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Tehran

Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, as well as the capital of Tehran Province.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, as well as the capital of Tehran Province. It is Iran’s main political and economic centre and one of the most populous cities in West Asia.

Geography

Tehran is located in north-central Iran on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains. Sources describe it as lying at roughly 900 to 1,800 metres above sea level, with nearby mountain terrain shaping its climate and urban expansion.

Government and administration

As Iran’s capital, Tehran is the seat of the national government and major state institutions. It also serves as the capital of Tehran Province and the administrative center of Tehran County and its Central District.

Population and metropolitan area

Tehran is Iran’s most populous city, with roughly 9 million residents in the city proper. Its metropolitan area is substantially larger, at about 16.8 million, making it one of the world’s largest urban regions.

History

Tehran became the capital of Iran in 1796 under Āghā Moḥammad Khān Qajar. Since then, it has grown from a smaller settlement into a major metropolis and the country’s principal political and economic centre.

Key facts

  • Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran.
  • It is the most populous city in Iran and West Asia.
  • The city population is around 9 million; the metro area has about 16.8 million.
  • Tehran lies in north-central Iran at the foot of the Alborz Mountains.
  • It has been the capital of Iran since 1796 under Āghā Moḥammad Khān.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tehran?
Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, and the capital of Tehran Province.
Where is Tehran located?
Tehran is in north-central Iran at the foot of the Alborz Mountains.
How many people live in Tehran?
The city has around 9 million residents, and the metropolitan area has about 16.8 million.
Is Tehran the biggest city in Iran?
Yes. Tehran is described as the most populous city in Iran and West Asia.
When did Tehran become Iran’s capital?
Tehran became the capital in 1796 under Āghā Moḥammad Khān Qajar.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehran
    Supports: Capital and largest city of Iran; provincial capital; population figures; administrative roles.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Tehran
    Supports: Location in north-central Iran; capital status; historical capital since late 18th century; urban region and population context.
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Tehran
    Supports: Alternate spelling; capital of Iran; location on southern slopes of the Elburz/Alborz Mountains.
  4. LetsGoIran — https://www.letsgoiran.com/interesting-facts-about-iran/interesting-facts-about-tehran
    Supports: Location south of the Caspian Sea and Alborz mountain range; political and economic centre.
  5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran — https://geneva.mfa.gov.ir/portal/product/4817/329/tehran
    Supports: Elevation range; population figure; provincial and capital status.
  6. Kiddle — https://kids.kiddle.co/Tehran
    Supports: Population and metro-area figures; status as capital and largest city.
  7. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Tehran/277286
    Supports: Location south of the Caspian Sea; foot of the Elburz Mountains; population context.
  8. SimCorner — https://simcorner.com/blogs/travel-guides/capital-of-iran
    Supports: Capital since 1796; political, cultural, and economic center.