1. Robert Ellis, Thomas Aker
Iran
Robert Ellis, Thomas Aker

2. History Originally called Persia
First ruled by Elamite kingdoms in 4th millennium BCE
The kingdoms were unified in 7th century BCE
Achaemenid Empire ruled by Cyrus the Great
Stretched from eastern Europe to Indus valley
Fell to Alexander the Great in 4th century BCE

3. History Continued
Alexander the Great divided the country into Hellenistic states
Rebellion in Parthian empire caused the Sasanian Empire to be born
Ruled for 4 centuries ( AD)
The Sasanian empire fell to Arab muslims in 7th century CE
This led to the influx of the Islamic religion throughout Persia
It became an Islamic republic in 1979 when the monarchy was overthrown and religious clerics assumed political power under supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini

4. Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th century)
A period of cultural, economical, and scientific bloom throughout Iran
Started with the creation of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad
Scholars from all over would translate all of the world’s knowledge into Arabic
Prominent centers of learning were The school of Nisibis and the School of Edessa, the pagan University of Harran and the renowned hospital and medical academy of Jundishapur
The use of paper spread from China which led to mass copying of manuscripts

5. Religion Zoroastrianism was prominent during Persia
Current day Iran is Muslim- Shīʿite and Sunnī
Small communities of Christianity, Jews, and Zoroastrianism
Muslims believe in the god Allah (monotheistic)
Muhammad (570 CE) was the main prophet who led Muslims to live their lives in a way that was pleasing to Allah
Religious book- Koran

6. 5 Pillars of Islam

7. Shīʿism vs Sunni 7.2 billion Muslims in world (80% Sunni, 20% Shīʿite)
The religion split into two parts when Muhammad died
Sunni emphasizes god’s power in the world
Shīʿite emphasizes martyrdom and sacrifice
Shīʿism vs Sunni

8. Political Structure Theocratic Republic Supreme leader
Highest ranking political and religious authority
Current supreme leader is Ali Khamenei
President
Hassan Rouhani
Speaker of Parliament
Ali Larijani
Chief Justice
Ebrahim Raisi
Assembly of Experts
Consists of elected officials
Guardian Council
Has approval and disapproval power over candidates for the presidency, assembly of experts, and parliament.
Parliament
Consists of 290 elected officials

10. Economic Structure Three parts to Iran’s Economy State
Consists of major industries such as foreign trade, major minerals, banking, etc.
Cooperative
Includes production, distribution, etc.
Private
Agriculture, industry, trade, etc.

11. Ranked 40th
GDP

12. Economic Development
The unemployment rate remains high, at 12.1 percent as of Apr-Jun 2018, while it represents a moderate improvement compared to the same period of the previous year (12.6 percent).
Male and female unemployment rates of 10.2 and 19.7 percent respectively, suggest continued gender gaps in the labor market.

13. Culture
Iran has a rich art heritage shown in their literature, architecture, paintings, and poetry
Current literature was influenced by Persian poetry
Iran has a history of fine silk and wool rugs
Iran produces more rugs than all other countries combined

14. Current day Iran 82 million population Religion is 99% muslim
Iran and US have not had diplomatic relations since 1980
The capital of Iran is Tehran which has some of the worst air pollution inn the world (27 people die per day)
Current day Iran

15. References
Harney, J. (2017, December 21). How Do Sunni and Shia Islam Differ? Retrieved from islam-differ.html
United Religions Initiative. (n.d.). Islam: Basic Beliefs. Retrieved from religions/muslim-beliefs
Avery, P. W., Afary, J., & Mostofi, K. (2019, April 03). Iran. Retrieved from
Central Intelligence Agency. (2018, February 01). The World Factbook: Iran. Retrieved from
Bruno, G. (2008, June 19). Religion and Politics in Iran. Retrieved from
Trading Economics. (n.d.). Iran- Economic Indicators. Retrieved from