Türkiye, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan

Iran lies in South-West Asia; its area is about 1.65 million km², population about 90 million and capital Tehran. It lies between the Caspian Sea and the Persian and Oman Gulfs, so it links northern and southern routes. Iran is a theocratic republic: the head of state is the Supreme Leader (a religious leader), while the president runs the government. Its relief is mountain ranges (Alborz, Zagros) with dry basins between them; the Caspian coast has a humid climate and forests. Oil and gas reserves are among the largest in the world, and copper and iron are mined. A large share of people live in cities (about 75 %); Persians are the majority, with Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen too; carpet weaving and black caviar are famous. Afghanistan lies where South, Central and West Asia meet and has no ocean access; its area is about 650 thousand km², population about 40 million and capital Kabul. Since 2021 power has been held by the Taliban movement, which most states have not formally recognised. Most of the country is the Hindu Kush mountains, earthquakes are frequent, and coal, copper and iron are little developed. The population grows fast, a quarter live in cities; Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Hazaras and others live there; the economy is a weak agrarian one based on irrigated farming and karakul, with little industry and a need for international aid. Pakistan lies in South Asia with a coast on the Arabian Sea; its area is about 800 thousand km², population about 240 million, one of the five most populous states in the world; its capital is Islamabad and largest city Karachi. It is a parliamentary republic and a federation; there is a disagreement with India over Kashmir. The Indus valley is the heart of farming: wheat, rice, cotton and sugar cane. In industry textiles lead, and fabrics and clothing matter in exports.