Iran has ancient roots, and readers are guided through its past and present in this comprehensive guide to Iranian life. Focused chapters present the nation's history, economy, natural environment, government, religious groups, arts, and more. As readers explore the pillars of Persian culture, they also encounter full-color photographs of Iran's landmarks and people. Detailed sidebars, maps, recipes, and fact boxes enhance this learning experience, which includes discussions of current events and objective information about what life is really like in this controversial country. This is an excellent resource for the next generation of global citizens.