Irans cultural and historical significance is unquestionable. The land of celebrated poets such as Rumi and Hafez, as well as the magnificent ruins of Persepolis, it is a place where ancient traditions are revered. With over half of its population under the age of 30, however, Iran also embraces modernity, all the while never losing sight of the various Persian, Turkic, Arab, and Islamic influences that have made the country what it is today. This absorbing volume considers the geographical, cultural, political, and historical elements of this often turbulent, but always fascinating, country.