Iran (the country) is divided for administration into 31 provinces, known in Persian as ostān (plural ostānhā). Each province is centered on a principal city that functions as its capital or administrative center, called the markaz. Provinces are the primary tier of subnational government and serve as the main units for policy implementation, budgeting and coordination of state services.
Administrative structure
Provincial administration is headed by a governor-general (often referred to by the Persian title ostāndār) appointed by the central government. Elected local councils operate at provincial, county and city levels and provide a measure of local representation. Provinces are represented in the national parliament and play a role in allocating resources and planning development.
Subdivisions and settlement types
- County (shahrestān) – the next level below a province.
- District (bakhsh) – subdivisions of counties.
- Rural district (dehestān) – groups of villages.
- City (shahr) – urban settlements that may serve as administrative centers.
These layers organise civil registration, education, health and infrastructure delivery across both urban and rural areas.
History and change
The provincial map has evolved over the 20th and 21st centuries as population growth, urbanization and political decisions led to boundary adjustments and the creation of new provinces. For example, provinces have been split or reconfigured to improve local governance; recent decades saw the total number of provinces grow to the present 31.
Regional diversity and significance
Provinces vary widely in size, population, language and culture. Some are predominantly Persian-speaking and centred on large metropolitan areas, while others reflect Kurdish, Azeri, Baluchi, Arab and other local identities. This diversity affects local administration, economic priorities and development challenges. For more detailed listings and maps of each province, see the general overview of provinces and information on provincial capitals (capitals).