Today's Persia is the modern-day country of IRAN. It is located in the Middle East and is bordered by Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It has a population of over 80 million people and is the second-largest nation in the Middle East. IRAN is a major regional power and has a rich cultural history that dates back to ancient times. It is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations and is known for its diverse ethnic and religious makeup.