Contemporary Persia is the modern-day name for the country of IRAN. It is located in the Middle East and is bordered by Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. IRAN is a predominantly Shia Muslim country with a population of over 81 million people. It has a rich cultural history and is home to many ancient monuments, including the ruins of Persepolis. IRAN is also known for its oil and gas reserves, and is an important player in the global energy market.