Covering an area of around 107,044 sq.km (5.6% of Iran’s area), and a population of 5.12 million, the province of Isfahan is located in the center of Iran. Connecting North to South and East to West, Isfahan is considered as the most strategic state of the country, since it is the junction of roads and railroads of Iran between the warm water of Persian Gulf, CIS countries and Eastern Europe, which is also in the corridor of international flights that is considered as one of the advantages of Isfahan.
The primary core of Isfahan was formed in 6th century BC (pre Islamic period). The name of "Isfahan" is an integral and indivisible part of Iran throughout the world. In the course of history, Isfahan has been the center of civilization, culture, and economy of Iran and it keeps abreast of the oldest civilizations in the world which dates back to 5500 BC- 6000 BC.
Enjoying its unique geography and the blessings of nature, Isfahan has also been one of the greatest economic centers of Iran, for which the proof is the hosting of "Silk Road".
Isfahan city started its developing trend since it was adopted as the capital during the Seljuk dynasty. It was so progressed and expanded during the time of the Safavids that soon turned into one of the most important cities of that time, having a population of over 400,000. Isfahan has always been called “Nesf-e-Jahan” (Half of the world). Throughout the history, religious minorities as Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians have been living in Isfahan city, which is regarded as the sign of peace and tranquility of the city.
There are more than 2000 historical monuments, of which only 400 are visited by the tourists. Isfahan province is the top state of the country considering the number of tourist sites. The
Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan is one of the biggest city squares in the world and an outstanding example of Iranian and Islamic architecture. It has been designated by
UNESCO as a
World Heritage Site. The city also has a wide variety of historic monuments.
Islamic architectural sites were built from 11th to the 19th century while older pre-Islamic monuments date back to 1000 B.C.
Isfahan city is the center of Isfahan province with an area over 250 sqkm in central Iran. It has a population of about 2 million including its suburbs and is considered as one of the metropolitan cities of Iran and the third largest city in the country.
Today, relying on the great capabilities of its people and its abundant God-gifted natural resources as well as its human resources, Isfahan province is looked upon as one of the major centers contributing to the domestic production and macro-economy of the country. Isfahan is producing fine carpets, textiles, steel and handicrafts. It is the capital of knowledge based economy of Iran relying on its active pioneers in the realm of nanotechnology, biotechnology and nuclear technology.
Over 9000 industrial units are located in Isfahan province, ranking the first in Iran. There are also over 800 active mines in the province which is counted as 7.3% of total active mines of the country, ranked 3
rd in this regard.
Isfahan province is exporting 310 different goods, including agricultural products, chemical and industrial goods, minerals and precious metals, to 72 countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, UAE and Oman. Total value of exports has been registered over 3 bn USD last year.
The lion share of total export value of the province belongs to gold products, followed by carpet, iron and Crude steel, steel products, chemical and petrochemical products, carpets. Considering the capabilities of province in production of different articles from gold, silvers and gems, Isfahan ranks the first in exporting these articles.
The value of imports to province was about 5.6 bn. USD last year, which mostly include mechanical machinery, electrical machinery, spare parts, ceramic products, chemical products. Top importing partners of the province are from China, Italy, Germany, South Korea and France.