Time Zone |
Asia/Tehran |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3.5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+4.5 |
Time Zone |
Europe/Guernsey |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+0 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+1 |
Tehran is the capital and largest city of the Islamic Republic of Iran, located in the northern part of the country in the southern foothills of the Elburz Mountains at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. As a political, economic and cultural center, Tehran has a population of more than 8 million and is one of the major metropolitan areas in the Middle East.
Tehran became the capital of Persia at the end of the 18th century and retains a wealth of historical monuments such as the Gulestan Palace and the Freedom Memorial Tower. The city blends traditional Persian culture with modern developments, with museums, bazaars (traditional markets) and mosques showcasing its diverse face.
The city is Iran's industrial, financial and transportation hub, known for its petrochemical and textile industries. Tehran's metro system is one of the busiest in the Middle East, but traffic congestion and air pollution remain challenges. Residents are mostly native speakers of Persian, and Islamic customs deeply influence daily life.
The surrounding Elburz Mountains offer skiing and hiking resources, and Damavand Peak is the highest volcano in Asia. Tourists often visit the Museum of Treasures and the Palace of Saad Abad to experience the glorious history of the Persian Empire.
The islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayenhem are not independent countries, but are Arctic archipelagic administrations under Norwegian jurisdiction. Located between latitudes 74° and 81° N, Svalbard, with its capital city of Longyearbyen, has a unique international treaty status - the 1920 Treaty of Svalbard grants equal commercial rights to the citizens of the signatory countries, but Norway maintains sovereignty. With 60% of the archipelago covered by glaciers, the archipelago is a major global Arctic research center, with a Chinese Yellow River Station. The population is about 2,700, and polar bears outnumber the residents, who are required to carry weapons for protection.
Jan Mayen is a volcanic island between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard, with an area of 377 square kilometers and no permanent population. The island's volcano, Berenberg, is active, and the Norwegian military operates a weather station and navigation facility there. Together with Svalbard, the island forms Norway's strategic Arctic pivot, and has both scientific and military value.
Svalbard is known as the "Kingdom of Arctic Wildlife", with polar foxes, reindeer and walruses to be spotted during the summer polar days. The city of Longyearbyen prohibits death and procreation (critical cases must leave the island), and has a "Doomsday Seed Bank" to preserve the genes of global crops. Visitors can experience dog sledding and aurora observation, but must adhere to strict environmental regulations.