
January 30, 2007 Ashoura
February 11, 2007 Victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution
March 20, 2007 Oil Nationalisation Day
March 21, 2007 Nowrooz (Iranian New Year)
March 31, 2007 Prophet's Birthday and Imam Sadeq
April 01, 2007 Islamic Republic Day
April 02, 2007 Sizdah-Bedar (Public Outing Day to end Nowrooz)
June 04, 2007 Death of Imam Khomeini
June 05, 2007 Anniversary of Uprising Against the Shah

Iran Duty Free

Iran Duty Free

Duty Free: The following goods may be imported into Iran without incurring customs

duty:A reasonable quantity of cigarettes; reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use; gifts on which the import duty/tax does not exceed US$80.
Prohibited items: Alcoholic beverages; all horticultural and agricultural goods including seeds and soil; living (or collection); bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes or viruses; old books or magazines; live birds, animals and their products.

Penalties for being in possession of narcotics are very severe.

Iran Location Map

Iran Currency

Iran Money

Currency: Iranian Rial (IR) = 100 dinars. Notes are in denominations of IR10,000, 5000, 2000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of IR250, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Currency exchange: It is advisable to bring hard currency for exchange purposes.

Credit & debit cards: MasterCard is accepted in some places, but credit cards should not be relied on as the sole means of payment. Be aware that if the card was issued in the USA, it may not be usable due to the US trade embargo.

Travellers cheques: It is not possible to change travellers cheques.

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to IR500,000. Any amount larger than this requires authorisation from the Central Bank. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival (there is a special form). The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. There are no ATMs.

Exchange rate indicators: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Iranian Rial against Sterling and the US
Dollar:

Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00= 15280.1 16062.5 16653.2 14919.1
$1.00= 8555.00 8718.50 8794.00 7900.00

Banking hours: Sat-Wed 0800-1600; some branches are open 0800-2000. Most banks are closed Thurs-Fri.

Iran Visa Information

Iran Visa Information

IMPORTANT NOTICE : Please Note that these regulations are changed on a regular basis by the different governments, Southtravels.com can not be liable for any information that could have been changed since we checked it. It is the responsibility of each passenger to check the different conditions of entry to the desired country .

Getting Tourist Visa to Iran has a simple procedure. Approved Iranian travel agents can apply and get visa for all foreign nationals (except Israeli passport holders)

At present the Iranian Foreign Ministry does not allow American passport holders to travel to Iran independently. Americans are required to travel on escorted tours; either as part of a tour group, or a tailor made individual tour. An exact itinerary, to which you must adhere, is compulsory.

In order to apply and get your visa you must contact to an approved Iranian travel agent . After receiving your personal data , they apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your visa will then be authorized by the MFA and faxed to the Iranian Consulate near you. Your travel agent give you a visa authorization number with which you can refer to the consulate to get your visa. The visa authorization number, however, is valid only in the consulate you have asked them your visa to be issued in. The number they give you is just an "authorization". This reference number means that your visa has been authorized and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but it is not the visa itself.

After your travel agent announce you the visa authorization number you should first get a visa application form from the consulate and follow the requirements of the application form (you may either personally go to the consulate to get the application forms or - if the service available - download it from the web site of the Iranian embassy in your country). Then you should refer to the consulate to lodge your passports and application forms with the visa number they gave you (it can be either a physical presence or by post). Then it might take from one to five days for the consulate to issue your visa.

Normally, all tourist visas issued by Iranian consulates have a "3-month" validity. The visa allows you to stay in Iran for up to 30 days, although the duration of your visa is at the discretion of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
If you have any question please contact us: visa@irantour.org

Types of visa : Entry, Transit, Business, Tourist and Journalist. Fee varies according to nationality of applicant, type of' visa and the existing regulation between countries. Visa Fee (Washington)

Note: A visa cannot be issued for passports which have a validity of less than 6 months. Exit permits required by all (often included with visa).

Transit visa : maximum of 10 days. Application to: Embassy or Consulate.

Tourist Visa:

Visa: Required
Requirements:
passport, 1 application form, 4 passport - sized photos, special authorization in the form of a reference number issued by the Foreign Ministry in Tehran

Iran General Information

Iran General Information

Area: 1,648,043 sq km (636,313 sq miles).
Population: 66,479,838 (official estimate 2003).

Population Density: 40.3 per sq km.

Capital: Tehran. Population: 7,038,000 (UN estimate, including suburbs, 2001).

GEOGRAPHY: Iran is located in the Middle East, bordered to the north by Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea, the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan, the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and the west by Iraq and Turkey. The centre and east of the country are largely barren undulating desert, punctured by qanats (irrigation canals) and green oases, but there are mountainous regions in the west along the Turkish and Iraqi borders and in the north where the Elburz Mountains rise steeply from a fertile belt around the Caspian Sea.

Government: Islamic Republic since 1979. Head of State: Supreme Leader (Rahbar-e Moazam) Seyyed Ali Khameni since 1989. Head of Government: President Mohammad Khatami since 2001.

Language: Persian (Farsi) is the most widely spoken language. Arabic is spoken in Khuzestan in the southwest, and Turkish in the northwest around Tabriz. English, French and (to a lesser extent) German are spoken by many businesspeople and officials.

Religion: Predominantly Islamic; mostly Shi’ite, with a minority of Sunnis. The 1976 census recorded 300,000 Christians, 80,000 Jews and 30,000 Zoroastrians.

Time: GMT + 3.5 (GMT + 4.5 from 20 March to 21 September).

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the round two-pin type.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD service available. Country code: 98. Outgoing international code: 00. Telephone booths are yellow.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Main network operators include MTCE (website: www.mtce.ir), TCI and TKC (website: www.tkckish.com).

Fax/telegram: Facilities are available at main post offices. There are three charge bands. There are also fax facilities at the major hotels.

Internet: ISPs include Pishgaman Kavir Yazd and Tehran Web (website: www.mz3.com). There are Internet cafes in Tehran and other cities.

Post: Airmail to Western Europe can take at least two weeks. There are 10 main post offices in Tehran. Post boxes are yellow. Stamps can be bought at some cigarette kiosks. Post office hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0730-1500, but some main post offices stay open until 2100.

Press: The main English-language papers are the Iran News, Kayhan International and Tehran Times.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

Iran Overview

Overview

Travel warning
All travel to the border areas with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq is strongly advised against. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps by armed gangs in southeast Iran. All overland travel to Pakistan is highly inadvisable. Since 2002, there have been several violent attacks on, and violent demonstrations outside, British Embassy compounds in Tehran, and the possibility of further incidents cannot be dismissed. Demonstrations and similar large gatherings in public places should be especially avoided.
Iran is located in the Middle East, bounded by Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, Iraq and Turkey. The centre and east of the country is largely barren desert with mountainous regions in the west. Tehran, the capital, is essentially a modern city, but the best of the old has been preserved. The Shahid Motahari Mosque has eight minarets, from which the city can be viewed. The Bazaar is one of the world's largest. More traditional towns, such as Rey, Varamin, Qazvin and Shemshak are within easy reach of Tehran. The town of Tabriz is known for its restored blue mosque built in 1465. The covered Qaisariyeh Bazaar dates back to the 15th century. The Golden Triangle is the name popularly given to the region enclosed by the ancient cities of Hamadan, Kermanshahan and Khorrambabad. For many centuries the Silk Road passed through the pleasant rolling countryside of the region. Local dishes include chelo khoresh (rice topped with vegetables and meat in a nut sauce) and morgh polo (chicken and pilau rice).