Iran covers 1,648,195 sq kms in south western Asia. Its strategic position, its vast resources, including petroleum, natural gas and minerals, its population amounting to 60 millions, and its unique cultural life make it a country of high importance. Both history and geography of Iran make it a land of highly popular with visitors. The former gives it numerous spectacular monuments, and the latter make it enjoy a climate full of variety. The northern coastal region with luxuriant forests; southern coasts with forests of tidewater; deserts with their mysterious calmness; impressive lake such as Urmia, Hammun, Parishan, Ne'ur, Sama and Zarivar; and snow-clad mountains of Damavand, Dena, Karkas, Sabalan and Tochal are among the beauties of nature, being of great appeal.